If lowest price is a factor, it is hard to beat the marlin model 60 semi-auto. It is a tube fed gun with (I believe) a beech stock. They are around a hundred bucks new and youc an find them used for 50-70 bucks. They can be rediculously accurate.
If your buddy can spend more, Go for the marlin 880 series bolt action. I am also a big fan of the CA 452 series. It is an elegant bilt action that handles great, almost like a full size rifle. Accuracy is excellent and the CZ gas a stock trigger that is sweet! you seldom find such a good trigger on american guns sowadays. The CZ 452 series range from 200-350
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