If you like to shoot at the range and want practice time the .308 is probably about the best there is because the ammo is cheap in mil surp. I would take a look around and see if you can find a Winchester M70 out there. You should be able to duck way below that $700 and have the trigger smithed. I just had one done and that trigger is exceptional.

The ruger is a beautiful rifle in stainless and laminate but they run higher and you'll have to put a new trigger in it whick will cost you more. If you really want to spend some dough take a look at the Kimber Montana.

Tom