You can get a lot of rifles for under 500 bucks. Pretty much any Savage is well under 500, and i can get a Stevens here for under 300. I like Remingtons personaly but try them all and get the one that feels good to you. They all make good guns or they wouldn't still be around. Dont be afraid to look at the used rifle rack either. You can find some great deals on used guns if you know what to look for.