Higg...if you buy a gun like the Ruger 10/22 I think it would be a good buy and make you happy for a long time. I sold mine recently and kick myself often for that. The advice about waiting is good too, as everytime I have purchased quickly I have regretted it. But I still think a Ruger 10/22 or similar is a sound by although you will probably need to go used given your budget. For this advice and a buck...you can get a cup of coffee....lol.