RE: good first hunting rifle
If I definately wanted to stay under $600 right now ..........I'd probably look into a NEF Handi-rifle and get a Nikon Monarch from SWFA while the prices are down !! Would be a nice gun for under $600 !!
I got a .223 NEF for my son and it shoots great !!
If you can spend between $700-$1000 for gun and scope there a lot of choices !!