I understand what you mean. A Savage is a good reliable rifle. Anything from Savage(Stevens Model 200 is a Savage 110 but a little cheaper price), Remington, Ruger, Tikka you will be able to get in your price range and will be a good reliable gun. And you will have enough money left over for a good to exelent scope for it. Just stay away from the Remington 710 and 770 model rifles. The Remington 700 are great rifles though.