if the goal is $300 you might want to look for used guns with iron sights. There' s no law that says you need a scope. I bought a used .270, Remington 700 the other day for $295...and it shoots great.

I wouldn' t worry about the barrel being shot out on a deer rifle.....but on a varmint rifle maybe.

There' s also military ' 98 mausers for about $100 that shoot fine and the 8mm mauser is a good cartridge.

Personally I think the best advise I' ve heard is to save your money, borrow a gun a couple years, add a few hundred bucks and then buy a fine gun!