I thought about the stevens but and pretty adamitly anti-plastic.I figured I never need that second shot realy fast on groundhogs so A bolt action is not that important. I thought about a nice savage but I don't think you can get them with wood for cheap. Alsothought about a marlin XL7W but havent seen one in person yet. I figure a handi in laminate thumbhole for around 300 is about the best deal I will get