The Browning is a great gun, but will suck up all your money, leaving you all dressed up and no place to go, if money is tight. To get into it, I would initially go the Encore, which is a fine gun. Put the 1x on it, which will be a far cry from open sights regardless.The gun cleaning supplies, powder, etc. will run you close to 100.00 anyway. You will have a gun appropriate for all seasons, and almost anything in North America, and you will learn to value that first shot. for your next birthday, xmas, anniversary, etc. let the wife get you the barrel of choice to go with it, and you can scope it out as you please.