BigZ is right. With your a budget a Stevens 200 is the answer (about $300). I would go with that gun in 30-06 and a Simmons Aetec 2.8-10 scope ( about $70 on the Natchez site, thats half off) with Burris dual dovetail scope bases and rings (about $50 from Midway USA). I have a Simmons with dual dovetail mounts on my Savage 300WM and it shoots extremely tight groups and holds its zero. Try Remington's managed recoil loads to get used to centerfire rifle recoil and then work your way up to full loads if you desire. My 10 year old shoots my 30-06 with managed recoil loads so you will have no problems. This will be a very versatile package, especially if you decide to reload.