Personally, I accurized my ML to reach to 300+ yds.
If you want a cheap but good rifle, get a Stevens 200. This is a Savage action and barrel without the Accutrigger in a cheaper stock. If you feel a few extra bucks burning a hole in your pocket after mounting the scope of your choice, either look up how to swap springs to improve the trigger it has or get a Rifle Basix trigger and it will be a prime weapon.
The Savage package guns are a great value but you will likely want a new scope immediately.