I second the Marlin XL7/XS7. The synthetic versions lack character, but so does a model 700 SPS. We found one in a full wood stock, and it looked remarkably nice, nothing like a cheap gun. Got it for under $400. Shoots good, lightweight, decent recoil pad makes that '06 feel like a 30/30. Throw a decent scope on it, and you have a good rig for life. Probably the best looking rifle of the workingman's rifles.