I'd look carefully at the Savage offerings and the Marlin offerings.

Though I've never hefted either, what i've read about both in the past 2 years has me thinking they are the best bang for the buck.

If you are interested in more how they look then you'd be better off with a few others but then you'd probably get past the 500 bucks anyway.

Used is always an option. You could probably buy ALMOST anything you'd like for $500 or less if you don't mind a few cosmetic flaws from a guns experience and character building years!

Maybe a used Winchester featherweight 30/06 with a decent scope already mounted, sling, maybe a few loads ... could even be a shooter. Just be ready to accept a ding or two, a small rust smudge or two ....