As much as I like spending someone else's money...
You could get a marlin .45-70 and good (any quality glass from leupold, Nikon, any number of makers) glass for $1,000. And it would serve you very well.
There's nothing wrong with spending more. But with your limited range, the marlin would do everything you ever needed.
A little "Nicer" lever option would be the browning BLR as hardcast mentioned.
-Jake