RE: Need a deer rifle around $500 or less
The Remington 700 ADL's are nice, along with the Savage packages, Winchester Packages, and any could be topped with a decent scope out of Cabela's. Also, don't overlook a good handling lever action rifle, such as the Marlin's. They are sweet shooters that can be had in 30-30, .35 Rem., 45/70, or a good stout pistol round such as the .44 mag, .45 Colt, or the hotter ones like the .480. Good luck!