RE: If you could buy a new whitetail gun...
I have always coveted a Mannlicher. But I don't know if 2 grand would be enough... especially with the exchange rate right now. But if I had 2 grand to spend on a rifle I would get a new Savage with the Accutrigger...about 500 bucks. Then get a really fantastic scope. Probably a leupold ( I don't have one but their reputation and warranty sure sound good). Then I'd spend about 1-200 bucks on Ammo at the range breaking in the barrel properly and finding out what it liked to shoot the best. And I'd have enough money left to buy the wife a pair or two of shoes so she didn't kick my monkey A@#$ for buying another rifle.
David