griller if you are looking for a "nice and purty" gun to hunt with occasionaly and want a hot 25 then get a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe in 257 Wby Mag. Its a badass round, and the gun is a beautiful piece for just such occasions like you mentioned with your buds during half-time. Now with this pretty of a gun I suggest sticking with gloss finished scopes so you might want to look at VX III Leupolds and Monarch Nikons. Pricewise you will be pushing the $3k limit of your range.

338 wise, to be honest I likewise would go for a really pretty one in your price range. Dont get in a hurry, look around (every gun shop you get a chance to call and visit and also on line auctions) and find some sort of custom/semi-custom gun of mid cal vintage. A beautifully stocked 338 Win 70 would really be a nice gun. Maybe even something with some engraving. Also look for customized Mausers with European woods and finishes. They can be had all day in that price range you mentioned and typically are in very good shape.

I mention beatiful rifles because of the reason you want them. I also think its a perfectly good waste of money to spend over $1k-$1.5k (rifle only) for a flat finished metal, fugly synthetic stocked gun that will only be used as a tool. You wouldnt bother getting such a gun out of the safe for your buddies to view as they wouldnt know what the hell it was. But a custom/semi-custom rifle with really nice woods, engraving enhancements and unique markings is something that can be appreciated by even non-shooters alike.

Good luck,
RA