in my opinion for under 500... well WAY UNDER 500 i know its probly not a popular choice but the mossy 100 atr i have mine in an 06 and though it will never win a shooting match it is just fine for anything that is around these [arts

Hit the gun racks and shoulder some used guns. Test for fit and feel and carryability to suit you. Then get what you like best. New or used. And plan to spend minimum of 1/2 the gun cost on mounts and glass. I'd rather have a modest priced shooter with top quality glass, you will not regret it. For me, I like the CZ, good shooters and good lookers for the $. My $.02 10

I shoot a Remington model 700 in .270. It meets your $500-$700 priceline,and it's an accurate gun of high quality. There's a reason the US military snipers use this gun in many instances.

That's the best answer for the best gun, the one that fits YOU the best and feels the best. For me, I like the feel of my Winchester model 70s, then my zastava 798(refuse to associate it with Remington), then my wife's Xbolt. My guns are tack drivers, hands down. I've seen others shoot them decently, but not to the degree of accuracy I can. It obviously is not the best for them, or they just need more practice. Also, don't buy into the hype of what the military uses. They use what is going to be cheapest to aquire and meets their demands, then go thru the thing completely afterwards(referencing the sniper rifles). Some remys shoot good, and some shoot horrible. In the end, if you got something that feels good to you, you're one huge step closer to shooting accurately.

I couldn't agree more with this line of thinking. I fully support considering a used gun, even if the outside looks a bit used. As long as the mechanicals and the bore and chamber are fine, a few outside imperfections mean absolutely nothing to the function of the gun.

The only thing I might change is that I'd probably spend more than 1/2 the cost of the gun on the glass. A great scope makes a very good rifle an excellent rifle.

Get to as many retail gun racks as you can (new and used) and shoulder guns till you can tell the difference quickly. You'll soon find a manufacturer and style that fits you well. And if you're willing to go used, and accept a few imperfections, you might find a real steal.

I grabbed a couple decent guns off used or promo racks that were real gems. One was a Marlin XL7. Scored it for $350, but it was a pre-production gun(ran the serial) that came with a very nice wood stock. Really stands out. Another gem was $430 for a Remington 798 in 375H&H. Laminate stock, another some kind of promo/demo/used thing at the same gun shop. You find those for $800 used often now, and it shoots great. Used guns already have the wear on them, so you won't cry when you take it hunting. It has character, and lets you put money into where it counts. Find one that fits you first and foremost, then find the best deal you can. Spend as much as you can on glass, as this will play a huge role in whether the gun shoots or not. $400 is a good starting price for scopes, with spending up to $600 you will see a difference in clarity, sharpness, and internal strength. Cheap scopes shift under recoil, good ones will not. I have a pair of Simmons scopes that are a testament to what junk is. I have a pair of leupolds that have not required adjustment in 11+ years sitting on magnums. That's a good scope. One that requires sight in every year, that's a cheap one.
Here is what my 375 can do, mind you I did throw a cheap new model redfield on it, and it has held up great(exception to the cheap rule).