Thread: First Rifle

Well I'm going to jump in with my thoughts. Probably get flamed but so what.
From your hunting description I'm going to assume 0-300 meters at deer and goats. To me that means you don't need to go to the big 7mm or 30 cal magnums.
I mostly shoot 243, but after years of my old man going on about his old 7x57 (before he got a 243 for southland shooting deer & range ) I would point new shooters to 7m08.
Would suggest that you don't need to go as large as a 308 unless Pigs are on the menu.
Yes the 7m08 has some issues but that's more a mater of bullet selection for the job at hand.
In the 243 most shooters are well aware of the differance between varmint and game projectiles. Not so much in 7m08 which has lead to some disapointment.

Re Rifle choices. You have plenty. I like the new Savages with the accu-trigger and accu-stock. (Mate has one in 7m08)
Also like the Steyr Prohunter. Son has one in 223.

Things to note. One common issue is the cheaper plastic stocks can move around and contact the barrel in odd places causing accuracy issues.
Given your budget I suspect you will be looking above this grade of stock anyway.
Z