AR's are slowly coming down in price since the panic form two years ago. You can now buy Canadian for around $1600 new & American for around that price as well. Or you could always build? It's cheaper.
As for your original post; something that you can bring to your shoulder quickly and is compact, buy/build an SBR on the AR platform.
Like this:
I have one & it's a true pleasure to shoot. Points very well and is comfortable to shoulder quickly.
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