My vote is for a savage with Accu-Trigger. You should be able to find a good used one in your price range without a problem. Got my Savage 30-06 from a OSA member last year and I love it.
Stevens M200, a Savage without the accu-trigger and for $295-$300 how can you go wrong? if you don't like the 308 change the barrel in the garage. Yes the stocks are not all that great but the little 223 I bought the girlfriend will print 1" or better all day long. Rifle, scope, ring/base and have $475 in it could go cheaper but well ya know. Later,
I wish people would check facts before posting.Marlin Firearms, now a division of Remington Manufacturing has announced that they are closing the facility in Conn.They have not announced the location of their new plant but there will be a "seemless" transition between their old facility and their new one.In short "NO THEY ARE NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS"