PMsmith:
If the weight of the rifle is not am issue then any of theisted rifles would do well and allow you to purchase an aftermarket stock. That alone will alleviate the largest glaring issue most entry level priced rifles have....flimsy stocks. The Howa is a great value and if you check Brownells or Buds guns online you could probably find the barreled action with trigger and magazine for a sweet price then order yourself whatever stock you liked and fit your budget. I recently retrofitted a Savage 12FV in 308 and tinkered,bedded etc and it added a few pounds but it is a great shooter that gives me something to grow into.
If the weight of the rifle is not am issue then any of theisted rifles would do well and allow you to purchase an aftermarket stock. That alone will alleviate the largest glaring issue most entry level priced rifles have....flimsy stocks. The Howa is a great value and if you check Brownells or Buds guns online you could probably find the barreled action with trigger and magazine for a sweet price then order yourself whatever stock you liked and fit your budget. I recently retrofitted a Savage 12FV in 308 and tinkered,bedded etc and it added a few pounds but it is a great shooter that gives me something to grow into.