[Hugin]

There are a number of low priced synthetic stock, bolt action "package guns" from Remington (model 710), Savage, etc. available for around $400 including scope. You can't go wrong with a versatile time tested cartridge like a 30-06, .270 or .308. The .308 has the added advantage of very cheap military surplus ammo so you can parctice a lot. I would probably go with the .308 for that reason.

[ExSoldier]

"The .308 has the added advantage of very cheap military surplus ammo so you can parctice a lot. I would probably go with the .308 for that reason."

The same is true for the venerable .30-06, except that most of the surplus rounds will be of the AP vaiety! Strangely these armor piercing rounds in THIS caliber are not (yet) illegal. So I bought a TON for my Garand waaaay back when.

I'm of the opinion that in the region cited, for price, accuracy, recoil and weight....you just can't go wrong with either a Marlin or a Winchester .30-30 lever action. In addition it makes a fine defense gun for the woods.

Jeff Cooper calls Winchester M94 carbine the CHICAGO SPECIAL because so many folks he trains from that antigun area are not allowed the necessity of a handgun, but a rifle is fine. I'd say there are few attackers who could withstand a 170gr slug travelling at rifle velocity, when struck in the chest. An added benefit is that it is unlikely to go thru a body AND thru a wall.