Having felt the cruel pinch of want myself (I think I got that line from Jack OConnor), I understand that sometimes you've got to go cheap. Better that than to go rifle-less. I personally would probably leave a econo-model as-is, but lots of guys with plenty of bucks like to dress them up with new stocks and such and some of them turn out pretty nice. Good, cheap, fun and not much is lost if they end up traded or sold later.
My cheap (under $400) list is short, and based on what I've seen for sale recently:
Howa Ultralight $329 from Whittakers, a good bit more elsewhere.
Marlin X7 $249 from CDNN.
Ruger American All Weather SS .270 $299.99 from Whittakers (amazing for a SS rifle).
