There was a nice remington model 78 in the classifieds for I believe $475 , ditto for a inter arms mauser. Depends on what you mean by budget, I recently sold a couple of stevens 200 rifles though not 30-06 but they were solid rifles. If he wants new call Whittaker guns In Owensboro Ky the Howa is as good as you'll find for under $400.
