Especially when on a budget, avoid brand new, bottom of the line anything in favor of a quality, used rifle. Be patient and broad minded in terms of what would fit the bill. But stick with quality way over the cheapest of the cheap stuff.
"There's more to optics than meets the eye."--anon
"...most of us would be better off losing half a pound around the waist than half a pound on our rifle."--dhg
