How about going used?
My first rifle was a used remington 700ADL in 270. IT was super basic, blind magazine, iron sights. I got it with a low end bushnell fixed power scope for 150.00.
I used that gun exclusively for half a dozen elk down (I was living in New Mexico at the time), a few antelope and also a few Audads.
That gun was incredible accurate and the scope never lost its zero. Its not the lightest rifle but It came out before Remington started having so many troubles.
I actually got it off a friend of a friend who had used it for an elk hunt and didnt plan on going again. I got the rifle, scope, sling, a hard case and 16 rounds of 130g silver tips for 150.00.
If you look around long enough you may be able to find a similar deal. Hell, if I was back in New Mexico, Im sure I could find something in my safe that I could letgo for under 500 bucks that would get your friend well on the way.
If it were me, Id be looking at:
-tikka
-weatherby vanguard
-ruger american
-remington 700sps (a few hundered more would get a bdl)
Im not a savage fan, not at all. I dont like them and they dont do anything for me. Ill likely never own one.
