There is nothing under $500 that comes close to the Ruger American and I can buy standard models for under $350 OTD. The Predators are $389 OTD. You won't get a better rifle, but if you just want to spend more money the Savage 10/110 series would be next.
I strongly disagree with you statement. I think that the Marlin X guns are superior to the Ruger Americans in stock and magazine design and equally accurate. The powers that be at Freedom Group cut the legs out from under the Marlin X guns, otherwise they would probably be the entry-level market niche leader today.
