A year and a half ago I picked up a T/C Compass in 308 from Academy Sports to use as a truck gun. They had them on sale and it only cost me $241 including tax out the door. I topped it with a 4x Nikon scope I had laying around and built a handload for it.
Last season was the first time I hunted with it. I fired 4 shots at game.
I really don't know what more you can ask from an inexpensive rifle.
You get out of life what you are willing to accept. If you ain't happy, do something about it!