[sputnik1988]

I think I would spend a few extra dollars and get something that will last a lifetime, rather than a cheap rifle "for the hell of it"

For a budget rifle, I have heard many good things about the Marlin XL7 series.

 

[sputnik1988]

Well I meant cheap in the sense of being cheap, but still reliable. An m1a is way out of my price range, my price range is more around $500-$700

You can get many good rifles in that range, as I said the Marlin XL7 is a good rifle, I also like the Ruger M77 rifles and the Remington 700s. There are a ton of others.

Stay away from the Remington 770s, I have some experience with them, they are not very good rifles, very cheaply made.

 

[sputnik1988]

What about one of the Marlin lever actions? I've always wanted a lever action gun, or am I better off sticking to bolt action and semi-auto?

A lever action 30-30 is a great option, but I would consider finding a used Winchester or Marlin, the older rifles are of higher quality than new ones. The 30-30 is not a long range round but it is hard to go wrong with it for a general purpose rifle.

 

[sputnik1988]

I talked to my buddy and he said he's trying to sell his SKS, I don't know how good an SKS is for hunting though in terms of accuracy and range. I'm mainly interested in hunting deer. He said he'd sell me the rifle and a few hounded rounds for around $350

The SKS with the right ammo is a good deer rifle out to 100-150 yards, they are also great range rifles.

Depending on condition, 350 isn't a bad price.