Gryph,

I doubt the "Ideal Sheep Gun", is going to cost less than $1000.00; maybe the cheapest. My ideal sheep gun is a break action Merkel K3 Stutzen 7x64R with a nice Swarovski scope ~ $5000.00

Most likely most $350 RemChester 30-06 with a tasco will do.

But, like you, most of us own at least one premium rifle and it's fun to dream big.