If the fellow you talked to was in Oklahoma I think he is a Chapuis Distributor.

That might cloud his opinion a bit.

A lot of people like Merkel and Searcy also. A number of Italian rifles fit that price range.

For your price point you are limited to New rifles or New, used ones. Most here would tell you that sooner or later you will want to step up to an English or top quality Euro rifle.

Don't limit yourself to just the ones you can afford now.