Well, you started off by telling us why and what purpose you wanted the rifle for. Thats step #1. You say target shooting, and then deer hunting with it. For 3K you could have just about any rifle you wanted, but honestly i would not even consider that, since this will be your first rifle. I'm not saying get something thats cheap and unreliable, but being your first, you dont really need a custom McBros. Rifle either. If your going to be hunting with it you dont really want a 15 pound target rifle, but if your going to be at the range alot you dont want a pencil barrel either. Remington makes a rifle called the LTR (Light Tactical Rifle). Forget that it says tactical, its synthetic, and only 7lbs. Its got a 20" fluted barrel, which would make very light for carrying in the woods, yet, it will "Outshoot" you at the range. You can get it in a .223, .308, or .300saum(Short Action Ultra Mag). I would definately recommend the .308. It will give you all you need for any application. The rifle itself can be had for $779.00 most anywhere you look. as far as a scope goes, you have many many options. Since you say you have some money to spend on this rifle, i would get some descent optics. The gun will only be as good as what you can see. Leupold, Nikon, Weaver, and Burris all make good scopes. You can find any of these scopes for under $400.00 in certain models. With all that being said, you've only spent right at $1200.00. Thats a savings of $1800.00, below what you said you had to spend. I know its alot to read, but anything worth saying, is worth saying right. I realize this is only my opinion, so go out there and look around and touch and feel all the guns you can, before you make your decison. Good Luck!!
