I never get tired of Big Stick.

Any .30 cal from .308 on up will not disappoint from 10 yards to 300. Bullet placement is always key, and if you shop around you shouldn't have any issues finding a good used shooter, plus a scope, for under your $700 limit.

The Savage 110's are Very accurate, considering the price, and a medium priced Bushnell or Leupold VX2 scope will put the rounds where you need them. With these choices you shouldn't have an issue putting a brand new budget rifle/scope package together.

I prefer stainless barrels and synthetic stocks, as I hunt in the rain, a lot. However, your mileage may vary. A few of my FUDD guns wear wood and blue, but those were either early purchases, or left to me. Everything in the past 5 years has either stainless barrels (or a high tech coating resistant to bad weather), synthetic stocks, or both.