Whenever possible, I try to get SS rifles with laminate stock due to Iowa's summer
time humidity. Blued rifles need constant attention to prevent rust.
I have a now old Marlin 17VS which can shoot better than me. The only time I
used it for groups it got 1/4-3/8" @ 75 yards. That model has been replaced with
the XT-17VSL with MSRP of $437.58 but with a little shopping can be had for less
than $400:
https://www.marlinfirearms.com/rimfi...model-xt-17vsl