Look for older Remington 74/740/742/7400 rifles. I had one in .308 that shot very well.

George

For the best bang for the buck get a good SKS. They are usually more accurate than the typical AK. The 7.62x39 is fun to shoot and with hunting type bullets is a close range deer and hog killer.
I will admit an AK with a 75 round drum is a hoot to plink with. I have taken 2 deer with my AK-47 [5 round magazine, makes the rifle handle a lot better for hunting] and it knocked them right down.

I'll have to agree, an SKS sounds just right, and it is easy to grab one for around $200, the Yugo's are pretty nice, and I have seen some pretty ones.

I would also like to suggest a look at the Hi-Point 995 carbine, it comes in 9mm or .40 S&W flavors, both of which cheap ammo comes in bulk. I have used my 9mm for years, and it shoots nicely even to the 100 yard mark (minute of fruit with 147 grain) Too bad CA won't let me get another one, I would really like the .40 version. Also easy to find under $200.

79

Get a SKS they are reasonabely priced. Ammo is very cheap for a center fire. They are fun not much recoil.

I'll go with the SKS also. Put a red dot on a side-mount weaver rail and you have a fun and reasonably -accurate 50 yd plinker.

The Saiga rifles are also a good value and fall well within your budget. They come in .223, 7.62 X 39, .308...all cheap to feed.

You can buy a brand new Remington 7400 in .243/.308/.30-06 here for 399 at Academy. Not sure if that's what you're looking for but it will do far better than 2" @ 50.

I've seen the Winchester 24" octagon barrelled version selling for $399 at Gander Mountain, they had them in 30-30 and I think 45 Colt. Not sure if they make that model in 357 or 44 but should be a fine close range rifle if they do.