Stevens 300
The Stevens 300 is not a bad entry level rifle. However, for a few dollars more, you can buy the Savage Mark II with the Accu-trigger. Believe me, it is worth the extra money.
The trigger on the Stevens 300 is not really adjustable, while the Savage Mark II does have some adjustment range. A good trigger system promotes more accurate shooting. The Stevens 300 is very similar to the Savage Mark II, but it has a different (cheaper) trigger system.
You didn't say what you wanted it for.......targets, plinking, gophers, etc. If you are more interested in accuracy for target shooting and gophers, then you might even consider the heavier barreled models.