A "starter rifle" means different things to different people.
Many of us started hunting with our Dad's (at least back in my early years no women hunted - at least none that you knew). In November Dad would haul me out of school for a week to go Deer hunting - that was "normal" (today the school would probably call for some time with a councilor to deal with the trauma he was trying to inflict upon such a young, impressionable child).
Because of that (the taking hunting part, not the trauma
) I was "destined" to continue hunting throughout my life. So for "ME" or someone in my circumstance, it's "worth" spending "more" rather than "less" bucks on a "starter rifle" - I continued to use my (first) rifles and shotguns for 40 years before I decided they should be retired (ok, the glossy ads got to me).
But since I sell guns at work I also see a second type of "starter rifle" crowd. This is often the guy in his 20's that is being introduced to hunting by a few of his buddies that have been hunting for years, mentored by their Dad's. This guy may have grew up in the city with parents that didn't want to scar him from life so he wasn't even allowed a cap gun.
This "new to hunting guy" doesn't know if he will like it or stick with it. He may also not have any inclination as to why a Tikka is a better long term option than a Rem 783 - one is on the shelf for 1K the other, including a scope for 400'ish bucks. And I often hear that conversation between the new hunter and his buddies.
They are trying to steer him to something a little beyond "entry level" (cheap) and he is pushing back that he doesn't want to spend that much money.
And many "opinions" get formed by what the buyer is willing to spend. If they will spend no more than 500 bucks, all in for a rifle and glass they will swear up and down that Rifle X is just as good, just as accurate, just as fast/strong etc as Rifle Y that is obviously a waste of money because it cost's 2 or 3 times as much.
So my opinion for a "starter rifle" is, IF you want to create a hunter/shooter "for life", their "starter gun" should last for life - at least the first one. If they want some "trial rifles" in various calibers as their interest grows, that's when you pick up the "economical choices", knowing you always have your work horse in the stable.
And remember. When going into a gun shop with a specific caliber in mind, don't stop at a public washroom on the way in. Because the guy coming in for a 270 for deer hunting, after doing all his research and knowing it's all he "needs" may just get curious at the urinal and glance over to the next stall. That usually results in them approaching the gun counter and promptly asking the clerk if they can see the available models chambered in 300 Win Mag
