Mosin-Nagant?
 

A guy at work who is well aware of my broke ramen-noodle eating butt, suggested a Mosin-Nagant 91/30, naturally in 7.62 x 54R as a economical idea. He said I could get one and a 'hunters kit' (with bent bolt, and Weaver rail set) for less than $150.00 for the whole deal.

Plus I saw a synthetic MonteCarlo stock for $60.00

How would this do for a short trem cure for my lack of fire power?

Naturally a Leupold will go on top...........................Jon

Not a bad action, will take 48,000 psi and a good round for game up to moose. If you get a good shooter it will make you a nice rifle. Nothing fancy, but it will do the job.

What US (or Euro) round would compare to the 7.62 x 54R , 270 or 308 maybe?

Hey Jon, I think the 7.62x54r is slightly behind the .308 in raw power, but you'd probably need to compare them on paper to tell the difference.

It would be a good option for you, the place i told you of before carries them, and the replacement monte carlo stocks as well. Not sure if they have the bent bolts though.

For a budget NA medium game rifle, it would be hard to beat on a low budget.