I have to admit I was basically in the same boat as yoy. I asked a lot of questions on this site, and looked at many rifles. For the money you are talking about keep checking the classifieds on this site, I have seen many good rifles from time to time. I went with a custom rifle from Brant Selb, and IMHO, it is the closest replica to the original Hawken I have seen. It is not cheap, but man what a shooter, work of art, and jusy a great rifle. Again this is not cheap, BUT I feel sometimes you get waht you pay for. T/C and Pendersoli, TVM a great rifles to, and shhot great, but it all comes down to what you really want. I settled once before because of funds, but take it from me you will regret it. Save another month or so and get what you really want. Good luck.
Aim small, miss small...