What division are you looking at? What rule set? Aafta or world? The suggestions below are for aafta hunter division but could apply to world.
I was asking many of the same questions last month at our aafta field target match. I listened to their advice which was sound. I then said screw it and and spent more so I wouldnt have to or want to upgrade as I was totally hooked after participating in a match. Getting good glass on a less expensive rifle is always better than cheap glass on a good rifle as you can always move the scope to another rifle.
Also I find left side loaders ANNOYING. I used a friends AA S510XS with a magazine. While a nice rifle, the limitations of it was annoying. You have to take off the wheel or fumble with the magazine to get it through it. Especially when changing lanes. I dropped the mag a couple times. Try to get something that you can get a single shot loader for, vs a single shot tray. You'll find it far better. Its not a must have but something to consider. Also many fields will require magazines removed when changing lanes for safety. Thats why the left loading is cumbersome.
The avenge x has shown that its a solid entry level pcp. We had someone shoot one at our match in september and scored a 42/60 with it. Another top shooter at our field got one and has liked it. Its consistent, regulated and a solid rifle. Especially at its price point.
For a bit more, a Daystate revere is a SOLID rifle for ft. Its what many consider a rifle to keep in the family and pass down. Its not as flashy as a wolverine but its solid. I heard of a match with 14 shooters and 12 were revere's.
Do you have a scope for it? If not an Athlon Argos G2 (make sure to get gen 2 athlon scopes as there is a difference) or a hawke sidewinder are good scopes that wont break the bank. I've been told good things about riton scopes also and this was confirmed yesterday talking with a top notch shooter. I've not seen or used one yet. Make sure the focus goes to 10 yards/meters as many wont.
The main thing is to get something that will be reliable and ideally have a shot count to get through a match . Usually a regulated rifle will be more consistent than non regulated. Get your rifle, shoot it and practice and learn your setup. Create a good dope sheet. You will see people who know their setup outperforming those that don't. Its all about having fun. You dont need high end rifles to have fun.
