Mountain Biking - any ideas for a cheap mountain bike? like $300 or less?

This is for a friend who I am trying to get into riding, and is looking for a cheap entry level MTB. I recommended a Specialized HardRock which runs $330. I bought one of these for my wife on her birthday and she loves it. He's trying to get something cheaper, and I'm trying to keep him out of Wal-Mart. If there's anything else out there, please post it here. Thanks!

Of the bikes in that range that I have ridden, I think I liked the specialized the most. I have also tried the (very briefly) the Trek 4300 and the Giant (I think it was the rincon) in the same class. The Trek had the next step up in front deraileurs, but I don't think the tires were as good. The Giant had the most comfortable geometry, but the overall ride and handling of the specialized seemed slightly superior. I think the big thing is there seems to be a considerable improvement when going from the RST forks the other two had to the Suntour on the hardrock.
The next step down is steel frames for most companies. Below that, Cosco has a full suspension XC bike that looks reasonable for the price, but I haven't heard anything about long term offroad use. A lot of people rate the Motiv frames that Cosco sells along with walmart bikes, while others compare them to lower end brand name bikes.

I'd look at Haro's V3 dude. It's a kick-ass bike for the money.

He could even get a V1 for like $269. The Components aren't what you and me would want.. but the frame is really good.. and it'll get him going.

I'd definitely look @ Haro's full line-up though.

Have you looked into a used bike? I've talked to a few people who got bikes that were used once and returned because they did not like mountain biking. The bike was over 25% cheaper than what they were brand new.