What are you looking to do with it? If you just want something to shoot and go boom, you can't go wrong with a Mosin, cheap to buy, cheap ammo to shoot as well. You can probably be out the door with a gun and 440rnds of ammo at the 1500 for under $250.
But if you want it for more than just knocking down x's at 100yrds, I have always like the Rem 700.
Are you wanting bolt action or semi auto? What are you looking to do with it? I would highley recomend the Savage model10 line of rifles or the Steven's 200 line from Savage if your looking to get into something on a budget.
I have a Springfield M1A. I really like it. The FALs are nice as well. I have been eyeing those LMT ARs in .308. But they are even pricier. Someone had a DPMS on sale, not sure if it is still listed or not.
im defintally getting a bolt action. im just going to buy one used. my price range is anywhere from 500-1200 im just going to buy what i find a good deal on
Have you considered the Kel-Tec RFB? It is chambered 7.62mm but shoots .308 very well. Compact, fully ambidextrous, forward ejecting, bullpup design and made in USA.
If your wanting something in semi-auto. The Ar10 base rifles are real nice, kinda pricy though. If your looking to go the budget route look into .308 Saiga.
I will be listing my savage .308 w/ SSS trigger, and bolt handle for sale after the first of the year. Wife and I are going to start trying for kids and her .308 is one of the toys that we are selling to try and raise some money for the expected expenses.