yeah the 10/22 or the 597 are all good. got one of each but many more options for the 10/22. maybe a .17 would be good for ya but not as cheap to shoot
400 bucks.... at least thats what i have been seeing.... maybe just a tad over three if you find a good deal.... act fast CZ just raised their prices... hurry and you can jump on one at the older lower pricing.
+ another on the Glenfield/Marlin 60. They're tube-fed, but my father has one and it's a pretty sweet shooter with a very handsome wood stock.
I inherited a basic Winchester .22 (not sure on the model) from my grandfather and it's not half the gun my dad's Marlin is. (I used to have a problem where the barrel would work loose of the receiver -- I think I finally have that fixed so it seems to be better, but it still isn't as reliable as the Marlin).
10/22's seem to be very popular, so I'd imagine it would be a good one to pickup as well, but I've only shot the Marlin and the Winchester (and an $1800 Savage that a friend of mine owns. Match grade everything = TINY groups...but...$1800? I'll have an AR at that price).
Ruger 10-22's,
Marlin model 60's
Remington 597's
All good weapons.
All of these guys plus Mossburg
all make really good bolt actions, too.
Shoot what YOU like.
Are you looking to scope it or use open sights? I use a 10/22 with a scope to hunt small game. I really don't care for the sights on a 10/22. I prefer the open sights on a Henry 22 or Marlin Model 60. I like the bigger sights with a hooded front if I go with open sights.
I like the Marlin Model 25. Bolt action accuracy, plus, you can shoot cb shorts and not scare every squirrel for 50 acres, you really dont have to worry much about "it likes such and such ammo", will be able to select ammo for the hunt or range. Hope that muddied the water up for ya!