If you can find one, look for a Norinco JW-15. they are a BRNO, now known as CZ, knockoff that shoot amazingly well, use the CZ 452 mags. Comes with decent open sights, a good integrated scope rail, somewhat of a squishy trigger.
I picked one up for 70 bucks and it still had the cosmoline on it, it was missing the magazine, but so what, I have an Egyptian replica, or buy a CZ for $28.
If you are only going to buy one to last you a long time, make it a good quality rifle with good quality sights, that means spending some money, if you don't really care and will probably move on, get whatever. Go to a gun store, handle as many as you can, ask friends if you can shoot theirs. I have owned many 22's, gotten rid of most, some really nice, most just plinkers. I found that the European (humpback) style really fit me, would never have tried one had it not been for a friend. You never know, you might fall in love with one you might have never considered.