My advice:
Action TYPE:
Turnbolt (feeds short, longs, long rifles, anything; no problems)
Brand/Model Recommendations:
High Budget: Anschutz, Cooper
Medium Budget: lower Anschutz, Rem 504
Medium-low budget (and best overall value, and my favorites): CZ 452/453/455/513 family - Take a good look at:
--the "452 American 16" ",
--the "45
2 American",
--the "452 Varmint",
--the "45
3 Varmint",
--the "452 Thumbhole Varmint", [Oh geez, why did you have to do this to me, CZ, and add this model? I must have one...]
--the "452 FS", and
--the "513 Basic" (cheapest one, along with the "Scout")
one of those would be my pick for a "just one" .22 rifle on a budget, particularly the American 16" or the FS model - evidently the American 16 is no longer imported (shame), but you could find a used one maybe.... the "452 Lux", the "452 Ultra Lux", and the "452 Special Military Training Rifle" are nice, but have unnecessarily long barrels. The "452 Style", the "452 Silhouette", and the "45
3 American" have too-long barrels, too, IMO, but not
as bad, at around 23". The "452 Scout" is great for a kid, or with a recoil pad added, for adults, too! -- it is cheaper than other 452s and a great deal, but just bear in mind you need to use iron sights or a forward-mounted optic,
if you
don't add a recoil pad to it.
http://cz-usa.com/products/by-category/rifles/
[Query: Why in the heck didn't they just call it the "452 Basic" instead of the "513 Basic" - that's absudly stupid and confusing]
Bottom line, you'd really do well to up your budget just a smidge and spring for a CZ if at all possible - if it's too hard to stretch all the way to a regular or special model 452, then my strong recommendation would be to get the Scout, and put a slip-on recoil pad (or not). Post or PM if you would like to see a pic of my 452 Scout set up for me (adults) - it's a hoot of a handy rifle.
Low budget:
Savage or
Marlin if new; Old Mossberg, Savage, Stevens, Marlin, Glenfield, Winchester, or Remington if used. These will serve you well also. If you buy an old one, it will be made of ALL steel & wood - no plastic on it; and be cheaper - best value going.
Remember,
turnbolts will make you happy. Sure, semis, levers, and pumps will too, but turnbolts have more versatility and less likely to be frustrating (no jamming issues).
