IMO, the "perfect" first deer rifle for most folks is going to be a common bolt action from a good (name) maker with a commonly available mid-range caliber and a decent, average-size scope. Truly, if we take emotion, ego, etc. out of the game, that kind of rifle is the only thing hunters would own.
In used bolt guns I would look for
Remington
Savage
Winchester
Browning
Ruger
There are other makes, of course, but with the above manufacturers you know where you stand. Good deals can be had on makes like Howa, etc, but you have to know what to look for because the small marques turn out the more-than-occasional blooper.
The problem with the military surplus guns like the Mosin (sorry guys) is that they need work in order to be truly appropriate in the field. If you are willing to learn what needs to be done and then either learn how to do it yourself or pay money for a COMPETENT gunsmith to do it for you, this can be a fun project. Thing is, it's always going to be a converted military rifle, and it will always have some bits like a funky scope mount, a weird safety, and an odd-ball cartridge. (I'll get flamed for that, but it's the way I see it.)
Now, I also believe that your cartridge should be a mainstream, middle-of-the-road item. I wouldn't go larger than .30-06, nor smaller than a .25 caliber. Both smaller and larger are, IMO, more specialized cartridges than are needed and/or appropriate for a first deer rifle. Within those brackets, however, is a tremendous selection of cartridges. The '06, .270, and .25-06 will each do wonderfully for a first deer gun, and the .25-06 also does very well as a heavy varmint and coyote gun. There are other cartridges within these guidelines, of course, and many of them are wonderful. Just be sure that they are commonly available. If you don't see boxes of the stuff at Big 5, you may consider moving on.
Lever guns? Neat-O. But limited, in comparison to most bolt guns. Not generally as accurate and not usually chambered for cartridges in the same class as the '06 etc. Scoping is also not as straightforward, in general.
Semi-autos? Sure, with very limited choices. I believe Browning and Remington are both offering hunting semi-autos in appropriate cartridges. Many other military-style semi-autos are available chambered for deer-suitable cartridges (almost always .308) and are technically suitable for hunting, provided you obey whatever laws may apply locally (blocking the magazine capacity being the most common one) but you will likely have to put up with sideways glances and the occasional rude comment: "You hunting deer or ChiComs, kid?" There is also the matter of scoping a military style semi-auto, which is not always simple. BTW, I would avoid anything chambered for the 7.62x39, which includes the AK-47 and the SKS. This cartridge can be suitable for hunting, but only if handloaded.
And finally, scopes. IMO you are best off with a decent 3x9 -- not something blister packed at WalMart, but you don't have to buy Swarovski either. Spend $100 and you'll probably have something decent -- or a good fixed power of 4x or 6x. Don't fall into the modern trap of believing more power is better -- especially if you don't have a grand to spend on it. You will be very, very dissapointed with an inexpensive 4x14 or 6x18.
Bottom line? This is a long post with a short message: Get a common bolt action hunting rifle in a common caliber, scope it with something decent but not extravagant, and then practice practice practice. You will end up with a rifle that will work for you your entire life, and skill that will never depart you.
HTH!
