Re: What rifle would you recommend?
depends on your budget and what you want to do with it, around $300 and under savage mkii (unless your getting one with reallly nice wood, add $150-$250), $300 - $500 cz, ruger , 500 and up kimber, anshutz, 40x.
probably the best bang for the buck is a savage or cz, reasonably priced, accurate, and plenty options / upgrades available. the cz seems to have a bit more accuracy, better finish, and even a trigger that doubles as a target 2 stage (light) and a hunting weight (heavy)
for a decent low price "beaters" marlin.
lots of information here on all of them, with a little looking you should be able to narrow your choices down.