ORIGINAL: North Texan
For rimfire rifles, I'd say Marlin. They will shoot with the high-end rifles for 1/10th the price.
I have yet to see a marlin that will shoot as well as a Kimber or Cooper.
Throw Anschutz rifles into the mix.
Yes, if you are shooting at tin cans then a Ruger or marlin is the most cost effective way to go, but the best??