If wanting new, I'd throw my opinion behind the Ruger American or the Marlin X7, in that order.

If a used rifle is acceptable you could find a good rifle with good scope for about the same cost as one of these brand new scope-less rifles. If you know what to look for and can see past cosmetic superficial stuff, there are very good deals to be had.

Just make sure you understand the function of the used gun you're looking at and know what elements are important and which superficial things you can live with. A little surface rust or a dinged up stock does not always indicate a poorly cared for rifle. Good, hard, honest use with proper firearm maintenance can result in a rough looking rifle with a great bore and fine shooting functions.

Magazine feeding, bolt function and cartridge feeding and extraction ... full functioning safety... these are the real issues for firearm use. Being pretty isn't necessary but we all seem to like it.

BTW, buying new does not guarantee all the items listed above will be perfect either.