jonathan, I would suggest a Ruger or Marlin bolt action rifle for you. You can shoot .22 shorts or CB caps and they will make very little noise. There are probably some European made guns that would work equally as well, but I am not very familiar with the particular models available.
As for your question about a scope, a good fixed power scope in 4 or 6 power will probably do just fine. And a fixed power will cost less than an adjustable power model.
And not to beat an old horse to death, but please be careful with your new gun. As Vesi said, it is very easy to underestimate the lowly .22. For example, here in the U.S. many thousands of cattle are killed in the slaughterhouses every year by one shot with a .22LR.

Best of luck with whatever you choose.