Depends on your budget.
I would have said that the Marlin X guns were the best buy in entry level CF rifles, but Marlin has discontinued them. Without having shot one, I'd be interested in the Ruger American Rifle, particularly the Predator style. I'm going to buy a Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor when they become available. FWIW, Davidson's has been advertising Marlin X guns for around $250 wholesale, the least expensive that I've ever seen them.
Weatherby Vanguard 2s can regularly be purchased NIB for $500 and the 4 that I have are all good shooters, with the 6.5 Creedmoor being the most accurate out-of-the-box standard production CF rifle, shooting factory ammo, that I've yet to own.
Although widely criticized, the Colt Light Rifles that I've owned have all been good shooters and have come to me from between $400 and $500.
