[fragout]

If your stuck with a strict budget, then you might not be able to get what u really want. Head off to some local pawn shops and gunstores. Handle a few examples of interest that fits your budget. Now handle a few that exceeds your budget. Buy one out right for whay you have, or put what you really want on layaway? Your the only one that is really gonna know for sure what is most important.
In the mean time you could price the cost of mags, ammo, maint. equitment/supplies, and what you want your rifle to accomplish.

[Glockanista]

For the money, an SKS is a good choice. AK would be another choice in that price range.

[Laufer]

An SKS can now be fitted with a new rear sight which provides a much better sight distance and accuracy. Saw a link to the company days ago.

The SKS might be the best value for a semi-auto rifle larger than .22 caliber, and the ammo is fairly cheap, much more available than last winter/spring.
Saigas in x39, sporterized versions built by Kalashnikov (available in .223, 7.62x39, .308/.410, 20 and 12-gauge "combat shotguns"), cost more, have a ten-round magazine, and are often modified to accept AK mags etc but don't seem that easy to find here.

Do you know somebody who takes one often to a nearby range/club?
Three of them (mostly Norincos) are listed on note cards at the MSSA club house board, near here:
(901) 867-8277.

[Laufer]

An SKS can now be fitted with a new rear sight which provides a much better sight distance and accuracy. Saw a link to the company days ago.

The SKS might be the best value for a semi-auto rifle larger than .22 caliber, and the ammo is fairly cheap, much more available than last winter/spring.
Saigas in x39, sporterized versions built by Kalashnikov (available in .223, 7.62x39, .308/.410, 20 and 12-gauge "combat shotguns"), cost more, have a ten-round magazine, and are often modified to accept AK mags etc but don't seem that easy to find here.