I am in much the same boat as you. The difference is that I am after a precision rifle. My best friend the rifleman says that most rifles can shoot within 1.5" at 100 yards but to shoot consistantly .5-.75" at 100 yds you need a good trigger primarily and then good optics, then at least a decent weatherproof stock that won't move with humidity changes. I have found his first to be true as I can definately tell that I am pulling shots because the trigger pull on one of my rifles is too stout. It seems like most military rifle triggers as they come are too heavy for precision shooting (UNDER 1 MOA) to me but they are probably perfectly accurate for fun shooting. I also am hesitant to buy a rifle like the Nagant reguardless of price when there is no cheap ammo made in the US, a lot of people disagree with me but just some thoughts.

If you are new to the rifle game I would think hard about the 17HMR, great precision, low recoil, made in America Marlin for not too much $.

FWIW I have two friends that love their inexpensive rifles 1 has a Stevens (Savage) 200 in .308 and one has an H&R Handi Rifle in .223.