Bolt action .22lr on a budget?

[u/NoRepublic1224]

I'm a (nearly) broke university student, but I would like to start shooting more frequently and seriously. I'm looking for a bolt action .22lr to mount a scope on and spend some good time practicing with. I'd love to pick up a CZ 457, Tikka T1X, Anschutz, Bergara, etc. but that kind of defeats the purpose of a budget rifle. I might as well just buy bucket loads of centerfire ammo and practice with that.

I'm looking for something under $400, bolt action, .22lr, able to mount a scope without drilling and tapping, and at least passably accurate.

I'm not shy of buying used guns either, most of mine were purchased used. I would love to hear stories of your old Cooeys, Lakefields, Winchesters, Mossbergs, CILs, TOZs etc. that perform above expectation.

Or maybe newer rifles like a Savage mkII, Norinco, or one of the miscellaneous Turkish models would be a better option?

I'm interested to hear your advice and experiences!

[u/Iokua_CDN]

My gun, I don't think is wildly available anymore sadly, but it's the Marlin xt22. Bought for $225 bucks over a decade ago, and been shooting it like crazy ever since!