I've been lookin at getting a new gun for awhile now, but realized that I have no idea what im looking at. I'm looking for something fun to shoot but cheap on ammo, and not high in price. Not for hunting, just for fun. I stopped at the local gunshop, gundealersonline, and i found a ruger mini 14 done up tactical for what seems to be a reasonable price. $590, but I read some reviews and found mixed results. This wouldnt be shot more than once a month, and only at targets for fun. I have till febuary till I can get a pistol, so while its not out of the question... its not in the picture yet.

Any suggestions on brands or models to look at?

I've shot a decent amount of other guns, .45s, 9mm, .22, .3030, 30-06, numerous shotguns, AR-15, but never bought my own other than my mossburgh. I know the companies but have no idea on the qualities of each.