How about a 1920s Death Ray gun? 
I’d like to chiime in here and recommend not getting an sks. At least one with a magazine. Putting a magazine into an sks can be a fifteen minute proposition. Well, not that long, but it will seem like it. And to me, the stripper clip is not the way to go.
I heard the Mosin’s were extremely good for sniper work, but I haven’t fired one.
best wishes,
hh
You rang? 
Get a Lee-Enfield… you might find the sights on the SMLE a bit hard to get used to, but the No 4 and No 5 rifle’s micrometer sights are excellent, and the .303 has the same ballistic capabilities as the .30-06 and 7.62x54R cartridges.
I’d also check out the Ishapore 2A1- a 1960s Indian version of the SMLE Mk III*, chambered in 7.62x51 NATO (which is a lot easier to get ammo for than .303 British in the US, I’m told). AIM Surplus just imported a load of 2A1s, which seem to generally be in pretty good shape, at least from what I’ve heard.
If you were in Australia, I’d suggest an M96 or M38 Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 Swedish calibre, but for some reason the Swedish Mausers are quite expensive in the US.
Moisin-Nagant M91/30s are cheap and plentiful in the US, but they do kick a bit and they’re quite loud. Still, if you want a cheap, versatile rifle, and can’t find a Lee-Enfield, an M91/30 would be my pick.