I have a Wincjhester M70 ranger. Cheap stock. With a target scope is shoots around 1". All I did to it was bed the action and float the barrel. It cost $165 at the local Crappy Tire, about 10 years ago.
But I would sugget a Savage. Too may subltle advanatage sto list here, but they are cheap, relaibel and accurate. Also dead easy to change barrels and even calibers with different bolt heads, if you had to change to a 223 or a Magnum.
For pride of ownership (if you only own one rifle) I would buy a M70. For a practical economocal rifle, buy a Savage.