I thought Texans were born with rifles in their hands.
If you're wanting a first full size rifle I suggest getting something milsurp...probably along the lines of an Enfield or, even better, one of the modified Ishapore versions (fires 7.62x51 rather than .303).
It's cheap. You can usually find them at gun shows or pawnshops for around $200.
Bulk ammo is also on the rather cheap side for the .303. 7.62x51 however is a little more expensive, but you can still find decent Portuguese surplus for around 60 cents per round.
Or you could always get a Saiga and convert it to regular AK configuration later. You can buy them in 5.45x39 (my new favorite caliber), .223, .308, or 7.62x39 (my second favorite caliber). These can be had for under $400.
