I am guessing you mean semi-auto. I have noticed Wal-Mart has the Ruger mini-14 or whatever version it is, for around $600.00
It is not the most accurate rifle around but is accurate enough plus it is reliable. Get several high capacity mags of good quality and then buy name brand ammo whenever you can find it at a good price.
Excellent suggestion, I picked up a Ruger 10/22 in polymer on sale for less than $100, then got 10,000 rounds and 3 x 30 mags. Lots better training and I save my .223 for the Ruger 556.
Way more fun!