OK, you wanted recommendations.
You absolutely have to own an SKS. In my father's generation the closet rifle for plinking was an M1 Carbine. Today it is the SKS. The ammo is inexpensive, the rifle is fun to shoot virtually no recoil and resonable accuracy at 100 yards.
A russian MN (your choice of flavors) is also way up there as something that has wide popularity.
The Swiss K-31 is very popular and quite accurate.
I personally have a think for Arisaka 99's, but they have really heavy triggers, but you can get an aftermarket trigger.
Good luck.