Honestly you cant go wrong with a Ruger 10 22, or really any rifle in .22LR. They are the most fun to shoot and you can practice all the skills that you need for any rifle that you shoot in the future. Not to mention that you get to put 500 rounds down range for $20. If you are getting into shooting for the enjoyment of shooting this is the way to go.

A safety course is a good idea, but at a bare minimum go with someone who knows how and where to shoot safely and research shooting safety before you go out. Also if you go to public lands to shoot, do not leave any trash behind though others will seem to think it is alright. It is the main reason that the ranges we are using for free are getting shut down. Pack it all out with you and try to shoot paper or bio-degradable targets all the time.

http://www.gunsafetynow.com/

Other than that have fun!