No one has even listed any semi-autos.
Though I do love all my older mil-surps. I always get plenty of questions when I take my Garand, M1 Carbine, SVT-40, Ljundmann, and MAS 49 to the range.
So for the best? Hell I don't know. I just want them all. One of each will be a good start. Two of each will be a nice collection.
Wyman
BTW- Best bang for the buck has to go to the Mosin-Nagant right now. Just because of surplus ammo availability. The Hungarian Styer M95 runs a close second, but ammo is difficult, at best, to find.
ETA-I went back and noticed why no one said anything about semis. I guess they don't fit into the specification of "Best Surplus Bolt Action Rifle?". Well call me stupid if you want. I deserve it. But as my excuse it is 4:00 in the morning, and I couldn't sleep well.