I have the CZ M1 American mentioned above. Great price for getting into a CZ mini mauser action. They are definitely a cut above Ruger and Howa if you like nice machine work and metal components. That is not a slight against Ruger or Howa. I have a Howa Mini in 7.62x39, and it would be a very hard decision between the CZ and the Howa. They both have their benefits. The Howa LW barrel profile version is an amazingly light, nice handling rifle, but the trigger isn't adjustable (but still good) and the bottom metal and magazines are polymer. The CZ trigger is very adjustable, and the M1 has bottom metal that accepts a flush 3 round magazine or the normal 5 round magazine
The synthetic stock that you get with the CZ M1 is pretty much on par with the Houge that comes on a Howa and the Ruger stock - meaning that it is functional, but leaves a lot to be desired. My Howa is in a Boyds stock. I did some work on the CZ stock and it is workable, but I have my eyes out for a better option.
I am likely to add a Ruger to the mix at some point too, but it will probably be a predator in a 6 mm or 6.5 mm cartridge. I just haven't been able to warm up to the short barrel ranch version, but I can definitely appreciate its advantage in compactness and weight for someone drawn that way.
It would be very hard to go wrong with one of those brands. A nice little .223 bolt rifle is a must-have, enjoyable and economical to shoot, with lots of commercial ammo option and plentiful components if you reload.