Just took a friend to cabelas for his first and only hunting rifle and after he tried out several he settled on a Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic in 30-06 with a Leupold VXII 3x9 40mm scope. For a first hunting rifleyou need versatility and friendliness withplenty of power and a good scope. I thought he did a good job putting together his package. You won't have to apologize to anyone for carrying a Weatherby. You'll have plenty for nearlyanything you want to do in the lower 48 with a 30-06. You have already made a sound choice on all counts,don't letanyone change your mind.