Another option would be to look at the ageless, classic, 30-30 winchester (either a Marlin 336 or a Winchester 94). The 30-30 hasbeen around for well over 100 years and is still a great deer rifle. But nowadays, people don't look to the 30-30 for a main deer rifle - they just shoot their "ultramagnumthunderboomer" rifle!
If you have thick woods and heavy brush, the 30-30 will shine. But if you are in open terrain in say, Nebraska or South Dakota or eastern Colorado, then the you'd be better suited with a .270 for deer.
Just my opinion folks.... I am a fan of the classic 30-30 rifle. It is lightweight, easily, manuverable, and has such a mild kick that even a 12 year old boy would appreciate it. 100+ years and still going strong... That speaks a lot about a deer rifle!
