Get the .30-06 and you will be glad you did. I had this decision last year, and I picked the 06 over all the other calibers that Ruger offered. I have taken 3 shots at game and I have killed 2 deer and 1 hog. All dropped in a pile.I love this rifle eventhoughit fell in the creek after my canoe flipped. Oh yeah, after a good cleaning, I took it out and at 100 yards it was dead on. The Stevens rifleslook like agreat deal, I have not heard about the trigger yet? Bass Pro has them for $249.