I would also recommend the Stevens/Savages. I believe the only real difference is that the savages have the "accutrigger" which, considering Savage use to get bad reviews because of their triggers and because a Savage is still cheaper than any of the Big names would make me recommend the Savages above the stevens. .243 would be a good caliber as well as the 308. One lends itself to varmints but is certianly a capable deer cartridge the other is pretty much perfect for deer but may be a little harsh on the pelts of varmints (IF that's a concern) If saving pelts isn't really a concern any of the popular deer cartridges that don't kick alot would make excellent double-duty rifles. .243, 25-06,270, 7mm-08, 308 Now I would consider a 260 remington (a 308 necked down to .264 (or 6.5mm))also, its a real nice cartridge on ballistic papers and the 6.5mm bullets have amazing BCs and SD...but I handload, and assuming you don't a wide selection of available ammo is of serious consideration. I'd give the 270 and 308 the nod for that. Check around your local stores and see what are the most popular calibers around your area are, it'll make selecting a "flexible" cartridge alot easier.