RE: First Rifle
I will take it one step further, and recommend the .300 Win Mag, over the .300 WSM, due to the .300 Win Mag having a better ability to handle bullet weights over 180 Grs, and availbility of ammo is better for the .300 Win Mag, I don't really care about bolt length, or rifle weight, so I chose the .300 Win Mag. But, if you really want to have a heavy hitter, get the .338 Win Mag, beware, though, as recoil on the .338 is very heavy.