If it was only going to be a deer rifle then I would highly recommend the 7mm-08, .260, or a .270. However, if I were going to spend a couple thousand dollars on a rifle it would no doubt be a 30-06 or a .280 (unless you have absolutly no reason to think you'll ever want to take anything bigger with it). I would hate to spend that much money on a gun and then decide to go elk hunting and feel like I wanted something a little bigger. While all three cartridges should adequately take elk, I know my uncle and cousin went out west one time and the outfitter had a 30-06 minimum. Good luck choosing the rifle and I hope you enjoy it. I have never shot a Kimber before, but the ones I have handled felt as nice as I could imagine a rifle being. Other than that, I'm a big fan of remingtons and I wouldn't mind having that new extreme weather one they have out (if that's the kind you're looking for). I also know quite a few guys that shoot Ruger m77's and really like them (I do kinda like the controled feed and three part safety).