Caliber selection is the easy part. 7mm-08, light recoil, plenty of energy and accurate. For rifles take a look at the little Winchester rifle. I think its called a compact. No, I don't have it confused with Ruger; The Ruger Compact is too small for most adults. The Model 7 is also a good choice. I'm a big Browning fan but it sounds like you've ruled them out.