First I'd find out what caliber your state allows for deer hunting and go from there. Some may allow 22-250 I don't know. I agree with Rebel Hog on a 243, and you'll get alot of other advise from other members. If you want to do some plinking I don't think a center fire is the gun, buy a 22 for that. If you wife and daughter have limited experience with guns definatly start them out with a 22. Just my 2 cents