The .30-30 has killed a lot of deer and is fine for "short-range action", however, if you have a choice between it and, something else but want a quick handling short action gun, then I'd recomend the 6mm,7mm-08 or .308. If you don't really need a "brush gun", then maybe consider a nice bolt inthe above mentioned calibers or .270, 25-06, or 30-06., especially if you ever plan on hunting with it where shots over 100 yds will be frequent.

No matter what gun you get and how close you anticipate the shots, you should always think about a scope for it as opposed to "iron sights". Iron sights are great for shooting at tin cans, squirrels, and varmintsand for the occasional day in the woods when you want to feel nostalgic or give yourself a little more challenge, but as a "newbie", generally, the quicker you get used to aquiring a target thru a scope (which is extremely easy at any distance once you get used to it) the better it's going to be in the long run when you chase something else but deer around the local brush pile. good luck