Since you will mostly be hunting deer, your first choice in caliber is world class. It will kill any deer, any size, as far as you should be shooting at them.

Rifles are a more personal matter, if possible try as many different ones as you can. I have Remingtons, Browning and Winchesters and have had Savages and Rugers. They are all quality guns, buy the one YOU like.

By the way, the hunt for the rifle is almost as much fun as the deer hunting. Have fun and Good Luck!

KC