RE: Buying my first rifle
My personal preference would be Remington, Browning, Winchester...in that order. It just depends on what you like. Blued or stainless...again, personal preference...if you take care of them, they will be fine for sure. As far as your description of the Ruger action...IMO....based on the ones I've felt, you are being kind <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Your choice of "Browning A-Bolt composite stalker in a blued finish, chambered in .270" for $509...I think you'd better go get it, that will be a super gun.