The 7 rem mag is my choice for an all arounder.(I hunt lopers, whitetails, mulie, elk and moose). It will be fine.

As far as rifles it is really personal choice and budget that dictates what rifle will be good for you. In most case a rem, winchester, browning, tikka, savage...so on will preform very well. Not all guns will fit you like they do others. I suggest handling as many as possible, make sure you slide the bolt to feel the action (not binding, gritty, etc), make sure the safety is placed well for you and will be able to operate it without deshouldering or thinking with a little practice. A gun should feel like a extension of your arm, if it feels heavy, bulky, light, whatever...just not quite what you want then x it from your list.


Scopes I would say min. bushnell to look at would be the Elite 3200 or compareable other manufacturer' s models. I owned a Tasco once and was junk, never again. I agree the scope is as important as the rifle you put it on, your best to save and buy better than buy cheap for now, in the end you' ll have spent less than buying 2. I would look through scopes and try and get opinions here and elsewhere on that model, then make a decision. Put on good quality rings and mounts as well, dovetails mounts are prefered by most.

Power of scopes a 2-7 or 3-9 should be just fine. Objective 40 mm-50mm will be fine. Forget the illuminated recticle scope models, more money and some more to go wrong.

One thing to consider a good hunting rifle will be an investment and will give you a lifetime of use. Buy the one that you can see some future with, you like, fits and in the end you' ll be very satisfied.