Original from titleist 03
"I don't own a rifle. The only use for it in Illinois is varmint hunting. I hope to be able to make it out west for all of the animals listed above at some point in my life. I don't think I will go after the big bears."


Since this will be your first rifle by all means go for the 30/06.
If you learn to handload the world (or a huge chunk of it) will be your oyster! Availability of affordable ammo and loading components make it a slam dunk for someone that doesn't yet have a single center fire to his name.
Now make and style is up to you cuz EVERYBODY makes a rifle in 30/06 ....EVERYBODY!