It sounds to me like you are looking for a fun gun. It also sounds like you are looking for a good looking rifle as well as something functional??? I am like you and I like nice wood also. If I were you I would take my time and keep shopping until you found a rifle with the wood on it that you want. Shopping for a rifle can be a lot of fun. Cartridge choice is surely subjective. You have a magnum. If you want to shoot a good bit I would look at a 223 Remington. Although a 308 Winchester is also a great idea. Tom.