It will be difficult to find a better all around cartridge than the 30.06 Spr. As you have cited there is a wide array of factory ammo available from plinker stuff to hard hitting relatively heavy 30 cal. bonded bullet loads. As far as make ... there are a myriad of good choices. The Remington 700, Ruger 77, Savage 110 or 111, Browning A or X bolt, Winchester 70, etc. My favorite is a Styer Pro-Hunter. I have several Model 700's and all shoot lights out. However, I am not a fan of either the Rem. 710 or 770. I know nothing first hand about the Ruger "American".

As far as buying at a "gun show" .... buyer beware. A lot of junk makes the trip to the gun show. Unless you know how to spot flaws, be very careful buying at a gun show. Some of these are nit nuch more than traveling "circuses" and you'll never see the dude again until next "gun show season". A deal that is too good to be true ain't likely a good deal !

I think that you'd come out better looking at a reputable gun shop that handles used rifles or buying a used rifle from some one that you know and trust. To give you a good example, go to Marks Outdoors web site .... which is in Vestavia, Al. for a good idea of typical quality used gun and used scope prices.

As for scope .... do not scrimp. The factory "packages" deals do not incorporate a "quality" scope. Buy the best that you can afford.