I'm with emtrescue6 on the first most important item ... #1. FIT!
After finding a rifle that fits me well and handles comfortably from length of pull to scope to safety (prefer 3 position's like Winchester) I then like the features in the following order ...
#2. Simplicity of breakdown and cleaning --- I own quite a few complicated weapons, and enjoy tinkering with them, but I don't want that in the field. This would include things like Stainless Steel, Synth stock, simple adjustments for trigger and such, bolt disassembly, etc.
#3. Accuracy to be better than average ... but most guns shoot better than most shooters.
#4. Round/cartridge. I'm not dead set on ANY cartridge but prefer mild kicking rounds that can be loaded heavy for caliber (like 6.5 X 55). However if I can't get a rifle in 6.5 X 55 I'll be very happy with a 308 or 30/06, though there are others I'd investigate first.
Thats about it for me ... I am easily placated by the array of stuff out there today.
Last edited by 8mm/06; 12-30-2012 at 06:54 PM.