Were it me I would go to a local gun shop and handle, shoulder as many different brands as I could to see what felt best to me fit wise. As for caliber about ANY thing from 6 mm to 8mm works. If I could only have one rifle It would be some thing American made in 7 MM 08. 7MM 08 works well in about all conditions and ammo isn't real expensive like some. The 308 would be my second choice just for the fact just about every mom and pop store usually has some on their shelve. Well that was before this hording epidemic came about.

Al