As you can see there are many choices. I grew up using a Winchester .30-.30 in a lever action side discharge with open sights. Killed many deer with that rifle in NW PA. I now have a Remington 74 in a .270 with a 4X9 Charles Daly scope bought many years ago. Using that here in Central Va. To me the best one is to try and shoot as many as you can and get one you are comfortable with. Get a good name brand in a caliber that will do what you think will work. I do not think you can go wrong with any that have been mentioned here.