Things change. When I was growing up, late 1940s and 1950s, hunters in my family swore by the M70 Winchester rifle. Winchester rifles were cheapened for a time following the 1963 take over. Now, Winchester rifles can hold their own against any other brand rifle within the same price range. Even price range is not always a good yardstick. Three years ago I bought a Tikka WhiteTail Hunter in 30-06. That rifle is the most accurate, out of the box 30-06 that I have ever owned. As far as rifles go, the Tikka was not an expensive rifle, but I would not hesitate to use it on any hunt calling for a 30-06 chambered rifle.
The perspective buyer needs to decide what he likes. Wood stock or plastic? Blued metal or stainless? After making all the decision concerning caliber, weight and price range; one must pick up all the rifles that fit the criteria and see how each *feels*. Hopefully, as with choosing a puppy, one rifle will jump out and pick you!