I like Rugers myself, but if I were to go back to your age and situation, I would buy the savage package gun in 270 win. I just sighted in a savage tonight for a man. It was so simple. 6 shots to reach zero point, then 3 3shot groups at about .6 inches at 100 yards to check the zero. What more could you ask from a reasonably priced package. The accutrigger was very nice to work with as well. You can always add better mounts and a nicer scope at a later date. The accuracy of these guns is simply amazing. Not much for looks though. But then you said you wanted to hunt with it not look at it.