RE: rifle of choice
The 270 is probably THE perfect deer rifle(availability of ammo, effectiveness, ect...). If you ever want to go after something bigger, say elk or moose the 7mags, 30-06, 300win mag would be better if your going to do BOTH at some point. The 300win mag class shouldnt bother you for recoil if you shopot a 12gauge frequntly.If elk and bigger game aren't in the picture there dozens of great deer calibers, 243, 6mm, 250savage, 257roberts, 25-06, 270, 270wsm, 7mm08, 280, 284, ect..good luck