"new hunter" The 45/70, .450 guns will probably give you a good case of flinchitis.

A Savage 99, Winchester 88 or Browning BLR in .308 would be the easiest to find and find ammo for. They could be found in good used condition for a resonable price. Put a good low power variable scope (2 to 7 power) and you will be set.

I bought a Savage 99 in .300 savage that I have been carrying this year with my moose, elk, mule deer and white-tail tags in my pocket.

Robin

P.S. since I wrote the above I have shot a moose and two wolves with my Savage 99 in .300 savage.