lil,

Go ahead and buy the one that makes you happy, BUT be aware....

The salesman IS right --- the 30-06 is more versatile --- even the "god" of the 270, Jack O'Connor agreed the 30-06 was more versatile. Your relatives with all the 30-06's may have figured this out long ago. I understand wanting to be different....

Even so, personally, I'd go for the 30-06! A great place to start is with a 22LR, a 12 gauge, and a 30-06.