If I could only have one rifle it would be a Ruger all weather 30-06. They are about $550 so they are cheaper than Remington and Browning and every bit as good. My Ruger rifles all shoot good 1" or better at 100 yards and they come with scope rings which will save you about $50.

The 30-06 has the largest bullet range on the market, 55gr up to 250gr. It will and has killed every living thing on the planet. For deer hunting I use a 165gr bullet. Another very good advantage is that every little sporting goods shop in the country will have 30-06 ammo. In most cases it is cheaper than a lot of other calibers.

I would put a Bushnell Elite 4200 in 2.5-10x40 on it, if I could afford it, and if I couldn't I would put a Bushnell Elite 3200 in 3-9x40 on it. I own 4200s and 3200 and I like them both, they let in a lot of light and the rainguard coating is awsome. The 4200 is about $400 and the 3200 is about $200. Your scope is as important if not more important than your rifle, if you can't see it you can't shoot it. I also like Butler Creek flip open scope caps, they work very well and always stay with the gun.

I hope this helps, this is what I would have if I could only have one.