I like stainless for the durability. I hate when the finish on my blued firearms gets damaged. Even if you take care of a blued finish, weather may damage it. I prefer a brushed stainless finish so that it's not too reflective. Blued finishes can also reflect a lot if it's a glossy finish. I also like the utilitarian look of stainless and a composite stock. Oh yeah, don't forget to mount that scope as close as possible to the barrel without allowing it to actually touch. This will keep your perceived trajectory flatter.

Since you will mostly be hunting deer, your first choice in caliber is world class. It will kill any deer, any size, as far as you should be shooting at them.

Rifles are a more personal matter, if possible try as many different ones as you can. I have Remingtons, Browning and Winchesters and have had Savages and Rugers. They are all quality guns, buy the one YOU like.

By the way, the hunt for the rifle is almost as much fun as the deer hunting. Have fun and Good Luck!

KC

I would go for a 7mm Mag. in stainless steel. You are not to far from elk country you may want to hunt them sometime. Take a look at www.ebay.com www.auctionarms.com www.armsbid.com www.gunbroker.com or check out "Gun List" for a better deal. Good luck.

To me the stainless is the way to go ,the caliber and make aside . Stainless is about all I will buy in a rifle anymore .Good luck on what ever you choose .

$509.oo for a browning stalker? BUY it never seen a brwoning go that cheap unless it is used.

First of all welcome to the board Dodger02.
Like others suggested try different makes and models. Try as many as you can before you decide.See which ones fits you and feels right to you. Calibers are another story,there are so many different calibers that will fit your needs.You'll have to read up and see which will suit you the best.For whitetails I like my .270 Win.but I also use a 7mm Rem Mag,30-06 and so on.Whatever rifle you end up with spend a little more money and buy a decent scope.These bargain brands are just that.They end up costing more in the long run.The Browning "A Bolt" is a nice rifle.I shot a couple of them and been quite impressed with them. Take your time choosing your rifle and glass. Once you get it practice,practice,Practice.Good Luck.
Ruger Redhawk

..... A Proud NRA Life Member since 1977 .....Ruger Redhawk

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one more thing i have to say.
if the blueing on that stalker in 270win is like my browning medallion.( best blueing i have ever seen on a rifle )you should have no problems with rust. i stalked through some nasty swamps and bog s this year in sleet, rain and snow in maine. with no sign of any rust. just make sure you give her a wipe like you do any kind of rifle.

I lived near Copperas Cove for a number of years, and shot a lot of Central Texas whitetails. The .270 is perfect for such hunting, as is the .25/'06. But, if you get a chance to hunt bigger deer, or elk later on, the .270 is a better choice because you can shoot heavier bullets in it!

Keep yore powder dry!!

Dont forget to check out your local classifieds. I have only bought two NIB guns from a dealer. I usually buy used stuff, since it is cheaper and still in very good condition. You could get a better gun for the money that way as well.

Why am I sittin here on this stupid PC when I could be huntin'