RE: What make, model & caliber would you buy?
 

I was in the same situation recently. The wife said sure...so I bought a Model 70 Classic Stainless in 270 WSM. For some reason, Winchester decided not to chamber that model in the 270 WSM for 2004 so I looked around and found a 2003 model. At first, I was stuck between that one and the Classic Featherweight but with my history on wood stocks I decided on the stainless model. I know this one will get a lot of hunting time so I'm glad to have the all-weather type. I'm looking forward to hunting with it this fall. Did I need it? Nope....sure is fun though! Now I need another gun cabinet. :D:D

Good luck with your decision!

RE: What make, model & caliber would you buy?
 

The 7x57 mauser is a good choice. Factory loads have about half the recoil of a 30-06 and only travel about 200 fps slower. You could also use Hornady Light Magnum loads, with a 140 gr SST traveling at a tad over 2900 fps it is an awesome deer gun. My Ruger #1 shoots under 1" at 100 yards. Hand loading you can duplicate the Light Magnum loads with a variety of bullets. Some of the pros consider the 7x57 mauser to be the perfect deer gun, more than capable of shooting out to 250 yards.

RE: What make, model & caliber would you buy?
 

I'd look long and hard for a Belgian made Browing safari or Medallon grade bolt action in 270 or 30-06. Make sure it doesn't have any salt wood and you'll have a classic and classy rifle that blows pretty much anything made today out of the water.