I will agree 100% - all of my boys have and will start with a 30-06. Best selection of rounds and will have you hunting deer to Moose and beyond. The rounds are also cheap and reloading even cheaper.

Model 70 - Model 700 - Ruger M77 - these are the 30-06 models we currently use and are real happy.

First of all Savages are not cheap guns. They are inexpensive when compared to some of the high end firearms out there. They are accurate, long lasting and well made guns. I have both .270 and 7mm mag Savages. You should be able to purchase a package deal (gun and scope) for under $500. Remington also has a package deal for about the same price.

For an inexpensive starter rifle try the Remington 710 in .270 or 30-06. I prefer the latter because the 30-06 are inexpensive and versatile.

You can't do much with the 710as far as upgrading, except for the scope; but the action is the same as the 700 and they are dead accurate out of the box.

I agree with the Remington 710. I bought this for my first rifle and it shoots very well. You can get one of these around $320 for rifle and scope as a package.

I grew up with a Remington model 336C, 30-30, lever action. While it is slightly outdated now, I still use it from time to time. I would highly recommend a rifle in 30-06 or 30-30.