[Logan2302]

Each of the four calibers you've just mentioned .. Look at them this way, their capability to take whitetail at extreme ranges exceeds my (and probably your) ability to hold on target without using sandbags or bi-pod.

With the costs going up and the selections getting out of hand, I don't envy you having to make your decision. However for me, if I could really afford a Kimber, it would be a no brainer.

[dteed4094]

If you expect to continue range shooting, .308 would be the way to go. Its very adaquate for deer, less expensive ammo and less recoil. I like 30.06 myself but would never look down on .308. 300 mag is just over kill as is 7 mag. As for what brand, That would be a matter of taste and finances, Remington,Winchester,Savage,Howa,Marlin,Kimber,Bro wing,Weatherby all make Decent guns and $$$$ does not translate to accuracy, but mostly asthetics. You can buy 2 very accurate lower end rifles for the cost of one middle of the road fancy rifle. We won't even get into scopes because there are a lot of conflicting ideas on that subject.

[Nyuu]

Well, after a whole lot more thinking and a bit more researching I think I've decided on this rifle:

X-Bolt Hunter, Accurate Bolt Action Deer Elk Big Game Varmint Hunting Rifle, Browning Firearms Product

It's got an adjustable trigger, it's not as expensive as the Kimber 8400 or the Browning Eclipse, I like the way it looks, it comes in many many different calibers, and I've read nothing but good things about their X-Bolt line. So I don't think I can go wrong with choosing it. Everyone has also said it shoulders nicely. I think it satisfies everything I'm picky about. Haha.

Is there anything bad I should know about this rifle before purchasing it? If not then I'll be purchasing it as soon as I can, and I'll let yall know how I feel about it after

Thanks to everyone that has posted in here. Majorly helped me find a rifle and learn new things about rifles. Thanks again!

[lonyaeger]

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a Browning.

[Nyuu]

Haha good to know. Well my local Cabelas has one in stock so I'm going to go feel it up this week, and hopefully will be purchasing it next week sometime.

[JTJ]

It may be a little lower on the list, but you might want to look at the Weatherby Vanguard. It is a comparitively low cost rifle but they are available as a sub 1moa for more $ and have 2 stocks available. One full size and one for smaller shooters. A well fittting stock will make a rifle handle a lot better. I had to reduce a few stocks for my wife and kids. With Weatherby it is much simpler. If the shorter stock is a little too short, put on a bigger recoil pad. My son is 5'8" and added a recoil pad to one I cut down for him when he was smaller.

[dteed4094]

Just make sure you're wearing your hunting gear when you try it on.

[huffmanite]

Caliber....308 or 7mm-08, I'd prefer those over the 30-06

Rifle....lots of good ones mentioned, here is one not mentioned, very accurate out of box, good adjustable trigger and fairly low priced. The Marlin XS rifle...priced under $400.

Scope....best bang for the buck...heck of a scope for its price...equal to Nikon Monarchs for clarity/brightness of optics or any other brand in its price range is the Nitrex by Weaver scopes. A TR2 2-10X42 with pullup turrets sold by Natchez Shooters Supplies has a final cost of around $170 when $100 Nitrex rebate deducted and shipping added....can get a TR2 3-15X42 SF for $218 final cost. Worth a look at:

Nitrex TR Two 2-10X42mm Rifle Scope Matte Finish TrexPlex Reticle - Natchez Shooters Supplies TR Two 2-10X42mm Rifle Scope Matte Finish TrexPlex Reticle