[Rob62]

Let me throw some specific guns out there for your consideration.

Remington 700
Savage 10/110
Winchester 70
Howa 1500
Ruger 77
Marlin 336

If you noticed a trend of bolt actions here you are correct - I am a huge bolt action fan. But no Deer rifle list would be complete without at least an honorary mention of the lever action Marlin 336.

Any of these, or their less expensive "House" brand versions should suit you well.

As to calibers, you already got a lot of suggestions. I like the basics and classics; .243, .270, .30-30, .308, .30-'06.

The .30-'06 is probably the quintessential Deer cartridge for the North Woods and if I could only have one cartridge to hunt medium to large game with the rest of my life that would be it. Second choice would be the .270.

All of these rifles and caliber combinations could be found on the used gun market. Much like purchasing automobiles I highly recommend purchasing used and getting the associated price savings, if you are at all familiar with firearms.

Regards,

Rob