If a guy decided he was settled on .30-06 cartridge to be a good round for deer and elk and now he is looking at the myriad of choices available to him, where should he start when selecting a rifle (manufacturer, etc.)? Or, was this guy mistaken in coming to this conclusion concerning .30-06? If so, what round would you recommend? (This guy chose that round based on reading in hunting books and asking a buddy)

I know what the fishing counter guys at Sportco know or don't know about fishing, are the gun counter guys similarly knowledgeable? If not, is there a store with more knowledgeable folks?

This guy is trying not to break the bank, knowing he has lots of other equipment to buy, and knowing that as he learns more about hunting in the coming years he will likely trade up to a better rifle as experience and disposable income converge.

This guy is a new hunter, freshly minted and a recent graduate of a hunter safety class. This guy has spent a lot of time outdoors, climbing, backpacking and fishing, but not in the pursuit of warm blooded critters.

Thanks,

From that guy