For an economy rifle to get you out hunting, if you want new, I'd look at the Ruger American now arriving in stainless, or a Weatherby Vanguard S2. I'd put a Bushnell Legend HD 3-9X40 scope on it for about $200, and you've got solid equipment for a reasonable price. If you'll consider used, I'd get a Husqvarna bolt action and put the same scope on that...a fine Swedish Mauser. Since you're mainly deer hunting, and new to the sport, I'd get a caliber with reasonable recoil that you'll enjoy shooting and practicing with, but won't hold you back if you want to try for elk or moose one day. Two that fit the bill: ammo is found everywhere with different bullets loaded for reasonable money, and recoil is light, are the .270 and .308. Those two calibers are also found in the excellent but inexpensive Husky rifles, by the way. Ammunition wise, I'd try 140 grain Nosler Accubonds in the .270 and 165 grain Accubonds in the .308 for all around deer to moose hunting. If you're just going to be hunting deer for awhile and you want to keep it cheap, most rifles like Federal Fusion ammo, and I'd get it in the same grain weight as the Accubonds. Hope this helps!
