Looking for my first big game rifle....

[senior]

I stand by my advice to the OP. Get a good variable scope of say, 1.5X on the low end, and you will have the fastest, most accurate sighting system for N.A. real life hunting.

I agree on your scope advice.
In fact a good 1x shotgun scope works very well for eastern bush type deer hunting. But fitment of scope to shooter, on the gun is just as important!
That said, there are a lot of reasons & instances when a good peep is better.
It is second fastest site acquition to a scope, 2nd most accurate, it has less weight, less bulk if carrying in brushy conditions, less likely to get mis-adjusted in a fall, & cheaper.

 

[bearhunter338-06]

I loved my Remington 760 Gamemaster rifle in 30-06, still regret selling it sometimes. I shot the rifle for a few years with the open sights, until my eyes started to weeken, then I put a scope on the rifle.

My suggestion is learn to shoot with the factory sights, then get your self a scope. It very surprising the amount of people I come across who don't know how too use open sight on there rifles.

 

[onedayaway]

To me your original question has lever action written all over.
Close quarters, short OAL, iron sites...

Marlin 1895 in almost an flavor would serve you well. If you don't fancy the factory buckhorns it's hard to beat skinner sights. They have a few different options to choose from and the 45/70 can do almost anything to want it to. Simple break down and just as reliable as anything else. Plus the lever makes for quick follow ups when needed and you can do it with the butt stock still against your shoulder in the shooting position.

Just my two cents.