First, what brand rifle in what configuration? Bolt, lever, pump, single shot??? Second, what caliber? 30-06 is ok. You will get a whole lot of in-put here on this one. For me, expand your list.... 270, 308, 30-06, 280. These would cover deer, most elk shots, and black bear, and hogs. If you have a desire to increase bullet size then 300 -338 would be my next suggestions. For rifle brands, look at Remington, Tikka, Weatherby Vanguard. Ruger M77. Maybe a top end Savage giving extra money for a really nice scope. Browning A-bolt series. For scopes, go big or stay home. Anymore I look towards a 3x9x42, 3x10x50, 4x12x50 the scope is the most important piece of equipment don't go cheap here. Leupold, Nikon, maybe look at new Redfields? Burris, some may include Pentax? You really need to do a lot of reshearch to determine your needs and then plug in the rifles that fit in. I still enjoy walnut stocks, others opt for weather guard finish. Good luck and enjoy the shopping thats the fun part!