Ah, long ago. I knew nothing about deer rifles, didn't even know anyone who hunted deer, but was determined to be a deer hunter. The day after my 18th birthday I was at a local NY gunshop to buy a "deer rifle". I can't blame the guy, I am sure he looked at the petite redheaded girl in front of him and wanted to get me into something that didn't kick. I bought a military surplus 6.5 Carcano for $15. It actually shot really well. I carried that rifle for a couple years as I felt my way into deer hunting alone and un-mentored. A couple years later, after hunting for the first time with actual experienced deer hunters, I bought a used Parker Hale in 30-06. I went through a few other 30-06s and a .270 for deer. Now, my go-to rifle for smaller stuff than elk, and even elk without grizzlies, is an old tang safety Ruger M77 in 7mm Rem. Mag.. Yeah, it is a bit overbore for smaller deer and pronghorn, but it has a long successful history...
