I remember going to a sporting goods store with my dad when I was about 10 years old and knew I wanted to deer hunt... And I saw a nice tang safety ruger 77 and liking the looks.
I turned 14 and bought a rem 788 carbine in 308 (price point - affordable)and used it one season. It was real heavy, problems with the scope base loosening up, and it was the odd caliber in deer camp and I had a huge supply of 3006 and new reloading gear that dad bought.
Sold the 788
Found a used R77 3006 (because of the integral scope rings) and bought it on my 15th b-day and still have it even if I only use it every few years.
I've been foolishly dabbling with other guns and plan on selling all of them except the R77, a SS browning X-bolt 3006 (similar safety, SS for rainy days), and a Tang safety Savage 99 308 that my dad gave me for Xmas.
Its hard to part with the others though.
