Many here have way more experience than I, my favorite and first choice would be my Ruger M77 tang safety in .35 Whelen, now wearing a McMillian stock and Nikon Monarch 3x-12x. Every deer I've ever shot with it was DRT! This rifle was a wedding present from my wife 30 years ago. I miss it's wood stock but I had two different stocks crack on me, both lengthwise through the grip. I would definitely miss my Ruger Gunsite Scout as that is just the handiest little deer rifle.
I have a wood stock for that same rifle if you ever want to try another!
