re: Best Rifle for first timer

Remington model 700 in a 7mm-08

EDIT: It is the model 700 mountain version which is supposed to be lighter.

This was my first rifle and I recommend it to any first timer for deer in the south. I now have a 7mm mag but still take the 7-08 if I'll be doing a lot of stalking/walking around since it is so much lighter.

I killed a lot of deer with the 7-08 and never had an issue with "stopping" power. The kick is minimal (not that you would, but, you can shoot it from the hip). My wife shoots this gun and weighs like 105.

I have Leupold 3x9x50 scopes on both rifles and am pleased with them.