okay, so i'm new to the rifle world. I'm not really a hunter, but i wish i could find someone with land, or someone that would hunt deer with me.

So i guess my two primary uses would be deer hunting and distance target shooting. I would like info on what caliber would be best for these two uses, any suggestions on which gun (preferablly one that could be modified easily) and what brands are typically reliable.

thanks in advance

OK - I'll bite!

Making some assumptions:

1) You will be hunting at normal (reasonable) distances.
2) Target shooting will be limited to no more than 500 yds.
3) Rifle chambering must be with readily available factory ammo.
4) You don't want to spend an arm and/or leg for the setup.

With these parameters, my suggestion would be a bolt action rifle (Ruger, Winchester, Remington) of moderate cost, mounting a nice ($250 - $350) 3x9 scope, and in either 7-08 Rem or .308 Win chambering.

Short action, meaning less weight to lug around, both noted for inherent accuracy, and a wide range of bullet types/weights to use for anything from varmit to elk.

And, believe it or not, I don't own either of them!

"And, believe it or not, I don't own either of them!"

Isn't that the way, kdub! Once you get into this sport you sort of specialize, and those calibers that are good for everything become less appealing, somehow. I recently had my .308 rebarreled to 6mm...

As far as the original question, I would back what kdub said, and add .270 and 30-06 as possible caliber choices. For the rifle, handle as many as you can and pick the one that feels the best. One or the other is likely tohave a grip that fits your hand better, a balance that feels good and holds steadily, a stock that fits your face and naturally centers your eye over the bore. A test I use is to shoulder an unloaded rifle quickly, with my eyes closed, and see if I am properly aligned when I open my eyes.

Rifle fit is more important than caliber, within reason. Any mentioned here will work splendidly!

One more thing - contact your Fish and Game department and see if they can put you in contact with a mentor, hunting club, or landowner. Make friends at a nearby shooting range. These are good ways to get into hunting when you are just starting out.

Hard to go wrong with a .308 for a general-purpose hunting rifle (and my first and most trusted rifle being a .30-06...).

Good luck.