This topic is a big can of worms, just like what is the best classic shotgun. But, if you are looking for a rifle that doesn't have too much recoil, but enough bullet to hunt any deer in North America (from the 200 pound + bruisers up north to the 100 pound desert bucks), I'd recommend something bigger than 243/6mm. The heaviest bullet typically loaded is 100 grains. Go one step up to 257 Roberts or 25-06 and you get 120 grain bullets. Great first gun calibers with low recoil, great accuracy and plenty of good factory loads (sounds like you don't handload) are 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, 7mm-08, and 7x57 Mauser.
Not that you can't kill deer well with a 6mm/243, one of my nicest bucks was shot in TX with a 22-250.
For a classic rifle that you will restock, MidwayUSA sells Remington 798 barreled actions (imported Yugoslav m98 Mausers) in most of the good calibers. Remington 700s and the Mauser clones all have good availability for restocking. Can't go wrong with the Ruger bolt actions or No. 1s., either.
Sky is the limit for prices. Montana 1999 makes barreled actions based on the pre-64 Winchester action. They sell them for about a grand and it is a good price for what they make.
What you are willing to pay will cut down the choices you'll need to make. Best of luck.
http://www.midwayusa.com/esearch.exe/sea...or=all_products
