My first rifle was a 30-30. I think it had just enough kick to it at my early age when I first started shooting it.
I think as you get older you can probably handle any type of of rifle, but early on I think the smaller rifles give the younger people better accuracy.
Too much kick makes sore shoulders and possibly a reason not to hunt as much. At an early age its all about having fun and safety!

There are many options of high powered rifles and most will get the job done one way or another. Variables like the game you're hunting, terrain (mountains vs. plains, brush vs. trees, etc.) and the climate can affect you're choice.

I've hunted deer with a handful of different rifles and they've all worked fine.

Therefore... I recommend you find something that's comfortable to YOU. If you like the way it feels and shoots then you're more likely to feel confident and shoot well. I hate an awkward gun. Not all are the same so shoulder them and get a feel for the overall make of the gun.

we are fortuante to have a very good gun shop that is reknowned up and down the east coast. It is abotu twenty miles from my house.

they have lots of used guns.

almost every gun in my house is a used gun that I bought there.

Gotta go with the 30-30. Ya just can't beat one for an all round virsital rifle. They are light, a great brush gun and are a safe gun to carry. There have probably been more deer taken with a 30-30 then any other weapon ever manufactured. I swear by my old model 94 Winchester. I shoot 175 gr. ammo and it has never faild to stop anything it hits.

in my opinion a good 30-30 is a gun that goes forever. A 270 is a great rifle but i have used more of my 30-30 for ranch , hunting and shooting needs. my suggestiion would be to just go and find a dealer such as cabela's or bass pro and shoot the rifles first then make your decision. If your just using it for hunting then i would greatly and happily suggest getting a remington 700 .308 rifle, fast accurate and plenty of dropping power from deer to moose.

Are you really a deer hunter? Or is this rifle something to add to your 'Life'? Yes, I would go with what has been advised if I was a deer hunter and had the money. If you have a 'Life' with other options and adventures you might open your self for any and many investments.

Is money tight? You might invest in a classic or collectable rifle that will NOT go down in price once you leave the store. I have a very nice 25-20 1892 Winchester that is worth more every day. If you only go deer hunting (once a year), why not invest with something to show and perhaps not so expensive to shoot (buying ammuntion is not cheap). You can always rent or borrow a good 'deer rifle'. The 25-20 is a small rifle and was brought out for small game, so if you NEED the big impact, it is not for you. Plus the ammunition is not cheap but I am suggesting you think outside the box with money spent.

I guess what I am advising is depending on what your individual needs really are? I know a lot of people who have rifles and guns in their closets gathering dust. If you have money, jump into the very big gun world of spending and the best to you. Should be fun, no matter what you do...

There are a couple of variables that need to go into the mix.

what is the terrain and topography that you will be hunting in.

what is the distance of a typical shot.

these will determine what you need.

Generaly speaking a 270 is a rifle and a 30 30 is a carbine.

A carbine has good knock down power but is accurate at shorter distances.

the rifle is accurate at longer distances.

I find that bolt actions generally are a little more accurate than lever action guns and barrel length is a factor in accuracy as well.

My rifles are all scoped and if I need a carbine I generally switch to a 12 guage.

ONe thing I go by when I buy a gun is feel. I want to see if the gun feels right when I bring it up to my shoulder. I don't know why but remingtons seem to fit me perfect. Mclintock is right about the calibers, the 270 and the 30-30 are well known deer killers. The thing with rifles is you will get 100 different opinions from 1oo differnt people. I would try shoot the rifle first, see if you can get some range time with someone who owns the rifle you want. I like to target shoot and I can't do that with the 30-30 cuase my face takes a beating after two boxes of shells so thats something to consider too. My next deer rifle will be a 270 or a 7mm and it will probably be in the remington 700 class. oh and those guns get real heavy when your walking all day so remember that when your getting ready to drop your hard earned money.

They are both good calibers, I have shot them both. I believe a 30-30 as less kick, also a 30-30 lever action as killed more deer than any other gun. Also I would look and the ammo, the price and if you can easy get it. If your go to get a .270, I would get the Winchester Model 70, if the 30-30 go for the Marlin 336XLR lever action, I would also go to www.gunsamerica.com to see whats on there.