My response
Well, the only thing I can suggest, is to go to ranges where you can rent firearms, and shoot as many different types of guns and calibers. I went through so many guns, and lost lots of money because I listened to others say, this one will be good for you! Only you can decide what type of gun and caliber works best. How does the rifle feel, weight, length, caliber, recoil and price matters a great deal and is different for everybody. For me, I loved my Weather by Vanguard in. 223 Rem. And I loved my Winchester lever action 30-30. I used the. 223 for small and big game. It is small for deer and such, but shot placement is everything. When I would hunt thick timber, my 30-30 or 12 gauge were my options. I keep my rifles with their original stock, but I put a pistol grip butt stock on my shotgun for better control. The shotgun is also my go to gun for any type of emergency with dangerous people or animals. It took me many years to find the perfect gun or guns with the perfect caliber or gauge. Only you can make that decision. If you don't want to spend much, then look into used firearms. I wish you luck. Be safe and confident, you will find what's right for you.