To many choices
I have used several rifles and handguns for hunting deer.
Handgun, started with Blackhawk 357 mag. have moved up to Blackhawk 41 mag.
My Pick: Blackhawk 41 mag. is my current favorite.
Rifles, WesternAuto bolt action in a 308, sweet rifle.
Marlin 336 in 35 rem., Savage 99, 300 or 308.
My Pick: Heavy brush or when Hogs are around Marlin 336 in 35 rem.
Light forest- pasture land WesternAuto in 308
I have other rifles in 243, 6.5, 25-06, 270, 30-06, 257 roberts, 8mm all nice to shoot and hunt with. Again my Picks will cover hog and deer 30's cailiber has been deadly on the game. All the deer have been dropped in their tracks, but shoot placement has had more to do with it than caliber.
Thanks, Alex