I agree with bushrat. Find a Rem 700 in a pawn shop and buy it. Savage is good in the 30-06 (my preference) but it depends alot on the terrain and how far you are going to be able to reach out. Plus you ability comes into play as well as what Cal you will shoot. I have hunted deer for 50 years (started when I was 9) and shot what I could afford. Then I just loved the 30-30 lever action and still do. Hate the 308 because it ruins too much meat. There are people that will dissagree with this but it's my experience and my shot placement it solid. You can get the 30-30 pretty cheap and it's a solid platform. A Savage or even a Marlin in the 30-06 are very reasonable priced and good hunting rifles with or withou optics.
What? .308 ruins too much meat, you prefer a .30-06?