Geez, I think trying to decide between rifle models and caibers is just as bad as learning about gearing and crawl ratios and tire size. You ask 5 different people the same question and will probably get 6 different answers!
Example A: Q: What should I buy for an elk rifle (maybe hunt deer and antelope some day)? Person 1: "You need at LEAST a 30-06 with a 180 grain bullet to consistently bring down elk" Person 2: "All you need is a well placed shot with a .270 and a 150 grain bullet" Person 3: "You want a 7mm and 175 grain bullet for the best all around stopping power and resonable recoil" Person 4: "No.... you need a .300 magnum and 220 grain bullet!"
Example B: Q: What's the best tire size/gears to run for a daily driver and moderate off road? Person 1: "You need at LEAST 35" tires with 4.56 gears" Person 2: "All you need is 32" tires and some driving ability to get up anything" Mike R. ;-) Person 3: "You want a 33" tire with 4.10 gears for the best all around power and reasonble handling" Person 4: "No.... you need 44" swampers and 5.89's!"
Sorry, slow day at work and I've been trying to make up my mind on my upcoming first rifle purchase. Feel free to lend opinions, everyone else has :-)