30-30 is a good deer rifle. I second buying a used gun at a reputable store. If you have plenty of friends/family who hunt, ask to try out their guns at a range with them, to see which suits you best BEFORE you buy one.

If you have any near you, check out the AppleSeed shoots too. I haven't made it to one myself but my friends really liked going to the ones they attended, and it's usually free for women too(for all the lady shooter out there!!), and they'll really help you out a lot.