6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm-08 are popular for extreme range deer rifles, if you’re really good. For most people, the .223 or .308 have enough power for the range where they can shoot, and the ammo is generally more available than other calibers. Top-tier optics, magazines (if applicable), and training/hunting ammo are also significant expenses and should be part of the budget. Which brand you choose is a function of your budget, but to a large extent you get what you pay for with these rifles.
For handguns, there are a lot of good choices, and it’s a question of personal preference. I love wheel guns for a lot of purposes, unless you’re planning on fighting a war, and I am a very big fan of S&W for revolvers. I also love my Glocks, but they are completely unforgiving if you get sloppy. Most times when a cop or a firearms instructor shoots himself, it’s with a Glock. So don’t get one if you ever mess up on safety (and do work on safety, no matter what).
I love my 1911, mainly because I’ve been shooting one forever, and it seems to aim itself. I can get that first shot off a half second faster because my 1911 comes up already on the bullseye. If you have a similar personal bias, go with the one you’ve shot forever. If a pistol situation comes up at home, I’m starting with my 1911, but I’m not reloading. If the first 7+1 .45 ACP rounds are not enough, I’m switching to the Glock. I don’t want to count shots past eight, and my Glock holds 33 rounds.
Sigh. G29 was my weapon of choice. I may have to break down and get another. Though those S&W EZs look pretty promising.
One wheel gun I had was a 340PD. Great carry weapon but will probably go with a larger mag.