Jester,
You're from St. Charles, Arkansas? Sho nuff? I'm originally from Dermott. Living in Monticello now.
LLv34...if price is no object...and if EYE were looking for a new rifle I would find a competent gunsmith to build the following...
Purchase a Ruger #1 or similar single-shot, falling-block action. Purchase one of those beautiful barrels that Mannlicher puts on their rifles and carbines...the hammer-forged ones where the hammer marks have been left on the exterior of the barrel, jeweled and blued. Attach a nice, elegant, two-piece French walnut stock with 24 line per inch checkering. Drill and tap for scope, if you want, or have the gunsmith put a nice, macho, set of iron sights on it. Sling and rings.
As to caliber...your preference. Personally, I like the 6.5x55 Swedish shooting a 140 grain Nosler partition.
Regards, Shuckins/Leggern