Agree 100%. I've used a 1970 Model 94 Winchester in 30/30 since the age of 13. The recoil isn't that bad, and you always have the option of the managed recoil ammo. Or, you can also add a limbsaver recoil pad. I added one to mine since it only had the original hard buttplate. Made a world of difference. I can go through two boxes of ammo at the range and it's literally like shooting a 5.56.If I was in the OPs shoes this would be an easy decision because who can afford a pistol caliber carbine these days?
Growing up I used a Winchester 94 30-30 when I started hunting and I at 13 I maybe weighed a buck fifteen so I practiced a lot to learn to get used to the recoil. I have heard that the .243 was a popular choice for beginners before the AR became more common.
My dad had major back surgery right before hunting season one year and had to use an M1 carbine to avoid any damage to his spine from recoil. He used JHP and not FMJ of course and was able to take a small buck humanely.