I said a 30-30 is a perfect gun for Missouri Deer. Meaning most deer in Missouri are taken UNDER 100 yards. Most of missouri is thick woods and a 30-30 makes a perfect woods gun. And good luck when you forget your ammo on a hunting trip. I doubt many ma & pop stores have 25-06 or 7mm-08 on hand. And a 243 will deflect easy, it takes alot to sway a 170grain 30-30 bullet.

And should any "NEW" hunter be trying a 300yd shot anyway?

I learned on a lever action with only a half cock saftey, If you are safe and carefull(which you should be with any gun)and know how to use the gun you are shooting, you should have no problem with a Lever action.

Guns cause crime, like flies cause garbage.