i started with the trusty ole 30-30 and i had the decision of 3 rifles to take out that year... 30-30 marlin, 243 pump action or a 35 rem pump....35 rem jammed up 2 easily in the cold and ice, and the 30-30 seemed a better and safer choice at the time, itmay not be the safest with the hammer but at least you know when that hammer is down its not gonna go off...i know first year hunters get a lil trigger happy when they see that deer and the safety on the trigger ofthat gun is NOT as reliable as a hammer at half cock.....just my opinion...plus that way you can look over and easily see if he forgot to let the hammer down or forgot to pull it back before the shot....