whats not to like about a 336? They are short, fairly light, mild recoil, and inexpensive (as far as guns go today). My dads 336 had accounted for more deer than i'll likely kill in my lifetime.

When i comes to short range shooting there are few guns better suited. The factory sites are functional but you may look at replacing them if you are only going to be using iron sites. There are better made/more accurate sights. But again there is nothing wrong with the factory sites.

The cross bolt safety is a nice feature IMHO. My dads doesn't have it, my 1895G does. I typically carry mine at half cock with safety on then cock it at the stand and release the safety if a shot presents itself. When my dad carried it he had it half cocked and saftey off, just like his 336. To each their own, you'll find your own way to do it.

The .30-30 is a fine close range deer offering. Using round nose ammo the shooting is limited to 100 yards, maybe 150 is you know what your doing. The new Leverevolution ammo may be a different story though. I haven't read much about it.

A gun safe is not complete without a lever gun or three [&:]

go gettcha one. you may find a new favorite rifle!!!! I did when i bought the 1895!