I agree, I don't like to shoot much beyond 125 or 150 with out a rest of some sort with any gun. Even if I have to shoot sitting against a tree and resting the gun on my knee its still better than shooting awful hand. I originally got the 30-30 for hunting in the woods but have over the last few years found that most of my hunting opportunities have been in more open areas. Most of the time now I opt for my 7mm due to it's reach out and touch something cappability. My personal best was 325 yards on a doe last year, she dropped in her tracks first shot with the 7mm. The longest shot I've made with the 30-30 was a button buck at 150, also last year.

I try to go shooting at least an average of once or twice a month, unfortunaltely I have to work so it cuts into my play time. I don't consider myself an outstanding marksman but I do shoot pretty well and try to understand the loads I use. I have spent time picking the brains of some friends that I would consider much better than average shooters. One was a police sniper who used to go to invitation only shoots and won most of them, the other shot on the navy rifle team in CT and one of his instructors was Carlos Hathcock among others. Those guys can shoot circles around me but theyhave been shooting all their lives andhave tens of thousands more rounds shot than I do.

Most shooters don't spend the time shooting and learning their guns to make longer shots, some can't even make shorter shots without multiple rounds. Average shooters should still be able to shot to 150 yards with a 30-30 with a basic scope. With an accurate load maybe out to 200. With open sights that may shrink to 100 to 150 max for the average shooter.