For what your describing I can't imagine anything much more gratifying that clasping your hand around the breach of an older model 94 in .30.30 Win. I have a number of bolt action rifles of various makes and calibers and love them all. But when you're down and dirty, short range, for white tails that old .30.30 just leaves me with total satisfaction. Mine first belonged to my Dad and it has killed more deer than can be remembered. Look around and find a pre-64 94 in shooter condition - you'll never be sorry. gg.

"When I was born I was so surprised I couldn't talk for a year and a half"