RE: lever action rifles
As the Savage 99 is my favorite all around, if you just want an awesome rifle, go with the 99. But you said short range. The Win. 94 or the Marlin 336 in 30-30 will do what you ask. I have two 336's...one in 30-30 and the other in 35 Rem. I like the 35 Rem MUCH better. It is simply more. I shoot the 200 grain, and I think that it shoots better and more comfortably than the 30-30. It is the one I choose on the snowy days for a quiet walk/stalk.
Marlin 336 in 35 Rem gets my vote.