PAhunter86, I have had a couple of 710' s come thru the shop. I would not own one, period. There are a few other rifles out there that are comparable in price and a lot better in quality. With that said, I see nothing wrong with it as a youngsters first hunting rifle. As you said, a deer is not going to care or notice if it is hit with a 30/06, whether it is a 710, a sako, a wincheter, a browning, or a weatherby. As you gain experience and upgrade in caliber (quality) of rifles, you will understand what the guys here are talking about when it comes to the the 710 versus a quality rifle. Until then shoot the daylights out of that 710, until you are intimately familar with it, almost like it becomes an extension of yourself. Above all shoot it until you have the utmost confidence in that 710 and in yourself. Have fun with it, be careful, and good luck in your hunting adventures.