In service the m1 and m2 carbines was considered a 300 yd.weapon the Mi garand was considered a 500yd weapon.I got to do alot of shooting with all three,of these.and loved to shoot the m2,it was faster than a 30 cal.machine gun,I got pretty efficant with it from 100 to 500 yds,using a military bulls eye,but to get it to 500 yds it took some elevation.Like some said if you were a good marksman and kept the shots to under 50yds you could take deer with it but I think you would be better off with a 410 slug for short range.The best bet would be to trade it or see if you can find a used rifle in a better cal.that meets you pocket book.