i kinda know what you mean. i bought a 30-30 on sale at k-mart then sold it . i missed it so much that i got another one. i just like the different action on it compared to a bolt action and the compact-ness of it. mine was very accurate out to about 70 yards then it got squirrely. the new hornady pointed lever revolution ammo is supposed to stretch the range out to 200 yards and then some. since i have several different hunting guns what i do ismake a choice that year to shoot certain ones in the hunting season. this way a gun doesnt sit for years and its fun and a challenge each year.the 30-30 will be fine for deer and bear.