I have been using lever guns and the 30-30 for over 40 years. I can't even begin to count the number of deer that old 30-30 has dropped. I don't consider it as a back-up gun I consider to be my primary hunting rifle. Two years ago I purchsed a new 336 with the crossbolt safety because it was just time to hang up the old 30-30. With this new one I can use Hornady's LE ammo which took me an 8 pt. this year just shy of 200 yards. It looked like someone kicked his back legs out fromunder him.