I have a mid 80s 700bdl in 30-06 / 3x9 redfield / fajen stock. Gun has taken numerous deer. Was my stepfathers and he gave to me in 2000. I have not taken deer with it only carried it a few times on a hunt. I will be solely using it this year though. I did some gun trading and it is the only "deer rifle" I have left other than a TC hawken ml. I do have complete confidence in the 700 to take whatever I see as far as I can make the kill shot.

Tony