Inside of 150 yds. it will serve you very well as a deer rifle. It gets about a 300-500 fps velocity boost from the rifle barrel over a pistol. It has more velocity at 100 yds., that at muzzle from a pistol. And therefore, if a pistol 357 is good for deer out to 50 yds., this will be good for them out to 150.

Stay away from light bullets and JHPs.

Go to http://www.marlinfirearms.com
Follow the link to " marlin talk" , and then 1894 forum. You' ll be able to find much more info here.

Good luck and happy hunting.