RE: 30-30 for deer
I think that most of the defenders of the 30-30 here, are pretty familiar with the 30-30 and it' s limitations. With practice, and knowing the 30-30' s limits and discipline not to stretch it' s limits the 30-30 is a " adequate" gun. 150 yards is about the absolute max, (100-125 would be a better limit).
My main peeve with the 30-30, is that, like the .22' s, it is given to youngsters as a first gun. In these cases youngsters usually don' t have the shooting skills or the distance judging skills needed to make good shots with the 30-30.
Other than that, I just don' t understand why a person that is looking for a " deer" rifle would go out and spend money on a 30-30 when there are soooo many better choices available!