Good question.

1. Size.
With a sling, it makes for easy walks through thick brush. The barrel is no taller than the top of my head when slung across my back.

2. Caliber at short range.
In my opinion, it is better to have at least .30 caliber in the woods when you know your shots are going to be close. I would rather have the .30 than a .223, .243 or even my .270 when I can' t even see 100yds.

3. Velocity.
That' s right, I said velocity. Somewhere, someplace somebody came up with the 1,000 ft. lbs. of energy rule for minimum deer taking medicine. The 30-30 takes that 1,000 out to about 165 or so yards which is way farther than I need when I am trying to ambush a buck in the woods.
Another reason for the velocity advantage with the 30-30 is that it' s velocity is perfect for just about any bullet. Even the dreaded core-lokt performs perfectly at 30-30 speed, even at close range.

4. It shoots where I aim it.
I honestly don' t think I can miss when I shoot the Marlin.

So, if you ask me, if you are a woods hunter, I would say that there is no better gun. I think you would have to go to a .35 remington, .444 marlin, or a 45-70 government to even put up a good argument against the 30-30 for the type of hunting I mostly do.

C. Davis