Well, for deer, I throw the Hastings fully rifled barrel with open sights on my 11-87. I used to carry that and my muzzleloader both, used the ML for long shots and 11-87 for 100yds and under. Once I got a nice open sight ML, I stopped carrying the 11-87 altogether. Most of my shots where I hunt now are 100yds+, so I just need the ML.