I used and still do to this day an Old Marlin Glenfield model 30A 30-30 and it has shot plenty of deer up here in these parts. A friend of mine shot his moose with one this year and he also still enjoys it. There are bigger guns out there that can do the job as well. If I was to move up to another rifle I would be seriously thinking about the line of 270s out there. But to each thier own and good luck on what you decide on getting...