First deer rifle was a Marlin 35. I loved that gun but, unfortunately, never shot a deer with it. I ended up selling it to a friend years ago. Last year I bought a Savage 110, 30-06 from a pawn shop and shot my first deer with it on opening day. I won't retell the whole story, you can read it here. Shortly after that, I ran into my old friend, who asked if I wanted "that old Marlin" back. So far, I have two in the freezer this season with the 35. I sold the 30-06 to another friend and am planning on keeping the Marlin for good.