I agree Dave. I'm also in the upstate NY region and I shoot a Remington 710, .30-06. Cost me roughly $350 for the entire setup, hey for an 18 year old kid at the time that's a good chunk of change. I have had no problems with the gun to date and I am confident shooting to around 200 yards. Anything farther than that I'd recommend a .270 or .280. If any of you have hunted upstate NY you know why i carry a .30-06.