I have a bunch of whitetail calibers from 243 to 300wby but as long as I have been hunting I have never had a 30-30. I went to Dicks sporting good this weekend and they had their combo scope/rings/rifle for $350 and I couldnt pass it up.

I picked up a box of the Hornady Leverevelution. in 160grn to try out before getting my dies, bullets etc for next year.

Couple questions though, this gun has a safety on it plus using the hammer itself. How do folks usually carry these for quick-non treestand shots? Safety on hammer back? or safey off hammer forward or just safety on and hammer forward?

2nd what should I apply to the wood stock. I realize I have a $350 gun and was not expecting a "great" stock and there as a couple spots in the checkering where it doesnt look like the stain got into so the wood is close to bare. I looked at 3 different rifles and they all looked like they had this issue.

Any other general tips would be appreciated. Odd to be hunting for 25years and finally getting the gun most folks start out with, plus I like how the Hornady ammo give it a bit more flexibility.