I have shot a Ruger such as this, but never hunted with one. Our shooting range only goes to 200 yards. It grouped fine out that far. Sighted in dead on at 200 using Federal Premium 165 gr. Game King ammo. Was about 1.5"-2" high at 100. I agree with others though that if I were purchasing a rifle for mule deer, and were expecting to hunt both prairie and timber, a 20" barrel makes more since to me. Kind of a "tweener". The 308 Win. cartridge is plenty bad medicine for mule deer. I have a Styer Mt. in 308 Win. It has a 20" barrel. I have killed several mule deer cleanly .... from a dunk shot 75 yard or so, out to about 350 yards. I hunt white tail extensively in the deep south, and this sized rifle has proven to be a darned good handling set-up for woods hunting as well. I would expect the 16" barrel Ruger would only be quicker for woods hunting.