I was 12 when I got my first deer rifle. It was a 1917 Eddystone Military 30-06. Not sporterized it was just like the army got them. A surplus store in Rapid City SD was selling them for $17.50. I got a nice four point mule deer with it the first year. 1954. My dad was working as usuall. I never hunted a day in my life with my dad. He was always to busy farming to go hunting. However my Grandpa and several uncles and older cousins alway ask me to go hunting with them. I used that old rifle for 15 years then it just kind of wore out. I have had to many deer rifles to count since then. From 222-416 Rem mag.