I don' t see the concern with shooting an untested gun. If that 30/30 is sighted in properly, I would not hesitate to use it. I have shot a few deer in Maine with a borrowed rifle (300win mag and .358) both of wich I never fired before. I placed the crosshairs on the deer and after the shot, there was no need to look for either deer. I also have the attitude that close is good but I do not jeapardize a " good shot" by waiting for the deer to get closer...assuming she is within range. Whatever decision you finally decide to make, good luck with it.