My first deer rifle was a Remington model 74 sportsman .30-06. I bought it in 1984 when I was 12 years old based upon my fathers advice. Many people have had problems with the rem autos, but mine never failed me. This year I finally went on a western elk hunt and upgraded to a Browning A-bolt .338. Since I shot this rifle all summer, I used it for deer season as well. Some say it is overkill, but it is what I am most accurate wth now...shot a 7 pt and a doe, both dropped dead on the spot