I started with a Marlin lever action in .35 Rem and then bought a Rem 700 BDL in 7mm Rem Mag. Both were used and have killed their share of deer in the past thirty years or so. I have looked at other rifles and have the funds to buy a new one, but those two rifles do so well I just have not been able to talk myself into a new one. I have heard a lot recently in regards to the 7mm - 08 and am interested in maybe buying one just for something different after all these years but still not sure. I like tried and true myself.