Hi SCbowhntr,

I have a Marlin 1894P Carbine. Set it up with an aperture rear sight. It is both light and handy. Shoots well too!

My brother has a Ruger Lever action 96-.44 Magnum which he put a 2 1/2X scope on. Both he and his son use it whitetail hunting. Actually it fits his 13 year old so well that my brother seldom gets to touch it anymore!

A few years back when we still lived in Alaska I owned a short, portable, Winchester 94 Trapper, (also set up with a peep), chambered in .44 Magnum. Loaded with heavy bullet loads I would sometimes use it as a "meat packing" gun. (Though I usually opted for something a little heavier up there!)

Personally I wouldn't hesitate recommending any of them to you. They are all nice, portable, and effective!

Good luck with your decision!