While not the ideal weapon, I doubt that there is any North American Big game animal that has not been taken many times with the 30-30. Its been carried to the far corners of this continent for almost a 100 years. Before that the old 44-40 did the same thing. I wouldn't use the 30-30 for Polar or grizzly bears but its been done many times. I have an NEF 30-30 with a 22 inch barrel that shoots the 130 and 140 grain Xfb's at 2620 and 2500 fps and makes a good low recoil deer rifle to 200 yards. However to carry I prefer the model 94. If I could only have one though the 336 would be it.