I know how you feel packing the old lever guns. For years all I used was a Model 94 30-30 and a Marlin of the same caliber. I had no trouble taking deer, elk, moose and black bear with them. Somewhere along the line I decided I had to step up to something newer and bigger and better. I am sure though that I would do just as well if I sold all the other stuff and bought a new Marlin 30-30. I do prefer the Marlin to the winchester for reliability and accuracy although to 150 yards there is not a lot of difference.