Mossy, I'd disagree with your statements about the use of the .357mag rifle, especially a marlin. No, it's not a great long range gun, but I'd venture that with a LITTLE practice you'd get proficient enough with it to hunt coyotes out to 150yrds without much praying involved.

Personally, I very much disagree that it's too small for deer. I've used the .357mag, in revolvers, rifles, and once in a Desert Eagle pistol for deer in the past. While I favor the .44mag to the cheaper to shoot .357mag for power, the .357mag is quite capable of taking deer at "medium" ranges. Too many people call 600yrds long range, in all honesty most hunters never take a shot over 200yrds. The .357mag rifle, especially with rounds handloaded to meet the potential of the Marlin rifle is capable of taking deer out to around 100yrds. Choose your bullet wisely and place it well and it will kill a deer at 100yrds, I've done it myself.

As far as taking squirrels or other small game, I've really enjoyed using a .357mag for squirrels and rabbits in the past. I used to keep a Marlin 1894 .357mag in the truck to use for problem skunks other varmints, mostly spent time shooting rabbits with it.

I've also used it for coyote and bobcat hunting. No, you don't take a 300yrd shot on a trotting coyote like I can with my "Varmint rifles", but it's a lot lighter and nicer handling. I often hunt coyotes off horseback, it's a lot handier to carry a 5.8# .357mag with 10rnds than to carry an 11.3# .22-250 bolt gun with 5rnds.

It's a great little round, use it to its full potential and you'll enjoy it. Underestimate it's full potential and you'll have it "taking up space in your safe."