I'm from Ky too, but just a plain 'ol factory worker.hehe But, I do shoot the Encore in .45 and have taken a few deer with it and have not had one go over 20yds before piling up. Like somebody said, shot-placement is everything when using a smaller caliber. No, I can't take it out west for elk, but, my dad has the 209X50 and I'll just have to borrow his barrel if I ever get that opportunity.