Goosh I remember when Sears actually had a decent outdoors dept. The good ole before hunting and fishing were dirty words.

My first deer rifle was a remington 7400 semi auto in .243. First deer was killed with New England firearms single shot 20 ga. I used my dad's 1100 12 ga after that. My first rifle deer kill was with grandpa .308 before I got .243.

Marlin 336 (circa 1971) in 30-30.

Paw paw's old Winchester 94 30-30. Killed my very first deer with it and a few after that, I'll never part ways with it!

My first deer rifle was a Winchester model 94 chambered for 30/30. My dad bought it used some place for my birthday After the second year I was able to deer hunt. A fellow dad worked with did reloads for it, I can't remember the powder or grains but it had 150gr. silver tips bullets. I can't remember how many deer I got with it over the years but stopped using it so much in 1971 when I got a Remington 700 in 243. I still have it today, it has a reputation in the family as Al's slum gun. If it was raining or a wet sticky snow that is the rifle I took to the woods.
Today it sports a Lyman #2 peep site tang mounted.

Al

Browning A-5 with foster slugs.

My Uncle gave me my Pre 64 model 94 30-30 when I was 12. That was 37 years ago... I still have it and might try and hunt with it this year if I can see the sights!!!

Callhunter I have one as well I paid 175 for mine added a Butler Creek stock and Pentex scope. I have a 270 under 425$ You could not buy that rifle.. I have Abolt in 270 that sits as my Ted Williams is a shooter...