I also must point out that the Marlin 1894 in .44mag works as well as the Model 94 out to a few hunded yards. After that, the .30-30 shoots much flatter. With the density of the woods in my area, 150 is all you'll need; often less than that.
I also must point out that the Marlin 1894 in .44mag works as well as the Model 94 out to a few hunded yards. After that, the .30-30 shoots much flatter. With the density of the woods in my area, 150 is all you'll need; often less than that.
While I like .30-06 up on the flats (180 gr Core-Lokt from a Winchester Model 70), down in the bottoms and the breaks here I like the Marlin in .44 Mag. It is short and easy to work with in the brush, with all the knockdown power you need at shorter ranges, and not easily deflected by the stray willow.
Concur. The M1A has better iron sights, a consideration for me if it's raining in deer season. Conversely, they're all grooved and tapped for a scope mount if that's one's preference.
The adjustable gas system of the FAL/L1A1 allows a wider choice of commercial ammunition, anything from 125-grain *light recoil* ammo from Remmie, to 180-grain softpoints for double duty in dear country where a surprise encounter with a bear is also possible.
My usual pick is a Garand. But the last whitetail deer I got was with a Kar98k German Mauser boltgun. They'll all do the job if the shooter does his or hers, and the deer are there.