I have a Marlin that my dad bought used in the 60s. He traded it for a 30-06 in the 70's. Tracked the guy down and bought it back in the 80s and gave it to me for Christmas the year I turned 10. This rifle has taken more deer than the majority of hunters will ever see. The carbine length makes it easier to carry through dense woods and get it up the tree. Granted the effective killing range isn't great, but let's face it, how many in our area (Piedmont region) are shooting out much past 100yds? Unless you are on a powerline, chances are you are in thick woods where the 30-30 excels. I have hunted w/ other calibers (.308 and 30-06), but the trusted old reliable Marlin has always been my go to hunting gun. Just my .02 cents.