I have an old Marlin 30/30 with Weaver scope that I really like but if I'm using iron sights I love my Rossi M92 .357 Mag with 20 inch barrel which is even less powerful than the 7.62x39. With Leverrevolution ammo its fine on deer out to 100 yards which is about as far I can use open sights and my SKS is a lot of fun and does pretty well out to 100 yards also and I'm sure not afraid to get a scratch on it or take it through the brush on the 4 wheeler.