I've used my Mod. 94 Win. to take my first buck in 1953. I then went to a Mod. 95 in 35 Win for my Elk rifle. In 1981 I traded for a Mod.88 Win. .308. Since then I usually taken my winters meat with the 30-30 or the 308. Been a long time while using lever guns but they have never failed. Now my Elk rifle is a Marlin Guide gun in 45-70. Does the job real well.