I've taken alot of deer with a scoped rifles. But as I increase in age the hunt, not the actual harvest, means much more. So I went to lever guns w/ peep sights. This is personal opinion but I think you have to work a little harder, be a little better to consistently get it done with an open sighted lever gun. And the end result is more fulfilling. If you have to kill to be successful, stick with what you have. If you want to have fun, maybe step back in time, get a lever gun and enjoy. I have several levers, this year saw the Win 94 w/ 26" barrel and full mag tube 30/30 in the woods for most of the season. The Marlin I harvested my first 2 deer with I gave to my son. And my Grandfathers Savage 99 is waiting in the wings. I am currently in the market for a Win 1886 in 45-70. Bottom line: most lever guns are good, some better than others. Get what makes you happy. Good Luck
