Verg, I live in eastern Montana so my country isn't that much different than yours. I've been shooting and killing deer and antelope (and elk, moose, bighorn, a wolf, etc...) with lever actions for going on 50 years. I started with a .25-20, then carried a .25-35 for years, and have had several .30-30s. My present truck gun is a Model 94 cut down to 18" with a William FireSight on front. I filled my deer A and B tags with it this year. I have several Marlins including the new .308ME. Even with open sights if you practice and get to know the load you are shooting you can be pretty confident out to 225 yards. Just look at it as the challenge of "hunting" as opposed to the skill of "shooting." There is nothing more satisfying than cleaning taking game with a firearm you have an affection for. With the new gummy-tip bullets you can certainly be confident to 200 yards, so, go for it!
Last edited by mtrancher; 01/29/12.
