I grew up in some ass backwards state that required slug guns or muzzle loaders so shot my first few deer with a coast to coast (mossberg) 12ga pump gun with a rifle sighted slug barrel I borrowed from my dads buddy.

But I’d guess around age 12 I bought a browning BAR 30-06 off my dads same buddy. I ended up selling it when I was about 15-16 to get car parts for a 1970 mustang that I still have. I bought the BAR back when I was about 28 or so. I shot one deer with it a few years ago and she pretty well stays in the safe. I should hunt her again some. She deserves it.