I'll give another vote for the Marlin 336 30-30. I picked one up a few years ago, and it's fast becoming my second favorite deer rifle (can't replace the 7 mag, but it's a close second). The compact size and quick handling characteristics, along with minimal recoil make a perfect hunting package. With the right bullets it would work for bear in a pinch, but if that's going to be a regular issue, get the .35. JMHO
gd
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We hunt, not only because we want to, but because at our basest levels we must.
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