This caliber is my primary deer hunting caliber in a 14" configuration. I prefer a scope in order to be precise. The red-dots are not a precise aiming instrument past about 50yds- At least the regular ones that I have used. They cover up too much of the target for me. The 35 is great at yardages less than 200yds. Most of my shots are around 75yds. But, it is nice to be able to go 200 if I had to.