I don't own one, but years ago my father won one of these 25-20's in a raffle at work. It had been the rifle of a local minister, and he put this up as a prize. Dad came home from work with it, and two boxes of ammo. It was the first center-fire rifle that my brothers and I would learn on, and at one time or another, each of us hunted deer with it. I never saw a buck to shoot with it, but my youngest brother shot 4 buck in 5 seasons, using a total of six rounds. Back in those days, we kids hunted with whatever was available to use in the family, and were taught to not waste ammo on bad shots. We were in grade school, and seldom if ever read about the 25-20 in gun magazines. We didn't know it was "not adequate" for deer. You're lucky to find one of these in good shape. By the way, do you plan to handload for it? if so, send me a PM.