[Dennis]

yup I agree
A mosin based scout rifle type rifle is as good as it gets.
install a hunting stock and a scout type pistol scope mounted on the rear sight base. a sling
ya got a easy to pack lighter weight HIGH POWER rifle and its cheap too so it would not be a disaster to take it out in the fields and "Scout around"
A M44 or 38 would be a good choice to do this to.
the reality is that it is possible to take either one on these rifles in to the field just as they are, (with the original ironsights and stocks)
VERY effective deer rifle
soft point ammunition avalible from wolff and a few other manufacturers.
Hey at least we are getting something for winning the cold war

 

[Dennis]

the more I work my action the longer my barrel gets, uh
well, "metaforically speaking"
a m38 or a m44 is perfect for a short deer rifle
If you leave the bayonet attached to the m44 ya never need that kill shot when you walk up on to the wounded deer.
If I did not allready have so many "Perfect deer rifles"
and I wanted to hunt and was strapped for cash a m38 or m44 with a scout rifle scope would be my choice.