I have a couple dozen long guns to choose from when I head out hunting. Sometimes the choice is governed by weather conditions ... none of the nice wood stuff for a week in the rain. Sometimes it is a matter of deferring to the terrain where I plan to hunt ... don't need the 7mm Rem mag for a stand that limits shots to just over yards. Other times, the game I'm pursuing is a major consideration. The 250 Savage would not be my first choice when a mature bull moose is my only quarry. Often I make a choice based simply on which firearm will do the job adequately, and will at the same time give me pleasure to carry. It could be a nostalgia type choice, such as an older 99 Savage, or an opportunity to try some new reloads, a choice to carry a gun I have a lot of personal history with, or a chance use a gun I have recently acquired, or an old family piece, or to try something I have recently done a bit of work on. For me, many of the pleasures and experiences that "hunting" trips have to offer, have little to do with collecting game. Don't misunderstand. I like game meat and I enjoy the thrill seeing through on an opportunity put something in the freezer. In terms of a succesful hunt though, a whole lot of other things are more important to me than a filled tag. Carrying a particular firearm is frequently one of those things. For some folks (count me in), the necessity to pass up shots at game beyond 150 yards with the old 30-30 (or some other choice), may be more than compensated for by the simple pleasure, comfort, or confidence they get from carrying it. Why the 30-30? To the list already mentioned, I would add simply, it is a "personal choice" which gives pleasure.
