I 've hunted with them all, singles, bolts, pumps, semi-auto. Back in the day it was to make it more of a trill. I used a different gun each time, finally I just got hooked on the Mossberg 695. I use the the 695t , put a good ported cyl choke on it! I shoot 100-150 yrds like a laser. LOL. I trained my kids and wives on Mossberg 185ka and kb's. In fact house rules are until you get a deer with the trainer, you don't get to use anything else! I was surprised that most my kids stuck with bolts! I guess it is the One shot One kill we practice. Because of this I have chopped crowned and ported a number of bolt actions over the last 20 yrs. I always advise others to start out with them, most singles are way heavy for young people to shoot and kick like a mule! If anyone wants real shooting advice for a kid starting out or anyone starting deer hunting with shotgun? It teaches safety, and good hunting tactics, and will serve them well if they become soldiers. I like marlin 50, 55, 512's too! Savage 210, big long heavy deer sniper gun, if you like a bmg? That's your bolt gun! Now, those old cheapies, I don't think much of them! They weren't made to handle slugs much. I was surprised when I gave my second, a springfield 58, I chopped it, crowned it, and truglo sighted it! He used it for yrs, home on leave. I just wanted to see if anyone still uses them? I admit getting older sucks! Thanks again!