I have 12 traditional levers in my gun safe. I generally grab one right away when deer hunting. I have a full range of bolt guns also, however, for hunting in thick cover or area where shots are no longer than 150 yards the lever seems ideal. They are lighter than bolt guns, can be very powerful in a small package (like my 50 alaskan) and balance well. They are also easy to pack on a horse or quad. Of course part of my 'bias' might be the fact I started shooting one 42 years ago.