I used a .44 Mag Ruger carbine over here for boar, nearly all shots are short range and I like the calibre at 120 yds or less but in the UK you can't use a semi auto and I have been invited to shoot a nice fallow stag this year AND you can't take a semi auto to South Africa where I am going in September. I visited a local gunshop the other day and tried an 1894 Marlin in .44 Rem Mag, I loved it. I am having the stock stripped and oil finished and an XS Ghost ring sight put on it. Then I'll be ready to go ! I love short handy carbines if the shooting ranges aren't too long, rgds, Mike