I'd imagine that if a shooter were to do his part then this rifle would be a deer killing machine. .243 is a great round for kids to get started with. Hell, I killed a nice 8 point waaaaay back on 12/31/90 @ 212 yards with a .243 I borrowed the day of. He went maybe 40 yards total and piled up.
SkeeterPop, didn't mean to hijack your thread. Nice rifle.