I've own many guns in my past, I could honestly say at one time or another I own 95% of the guns available in the local gun shop, including handguns. In my bachelor days, I had IMI, FN, HK, and SIG collections, owning 90% of these military rifles.... With all the bans ... I sold all my rifles ...with the exception of one.. my customize Colt dissapator AR-style rifle. It's basically a standard rifle AR with the end of the barrel cut off. I like the dissapator option because it give the shooter a longer sight radias and the long hand guard saves you from burning your fingers from the hot barrel. I chose the standard barrel because when cut, it's actually very light. .223 round can take done a man, so a deer should be no problem... 30 rd mags help in a hot situation, 10rd and 5 rd mags is good for low profile in hunting situation. Of coarse there are many other options, but this gun will always be in my family....my .02 