I live in Texas, my part has some thick woods full of hogs and some really long shots over 500 yards if you want. I bought an M77/44 specifically for hogs in the creek bottoms and around tanks, some really thick brush. I fell in love with it, never thought I'd have a use for such a carbine, since then have also acquired an old Ruger .44 mag carbine made in early 70s. I have a Redfield 3x7x44 on mine and it is just right, 1" groups at 100 yards with Winchester 240 grain ammo, pretty much standard, low recoil, compact, accurate...what's not to like. I still have lots of long range caliber rifles but love the m77/44, mine is the stainless with synthethic stock. sorry, I meant 2x7x33 Redfield scope, great choice for me.