I took my last deer two years ago with my 93 Marlin in 38-55. Biggest trouble I had was a 26" barrel and fine sights, I had a hard time seeing them.
Killed a small buck at 100 yards, my shot placement wasn't great and he went about 75 yards before going down. My ammo was some 50 year old Peters 255 grain stuff that one round never went off. Fresher ammo I felt would have helped.
Grandpa gave us the rifle when I was a little boy, I was 77 when I took the deer. Don't know why I waited so long to use it on a hunt but I'm glad I did use it. Think Granddad may have helped line the sights up for me.