As you have noticed Bill, many times these topics go to talking cal. size as to what is legal for deer or not. It is kind of a noble thought, but I am not sure anyone will find the perfect cal. to do both. One will be a powder and lead hog because it is certainly over kill for small game and the other will work for deer, but certainly be very marginal, if it is legal. Kind of like the guy who wants one vehicle to do it all but wants great gas mileage also. You can't have a vehicle to haul wood out of the woods and yet be cheap on gas and other operating expenses. If you get one that has cheap operating expenses, it will be be marginal at best, to have the strength you reguire of it. You really need a vehicle that is strong enough for the job. So with cal. get the cal. that is just big enough for the job at hand and if you need a gun larger for other purposes, get one for it. That is the only way to have the best of both worlds, is to have a two guns that are best, in both worlds. Small bores? I have a .33,.36,.38 and a .40. Which is best? I don't have a real opinion, other than I like them all and they are all good for small game. Though the .38 and .40 is legal where I live for deer, it certainly is not the best choice and I have larger cal. guns for that purpose. It is also illegal to hunt small game in my state, when the deer season is in. So, during the deer season, take the gun that is better for the job and leave the small bores at home. But, what do I shoot the most for fun and plinking? The small bores. You will not be disappointed with either cal. .36 or .40. JMHO :surrender: