Brass on a deer rifle may look fancy, but it works fine in the woods. Henry makes this side-gate lever gun in .30-30 Winchester, with a 20-inch blued barrel, a brass receiver, and a walnut stock that feels right in cold hands.

The side loading gate is the feature to like. You can top off the magazine without cycling rounds through the action, which saves time at the end of a stand. Five rounds in the tube is plenty for the day, and the .30-30 is perhaps the most familiar deer cartridge in the country.

Brush hunters have used this caliber for generations. It shoots flat enough at moderate range, kicks gently, and ammunition is easy to find in any hardware store. The rifle handles quickly and keeps weight low for long walks.

Wipe the brass with a soft cloth to keep it bright, and keep the steel lightly oiled. Check the scope mounting if you add an optic. It ships to your FFL dealer, and the background check is completed there when you pick it up.