Sherlock Holmes, speaking to Dr. Watson: "There is only one thing I fear, air rifles". I think it was Colonel Moran who tried to execute him with one in "The Empty House".
He may have said "air guns" but can't recall exactly.
I put a .50 ball more than an inch deep in a piece of green oak firewood with this gun. I think I could take a deer with it. Its not a muzzle loader so I would be limited to the traditional firearms season only.