If you're ready to start hunting, you need to carefully choose the rifle you'll use. First-time hunters often assume that the bigger the rifle, the better it will be, but getting one that's too big or heavy for you can mean losing control of it. On the other hand, some lightweight rifles might not work for the game you're hunting. You also need to ensure you can properly maintain the rifle you choose; note what that means, and a few important tips for those looking for their first hunting rifle:
Ammunition
You should start your shopping experience with the size of ammunition you need; if hunting ammunition is too large, it may tear away too much of the meat of animals you're hunting, especially smaller animals like rabbits, ducks or pheasant. On the other hand, smaller ammunition may not mean a quick and clean kill of larger game, so that the animal suffers more, or may even be able to get away without actually being killed. Opt for larger ammunition for larger and faster game, but scale down that ammunition for birds and other smaller animals.
Single shots versus repeaters
A single shot rifle is just as it sounds; it holds one cartridge or bullet, and you need to reload the rifle before you can shoot it again. Repeaters hold more than one cartridge, and these are often better for beginning hunters, as your aim may not be so accurate quite yet. To avoid the risk of losing your target if you miss with the first shot, start with a repeater rifle, and then upgrade to a single shot after you've got some skill and experience hunting.
Material
A classic wood rifle can look and feel very nice, and may be good for displaying in your home, but wood will expand and shrink over time, as it absorbs humidity and then dries out. This can mean a slight change in the direction of the barrel so that your aim is not so accurate. It's also more difficult to maintain a wood rifle, as you need to consistently recoat or reseal the wood parts, to keep them protected from damage.
Stainless steel is often a better choice for hunting rifles, and carbon steel is lightweight and easy for first-time hunters to control. However, carbon steel may be more prone to rusting, so you need to ensure you clean the rifle thoroughly after every use, to avoid this corrosion.
Share4 August 2017
Hey! When was the last time you went outdoors and have some fun? I used to just sit around my home and do nothing except watch TV. However, all that changed one day, I decided it was time to go outside. I started by going out for long walks. Next, I signed up for a shooting club and learnt how to hit a target at 500 metres. I then decided to hit the ocean so I could learn to fish. I had a fantastic day out there on the waves. Having spent the last 6 months embracing the outdoors and various sports, I decided to start this blog.
