Taking up hunting is perhaps the most fascinating method to connect with nature.
Deer hunting is a fantastic hobby for certain individuals. To be a successful hunter, you need hunting equipment. Choosing the perfect hunting rifle can be a bit troublesome for beginners, but don’t worry. We will guide you through the process and information you need to know before getting your first rifle.
Without further ado, let us get right into it!
Insight
Deer hunting is a tradition among some groups, while some just do it for fun and pastime. Therefore, it might be daunting for beginners because the selection of equipment and ideas can vary intensely. In addition, everyone has their personal opinions on how to hunt, when to hunt, and where to hunt. And, as a beginner, you should get some necessary gear as well.
As a result, it is unsurprising that there are many different views, perspectives, and considerations when selecting deer hunting rifles. This means that hunting can be an excellent introduction to gun collecting for beginners who have a passing interest in guns.
Types of Rifles
There are so many rifle calibers, actions, and combinations available that you might get confused. There are plenty of rifle types you can use while hunting, from conventional bolt action rifles to semi-automatics, pump guns, lever actions, and rolling blocks. Most rifle hunters will have a preferred caliber; ask two professional hunters, and there is a good chance you will receive two different responses.
The reality is that a broad range of rifle actions and calibers can be used for successful deer hunting. There are many excellent choices available nowadays, and there is nothing wrong with relying on specific equipment.
Let us consider some of the rifle types and some of the reasons why one rifle may suit your needs better than another.
Rifle’s Action
The action of a rifle relates to the weapon’s mechanics. Each rifle has basic components such as a chamber, barrel, bolt, and firing pin. How these mechanisms work defines the rifle action type. While selecting the appropriate action type for your deer rifle is mostly a question of personal taste, there are certain considerations.
Bolt Action Rifles
The bolt action is by far the most popular for a deer rifle. Bolt action rifles have a long and glorious history but are naturally simple in design, with few changeable components. This kind of rifle, in general, can be manufactured to be very precise and reliable. Bolt action rifles are constructed either light or heavy, depending on the stock material, the barrel size, and the barrel length.
With some skill, bolt action rifles can do rapid follow-up shots. However, magazine capacity is often restricted to between three and five rounds. Due to their basic structure, bolt action rifles are very flexible and can be chambered in a wide range of calibers. With the proper bolt action rifle chambered in the proper caliber, you have a weapon capable of taking a deer out from up to 400 yards away.
These are some of our most popular and beloved Remington models. Remington Model 700, Remington Model Seven, Remington Model 783, is the superior type of rifles, and many professional hunters recommend them — even for beginners.
Lever Action Rifles
Lever action rifles are generally chambered for slower-moving rounds and heavier bullets. Consequently, they are most effective at ranges of less than 200 yards.
Lever action rifles are fast to aim and simple to handle. The majority of lever actions have shorter barrels than bolt guns, making them lighter and more maneuverable. While the conventional tubular magazine presents particular challenges when chambering ballistic tip ammunition, it allows larger rifle capacity.
Winchester, Savage, Marlin, Remington, Browning, and Henry are among iconic weapons manufacturers that have produced lever-action rifles to meet the requirements of deer hunters.
Semi-Automatic Rifles
Semi-automatic rifles are a comparatively recent invention. Armalite developed the now-common AR10 & AR15 prototype design in 1956 but did not make it accessible to the public until 1964, almost 100 years after Pennsylvania established its first controlled deer season.
While there is no question that deer hunters adapted semi-automatic weapons such as Remington Woodmasters, SKS rifles, and Browning’s BAR into the woods, the increase in popularity of assault rifles (AR) has brought them into deer hunting. Semi-automatic rifles are available in various chambers with detachable magazines. Their accuracy can match that of a bolt gun at most deer hunting ranges. Thus, chamberings like “.300 AAC Blackout” and “.308 Winchester” are both effective and practical in deer hunting.
Rifle’s Caliber
The argument about what’s considered an exceptional caliber will almost certainly never end. Choosing the appropriate caliber for your deer rifle is a personal choice based on personal taste, experience, and hunting environment. While some states require a certain caliber, others allow deer hunting with any centerfire rifle. Bullet weight and size, accuracy, velocity, kinetic energy, and recoil are just a few of the important variables to consider when selecting a deer rifle caliber.
The classic .30-06 Springfield, the .308 Winchester, the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .243 Winchester, and the .270 Winchester are all great all-around deer hunting cartridges since they are as efficient at extended ranges. In addition, the .30-30, .444 Marlin, and even the .45-70 are excellent lever-action cartridges that should be easily accessible at shops.
Bullet Design
Not only is bullet design important for accuracy, but also for efficacy. Because your bullet is the only component of your hunting equipment that has direct contact with the deer, bullet selection is essential for the success of your hunt.
While lighter deer hunting bullets at high velocity may shoot very flat at long ranges, they are more susceptible to being influenced by light breezes and carry less kinetic energy.
While heavy rounds deliver a punch, accuracy at extended ranges may be challenging due to the bullet drop curve.
Be careful to experiment with various bullet types and weights in your rifle to get the sweet spot for your deer gun. Bullet velocity, twist rate, and barrel length affect the bullet, and each load will fire differently. Take the time to determine which round performs best with your weapon.
Conclusion
When selecting your first rifle for big game hunting or deer hunting, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. However, by using a process of elimination, action, chambering, stock type, and barrel style, you can rapidly narrow your options to a few within your price range and then make your final selection from that list. Also, when you go for a hunt, always be safe and take the necessary safety measures.