5 Tips On How To Buy The Best Hunting Rifle

You’re out there in the wild and you spot a deer, a waterbuck or your favorite game animal. You approach slowly, cock your rifle, and aim. You press the trigger and boom; bull’s eye! No experience can be more satisfying than taking home some savory game meat, not forgetting the amazing memories and unique friends you can create while at it. It’s fun, it’s enjoyable, and it’s memorable, but only if you’re armed with the right gear, supplies, and weapon!

Now, one of the first rules of the thumb when it comes to hunting is choosing the right rifle. Your rifle will be a huge determinant of whether or not you go smiling all the way home with game meat ready to hit the grill. Luckily, as the guys from ConsumerFiles point out, online reviews and informative tips can help you out when it comes to the basics of hunting, rifles, scopes, and everything in between. But assuming you’re considering getting a hunting gun, what are some of the important things to consider? Here are 5 tips on how to buy the best hunting rifle.   

1. Think About Your Target Game

The best firearm for your hunting expedition will largely depend on what you’re hunting. For instance, the larger game like bear and moose often need stronger caliber rifles like the .270 Winchester or .308 Winchester. On the other hand, a smaller caliber rifle like .22 or .223 will be ideal for the smaller game like squirrel and rabbit so the meat isn’t damaged too much. When approaching the rifle shop for a hunting gun, it’s important to have your target game in mind before choosing your target rifle.

2. Consider Rifle Action

In layman’s terms, rifle action refers to the mechanism in which a cartridge is ejected and another one is loaded in a rifle upon firing. When it comes to this, several options exist. Some rifles use bolt action, whereas others use breech-loading. Lever action and semi-automatic rifle options also exist. However, you’ll have to choose between two main options in the long run. Whether you want to load your rifle manually after every shot or you prefer firing multiple shots before having to reload your gun.

3. The Cartridge Factor

No rifle is complete without cartridges, which are also known as bullets. Without the right bullets for your rifle, you will not be able to hunt at all. This makes it important that before choosing a hunting rifle, you consider how easy it is to acquire ammunition (ammo) for your rifle. As a matter of fact, most guns are designed to shoot only specific types (and number) of rounds. Before picking a particular rifle as pointed out in point number 1 above, this is a factor you’ll also want to give some thought to. Additionally, some important things you’ll need to bear in mind about ammo include: 

• Some cartridges cost more per unit
• Some rounds are more scarce than others
• Some rifles can only shoot certain rounds and some rounds only work on certain guns

4. Consider The Rifle Materials

Hunting rifles are made from a variety of materials. According to reviews, some of the best options feature a metal barrel, combined with wood or fiberglass for other parts. For most rifles, the barrel is made from carbon steel or stainless steel. However, carbon steel tends to be more prone to rusting and thus requires higher maintenance. For stock parts made from wood, walnut options are more durable, and consequently, making the gun more expensive. In a nutshell, a good hunting rifle based on material is one that cuts you some slack when it comes to maintenance, is more durable and doesn’t cost you too much. After all, hunting rifles double up as a meaningful treasure that can be passed to future generations in families, so you’ll want something that will stand the test of time.

5. Bonus Tip – Budget for The Optics

Last but not least, range and targeting are a huge part of rifle hunting. Without a proper view and focus, game hunting can be overly frustrating. On this note, you can buy a great rifle, only to end up not doing much with it because you just can’t get it right when aiming at your game. A hunting scope is almost just as important as the rifle itself, so be sure to plan a budget for a compatible scope when purchasing a hunting rifle.  

If you’re an avid hunter, no sport can be compared to the experience you get in rifle hunting. It’s adventurous, fulfilling, and more than satisfying. However, this only comes when you have the essential equipment, and the above tips just about cover this. Just make sure you adhere to your country’s hunting rules and regulations to get the best out of it!