Get It Right: 4 Things To Consider When Choosing Your First Hunting Rifle

If you've just paid for your first hunting license, you will want to have a good rifle. If you've never owned a hunting rifle, you might not know what to look for. If you choose the wrong rifle, you might not be as successful as you'd like to be. Before you start shopping, here are four tips to help you choose the right hunting rifle. 

Get the Right Fit

If you're going to be shopping for your first hunting rifle, the first thing you need to do is ensure a good fit. You might think that rifles are designed to be one-size-fits-all, but that's not the case. Instead, a hunting rifle should fit comfortably in your arm. First, you don't want the rifle to be too heavy. If the rifle is too heavy, the excess weight may throw off your accuracy. Second, you want to be able to reach the trigger without over-extending. Finally, your face should fit comfortably up against the stock. The best way to ensure a good fit is to try a few on for size. You can do that at a local gun shop. 

Consider the Action

If you're in the market for your first hunting rifle, you'll want to consider the action. There are several different actions to choose from; bolt-action, lever-action, single-shot, and semi-automatic. If you want to make sure you get several shots off in rapid succession, which is beneficial when you're hunting, you'll want to choose a semi-automatic hunting rifle. But, if you want to take your time between shots, you might want to choose a bolt-action, lever-action, or single-shot hunting rifle. 

Choose Stock Material

If you're ready to invest in your own hunting rifle, you'll need to make sure that you choose the right stock material. There are three different types of stock material to choose from; wood, laminated wood, and synthetics, such as plastic and fiberglass. If you prefer a more traditional look, look into wood stocks. If you want a rifle that provides improved strength and durability, choose laminated wood, or synthetics. These materials provide strength and durability, and they stand up to moisture. 

Don't Forget Barrel Length

Finally, now that you're ready to buy your first hunting rifle, you'll want to spend time choosing the appropriate barrel length. When choosing a barrel length, you want to consider velocity. If you have limited experience with hunting rifles, you'll want to choose one with a shorter barrel. That's because shorter barrels don't build up as much velocity behind the bullet, which makes the rifle easier to handle.

For more information about buying hunting rifles, contact a local gun shop.


Share