We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, guns are not one size fits all. Whether you are choosing a gun for home defense, buying a handgun, or looking for a rifle for hunting season, you need to do your research and select the firearm that’s best for you. May your looking to buy a rifle for your first hunting season, or you’re a seasoned hunter wanting to switch things up. Either way, walking up to the counter at a sporting goods store and viewing the vast selection of hunting rifles available can be overwhelming. We’ve rounded up some tips to help make your selection easier. Keep reading to learn about what to look for in your first hunting rifle.
Research Your Options
Before you even step foot into a store, you need to do your research. Here are some things to consider.
Is it legal? Depending on your state of residence and the game you are hunting for, certain firearms might be illegal. To make sure that you comply with the law, research what type of firearm you can use. Hunting laws exist to make sure that the game is being hunted and killed humanely and to protect your fellow hunters as much as possible.
How much do hunting rifles cost? Take a second to think about your budget. While there is an abundance of hunting rifles available for an affordable price, a decent model will probably run you around $500. Also keep in mind that you’ll need to but accessories, like a scope. A good rule of thumb is that a scope should cost around 50% of what your rifle cost. Take the time to look through your options so you can get the most bang for your buck.
Consider The Details
You’ve done your research, and you have a good idea of what hunting rifle you want to buy. Now, it’s time to go to the store. Here are a few things to look for before making your purchase.
Fit. When you go hunting, chances are, you’ll be spending the majority of your day on the hunt. At the store, pick up and hold the gun. Is it too heavy? Too light? Either of these things could throw off your control of the gun. Also, ask yourself if you could comfortably carry it around all day. A gun that has a good fit is a considerable contribution to a steady aim.
Action. What kind of action is best for you? Hunting rifles are available with a variety of actions, including bolt-action, pump-action, lever-action, semi-automatic, and single shot. Again, the type of hunting you’re doing will determine the type of action you should consider.
Material. Hunting rifles are available in several different materials. Which one is best for you?
Wood: Wood hunting rifles have a traditional look and feel that many hunters enjoy and are partial to.
Laminated Wood:Laminated wood is stronger than traditional wood, and fends off nicks and dings.
Synthetics:Synthetic hunting rifles are available at several price points. They are also not as affected by moisture. Similarly to laminated wood, they are durable, and they don’t show marks easily.
Barrel. Barrel length affects the length of the rifle, the weight, and the velocity of your shot. The longer the barrel, the higher the velocity and vice versa. Like everything else, the barrel length that’s best for you is determined by the type of hunting you are doing.
Once you’ve considered these options, the variety of choices available will seem less overwhelming to you. We hope you have a safe and successful hunting season! To learn more about concealment storage solutions once hunting season is over, contact Liberty Home Concealment.
