Hunting Rifles 101: A Beginner's Guide
Posted on: 8 December 2015
If you're searching for a good hunting rifle, there are several qualities and factors you need to consider in order to find the right gun for you. Before you make such an important purchase, it's essential to know what you need as well as which features will suit your personal needs. Here are some essential things to keep in mind before you make a hunting rifle purchase.
Gun Action
The action of your rifle refers to the way it is loaded and shot. Depending on the type of game you'll be hunting as well as your personal preference, it's good to find a rifle with the correct action style. Here are examples of the most common:
- Bolt Action: This type of hunting rifle is the most common, and uses a metal cylinder called the bolt to slide forward and lock the bullet into the chamber. This type of gun is strong and durable, but using it does take some practice.
- Semi-Automatic: These types of rifles reload themselves once the magazine has been loaded. It makes hunting quicker and easier since you won't have to struggle with reloading in cases where you want to make quick, successive shots.
- Lever Action: These guns require you to pull a lever to lock the cartridge into the chamber. As you pull the lever down, it opens up the chamber and spits the spent case out of the side of the rifle. They are reliable guns, and many hunters enjoy using them.
- Pump Action: You'll usually find pump action on shotguns, but they can also be on rifles as well. You will slide a large pump that surrounds the stock up and down in order to cycle the ammunition through. These are simple to use and some people prefer them because of the feeling you get from manually forcing the next round into the chamber by pumping it.
Other Factors
Aside from the action of your hunting rifle, you will want to consider what caliber bullet to use. Smaller caliber bullets are better for small game like birds, while large caliber is preferred for big game and deer. You will also want to consider what your rifle is made of, whether it's stainless steel, wood, or composite. This is mostly a matter of cosmetics, but some people prefer the feel of metal because of its durability and toughness. For more information, contact a pawn shop that sells firearms.
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