A Complete Guide to Choosing a Hunting Firearm

Hunting is a sport that demands skills, but more than anything else a reliable gun. There are dozens of firearms available, so it is crucial to choose your weapon carefully, depending on whether you are shooting at close range or from a distance. Rifles, shotguns and handguns can all be useful, but not in every case. 

Learn about the different types of guns to choose the right weapon for hunting and ensure you get the most out of your hunt. 

Types of Firearms

One common question new hunters typically ask is “What weapon is used for hunting?”. Rifles and shotguns are the most commonly used types of firearms, though, some hunters also like to use handguns. However, handguns are typically used as a backup rather than as a primary weapon. The right choice will ultimately depend on what you’re hunting and where.  Check out the extensive collection of rifles and shotguns and choose your weapon for hunting based on your needs. 

Rifles

Hunters typically use riffles to take down large animals from a distance. Riffles are great for when you need precision. They have long barrels that keep the bullet steady and allow a straight travel through it, making shots more accurate. Such a design increases the chances of a successful hit. 

Rifle bullets work a bit differently from other types of hunting weapons - they spin as they fly. The spinning is what keeps them steady and straight as they travel through the barrel after being fired. Because rifles are so accurate, they are best for hunting big games at a long range. However, not all rifles work the same. These firearms come in different types and sizes. 

For instance, in bolt-action rifles, you need to pull a bolt back and push it forward before firing a bullet. This is done before each shot. Semi-automatic rifles work differently - they fire one bullet per trigger pull, without needing to reload each time which makes them a lot faster. Lever-action rifles, on the other hand, come with a lever under the trigger that you move to load the next bullet. They are great for quick follow-up shots. 

Shotguns

While Shotguns can be shorter than some rifles, that’s not always the case. Regardless, they are a very powerful hunting weapon, which is why you must handle them with caution. Make sure to keep the safety on until you’re ready to fire. The difference between shotguns and rifles is in how they work. Unlike rifles which fire only one bullet at a time, shotguns fire multiple small pellets/shots or a single large slug. Because they can cover a wider area, shotguns are great for hunting birds and small animals. 

However, some modern shotguns like those loaded with slugs can also be used for larger animals like deer. Just like rifles, shotguns also come in different styles. Pump-action models work by sliding the pump back and forth to load the next shell. Semi-automatic shotguns work by simply firing one shot per trigger pull without having to pump or reload after each shot. 

Then there are also break-action types, which open up like a book, allowing you to load shells by hand. Also, different shotguns use different types of ammo. For example, some contain many tiny pellets that spread out, making them ideal for hitting birds and other fast-moving targets. Others come with larger shells like buckshot, perfect for hunting big games. As for slugs, they are mostly used when you need more power and precision. 

Choosing the Right Firearm for Different Game

Small Game

For hunting small game, you’ll want a lightweight hunting firearm like a rifle or a shotgun with small pellets - they are a lot easier to handle. Also, when hunting small animals you want to avoid damaging the meat. This is why rifles with smaller calibres are best for small games.  

Big Game

For large animals like water buffalos, deer, and wild boars, you’ll need a powerful rifle. Look for ones with a larger calibre for clean and accurate shots. They are best for hitting large animals from a distance and are powerful enough to take them down with just a single shot if you aim for vital areas like the heart or lungs. 

Bird Hunting

Shotguns are excellent for bird hunting. They fire small pellets that spread out so they are a lot easier to use for games that move very fast like birds. These guns are perfect for fast action, so you need to aim quickly. 

Features to Look for in a Hunting Firearm

Calibre

The calibre determines the size of the bullet. You want the right size to ensure the shot is powerful enough for the type of game you’re hunting. Thus, small calibres are great for small animals and large ones are better for big games. 

Long-range vs Close-quarter Hunting

For hunting from a distance, rifles do better at providing greater accuracy. Shotguns, on the other hand, are great for close-quarter hunting or shooting in dense woods. 

Weight and Handling

If you’re hunting in areas with dense vegetation where you need quick shots at short range, lighter guns are easier to handle, which often makes them a better option. For hunting at open land or longer ranges, a heavier rifle with better stability will do a better job at taking more accurate shots.