There are more than 11 million hunters in the US, and the number is rising each year as more people become interested in the sport. And most of those hunters are looking to chase whitetail deer, the most popular big game animal in the states.
To do that, the weapon of choice is a hunting rifle. Rifles can take down a deer fast, from as close as 20 yards to more than 300 yards out. That is, as long as you buy a reputable rifle that can handle those shots.
Looking to pick up a new rifle before the season starts? There are a few hunting rifle shopping mistakes to avoid if you want to ensure your new rifle gets the job done.
Keep reading below for tips when sifting through options for hunting rifles.
1. Not Choosing the Right Caliber
One of the most important factors when choosing a hunting rifle is the caliber. The caliber of the rifle is essentially how big or small the bullets are that fit into the chamber.
Larger caliber rifles can fire larger bullets, which can take down larger animals, such as elk or bears.
Smaller caliber rifles can be light, easier to fire with less recoil, and a great option for deer or antelope.
Make sure to research the ideal caliber for each animal you plan to hunt.
2. Spending Too Much Money
It’s tempting to spend all of your money on your hunting rifle. While quality is important, you need a few other gadgets and accessories to complete your hunting rifle.
When comparing rifle prices, make sure to leave room in the budget to buy a scope and other rifle hunting accessories like shooting sticks, tripod, cleaning kit, sling, case, and so forth.
3. Not Getting a Good Scope
The scope you put on your rifle is just as important, if not more important, than the rifle itself. A good rifle can’t make up for a bad scope.
Many experienced hunters claim you should spend the same amount of money on a scope as you did your rifle. This is especially important for those hunting out west, taking longer shots. Check out this collection of Burris Optics to learn more about quality glass.
4. Only Shopping Locally
Many hunters only shop at their local sporting goods stores. But if inventory is limited, consider shopping online. You get access to nearly any hunting rifle brand you are looking for.
Just pay a small fee and they will ship it to your local firearms dealer for you to pick up. Just make sure you are reading online reviews before buying a gun you can’t hold.
5. Going Cheap
For those on a budget, it can be tempting to buy the cheapest rifle available. While you can get a hunting rifle for less than $300, it’s not in your best interest. Do your best to save up more, ideally at least $500 (or more) for a basic rifle.
6. Not Knowing How Rifles Work
There are countless hunting rifle features you should be aware of. And you need to know which components make up a gun and have a basic understanding of how hunting rifles work.
If you are unfamiliar with shooting a rifle, take a course at a local shooting range before buying your own gun.
Avoiding These Hunting Rifle Shopping Mistakes
With a little research and preparation, you can avoid these costly hunting rifle shopping mistakes. Take your time when buying a gun, as you will rely on it for many seasons to come.
When out hunting, you might only get one shot per season at an animal. Make it count.
Looking for more hunting tips? Visit our blog now to keep reading.
