When choosing a hunting rifle, it is essential to think about what type of game you will be hunting. Will you hunt deer with a powerful rifle? Or small game with a more accurate rifle? In either case, you will want the best rifle or the best bolt action rifle to suit your needs.
Small Game Caliber
Large animals like deer are much harder to take down and often require a higher caliber rifle to be successful when hunting. Small game such as rabbits or squirrels have the opposite effect where smaller calibers are necessary for increased accuracy.
Rifles suited for smaller game are often around the .17-.22 caliber mark, the smallest calibers normally available. Using small calibers helps to protect the coat or fur of the animal you are hunting. The smaller round does less damage and creates a bigger hole, preserving the coat.
Rifle Choice
Hunting rifles can often cost upwards of $2,000 for the best semi-automatic hunting rifles, but these expensive rifles are usually the ones associated with big game.
Small game rifles tend to be much more cost effective because of the smaller caliber required. While a .308 caliber hunting rifle might cost you around $1,000, its .22 caliber equivalent could be as low as $400.
These rifles also have the benefit of weighing less than the big game hunting rifles, making them easier to carry long distances to hunting grounds. The average weight of a big game hunting rifle is around 7 lbs while a small game rifle will weigh around 5 lbs.
Here are some examples of small game hunting rifles:
* Ruger 10/22 Takedown
A name many weapon fanatics are familiar with, Ruger has been producing firearms for over 70 years. The 10/22 Takedown is a standard semi-automatic hunting rifle built for durability and accuracy.
Weighing in at only 4.6 lbs at a retail price of $364, this gun certainly will not break your back or bank. The magazine holds 10 rounds, and since it is semi-automatic, the rifle allows for quick second chances in case you miss the first shot.
* Savage MK II FV-SR
Another small game hunting rifle is the Savage MK II FV-SR, a bolt action hunting rifle. This rifle takes .22 caliber long range ammunition and weighs slightly above average at 5.5 lbs. The additional weight can be helpful at a long range when trying to keep the rifle steady when taking a shot.
Since this is not a semi-automatic hunting rifle, it is not intended to fire multiple rounds in quick succession, so do not miss. Holding only five rounds might seem small compared to the Ruger 10/22 Takedown, but with the accuracy of the weapon, it is enough to get the job done.
The Savage MK II FV-SR only costs around $295 and provides the quality necessary to hunt small game.
* Marlin Model 60
Another popular option is the Marlin Model 60. This design has been out since 1960 and has sold millions. Once again it is a .22 caliber long range rifle and is also semi-automatic.
Along with being semi-automatic, this rifle holds 14 rounds, so reloading is rarely on the hunter’s mind. While not spectacular or a stand out, it is a perfect starting rifle as it is safe thanks to its cross-bolt safety feature.
This rifle is also great for beginners as it only costs around $175. While it is inexpensive, it is still a quality rifle that can be used efficiently to hunt small game.
The Perfect Choice
It’s important to remember that the perfect rifle is different for everyone. Some people may prefer a heavier rifle while others prefer a light rifle. Some may favor .17 caliber while others choose .22. Everyone’s preference is different; the trick is to find the one you are most comfortable with so you can enjoy your hunting experience.