Thread: Trying to decide on my first hunting rifle

If are are interested in the .22 route (non-hunting obviously), look at the .17 HMR as well...flatter trajectory.

But other than that, happy hunting and make sure you buy GOOD boots.

The .308 is the only center fire "cartridge" rifle I have left, short of an heirloom piece..

I'm not the typical hunter anymore so I will say that this is all my opinion and how I look at things...

The 308 is a great choice for someone starting out. As noted earlier, it's extremely versatile as well as greatly abundant in factory offerings. With practice it can be lethal out to 800+yds.

One thing I think is universal and not followed well in many areas. Research what you want, more than distributer hype, find the blogs, forums, and so on and get to know your target acquisition. I'm assuming you will have a hard time getting just ANY firearm when ever you want to try them out. So be sure of what you want before you buy it.

I have left the multi-shot weapons along time ago and prefer single shots. In my mind there is something to be said about waiting for the perfect shot, passing all others. Knowing you have one attempt to drop your target can have a strong effect on ones ability to shoot. You get used to that and you will find that you are allot more accurate than if you know you have several more shots to pop off is that last shot was a bit off target.

I hunt with single shot handguns (I know, not an option up there ) and muzzle loaders (traditional), so that in mind I have been able to keep my shooting to a minimum and I rarely miss my mark, even though I may not get a shot off every outing.

My point is to know your gear, I love the saying "Beware the man with one gun" because he knows what that one gun can do in just about every way.

Congrats on you passing the Safety coarse

Originally Posted by Milton Man

Growing up in suburban Canada, my parents, and grandparents, had no use for firearms, nor any interest in hunting. My grandfather had an old 22 that he used on the farm later in life just for critter control, but I never really even saw or shot the gun.

Anyhow, I've long wanted to hunt but haven't really known anyone who did, or even how to get into the sport - that was until this year. I've met a few friends who hunt deer and who would be willing to go with me next year. Being in Canada, I need to take my firearms safety course to get a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) and also take the Ontario Hunter Safety Course to get my deer tags. Thankfully, the government makes this easy with a "One-Stop" course that is offered in a single weekend and you can get both your licenses at the same time.

I'll be taking the course in mid-December and should have all the paperwork processed to go purchase a rifle in February sometime (I don't really care about the wait, but just mention it to give you all an idea that I'm not really pressed to make a decision any time soon). That said, I've started thinking about what I'd want in a rifle, mainly for deer hunting, but also for the occasional moose or caribou hunt. My buddy has a Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker 308 Win, and he's adamant that he'd never by another non-stainless rifle again since cleaning and maintenance are a breeze.

All of the guys in the hunting group use 308 so that they can swap ammo if needed, and they said they prefer the 308 because it has the stopping power for moose or caribou and also won't obliterate deer if shot at a closer range.

Seeing as how I know virtually nothing about rifles, and have only ever shot 4 guns in my life, I'd like to hear your opinions and suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

The 308 is a fine choice especially since your friends also
are 308 owners. Military ball ammunition can be had to
practice with, as is used brass to reload. Practice is good.

Bolt action if you have a choice.
Auto loaders are OK but a single well placed FIRST shot is key.
Auto-loaders are too close to assault rifles for some jurisdictions.
A bolt action can be more accurate in practice and with less time
at the gun smith.

I like iron sights. If you want glass sights make sure
the weapon can accept the scope without modification.

Are you right or left handed?

Stainless today is fine... especially if you lock it up
for ten months then pull it down to practice and hunt
once a year.

PS:
BTW: The Browning X-Bolt looks like a fine product.