Hunting and shooting Gun for me.

Choose the right gun for me.

Most of us probably started hunting with a rifle or shotgun borrowed or handed down from a family member or friend. Most of us started hunting as kids and had the benefit of hunting with experienced hunters who instilled in us, the safe and ethical practices that will ensure many years of enjoyment in the forests of the world.

For this reason, it should be the responsibility of all experienced hunters to pass on the valuable information that we have accumulated, and to pass that knowledge on to other hunters, not in a "know it all condescending way", but in a humble and helpful manner. By doing this we ensure not only the future of our hunting legacy, but we will probably create many life-long friends in the process.

Choosing a hunting rifle or shotgun can be a problem for the new hunter without the benefit of an experienced mentor. Even if you know someone who hunts, a weapon is a very personal tool that you will probably own for many years. The old saying " If everyone had good taste, they would all drive Dodges and shoot Rugers" has never been truer.

I'm not going to get into "this is the best caliber for that" or "this is the best gun for that", because those arguments are more about personal preference than anything else. If that’s your thing, then there are plenty of hunting and shooting magazines out there that can satisfy your appetite for that. I am however, going to get you to think about what you really need from a gun, and with that purpose defined, help you to narrow your choice down.

After you have read this feel free to contact me and I will gladly give my opinion on the weapon you are considering as well as its intended purpose.

So, how do you pick that life long companion? Simple, with the same care you would take in picking a hunting dog! Before we get down to the business, you first need to understand that the best choice for your new “buddy” might not necessarily be the best choice for me or anyone else for that matter.

I have a friend who was a guide out west; he hunts with a 300 Winchester Magnum. He is so at ease with that rifle it’s a pleasure watching him shoot at the range. Most of the people I see shooting that caliber look like they are in pain, and they are! If you want to learn to shoot a "BIG GUN" that’s ok, but lets face it, most people don't need a gun that big to shoot a deer!

I have another friend who hunts with a 223. Most hunters think the 223 is just for varmints and is way too small for hunting deer.

In fact, since the late 90’s a few states have approved this caliber for use during deer season. My friend, like myself, won't shoot at a running deer with this caliber, but as far as I know he has never had to shoot a deer twice; one shot, one clean kill.

Both of these hunters have many things in common. Of those, one of the most important is the time that they each spend at the rifle range. I can't stress it enough, no bullet will kill the deer unless you are good enough to hit it in a kill zone! Shot placement is one of the most important things in hunting of any wildlife. Not just for the clean kill of the animal but also to insure you don't kill something or someone else in the process.

You need to put a lot of thought into what you are going to ask the weapon to do? So ask yourself some questions:

1. What are you going to hunt? Do you need a shotgun or a rifle? It doesn’t make much sense in buying a 30-06 if you are interested in turkey hunting. What are the regulations in your area? Are there limitations on the type of gun you can use?

2. How do you hunt? Do you hunt from the ground, in a tree stand, or use a blind?

3. Where do you hunt? Heavily wooded forest or fields and power lines, flat lands or mountains? Think about the weight if you walk far or climb mountains! In thick brush, the last thing you want to use is a high-powered round that is intended to reach out 300 yards. If you are shooting across valleys, the last thing you want is a slower round intended for brushy short- range situations.

4. Do you have the commitment to put the time and money in to acquire the skill to make that kind of shot? It's not as easy as it looks on TV!

5. How do you feel about recoil? Big Gun! Big Recoil! Not always true. The weight of a gun will help tame the recoil. A lightweight gun might be a bear to shoot! A heavy weight gun might be a bear to carry! Everything is a trade off.

6. How much are you willing, or able to spend? Do you want new or used? Are you sure hunting is for you, or are you going to give it a try and see? You might not want to spend a lot of money if you aren’t sure you will stick with it.

7. What types of action do you want or need, lever or bolt? Have a vision of taking a deer at 300 to 400 yards? It’s not likely to happen with a 30-30-lever action, but well within the capabilities of a good bolt action in the right caliber. That 30-30 might be just the rifle for you if you hunt heavily wooded forest, especially if you are on a limited budget.

8. Can you get ammunition for the weapon? What will it cost?

You can find the more popular calibers almost anywhere. I have never been in a gun store or a Wal-mart that didn’t have 243, 270, 30-30, 308 and 30-06 on the shelf. If your looking for a 44-40, 45-70 etc. You might have a little trouble finding it. You might however, find the more popular calibers on sale from time to time. If you find a rifle in a really odd or “wildcat” caliber you may just end up having to load your ammo, or worse get stuck forming your own brass from other calibers. That great deal of yours might end up not being so great!

OK, so you think you know what your hunting weapon may need to do for you. Don’t just go out and buy one just yet.

Go to the local gun shop and hold one in your hands. See how it feels, work the action, put it to your shoulder and look down the sights. Don’t be afraid to talk to the people behind the counter or the other hunters in the shop! Ask questions, lots of questions.

Most people you will find in your local gun shops, whether they are working or shopping, love guns and will jump at the chance to talk gun talk! Remember; "If everyone had good taste, they would all drive Dodges and shoot Rugers"! A word of caution about your initial “research”; don’t get talked into something you really don’t want by the local EXPERT.

Ask around in more than one place. Try to find someone with a gun like the one you’re looking for or at least one in the caliber you’re looking for. If you can, ask the owner if you can shoot a few rounds out of it. A good place to do this is at the local shooting range. Be honest, tell the person you are thinking of buying a particular gun and would like to shoot one before you make a big investment.

Ask what they like about the weapon, and more importantly, what they don’t like about it? Most people will be glad to help out and will be honest. Most hunters are good people!

Once you determine what type of gun YOU want, don’t let ANYONE talk you out of it. This is your gun and you will be using it year in and year out, not someone else. Don’t settle for anything except for what you’re really looking for. Shop around, find the best price you can, don’t be afraid to make an offer and do a little horse-trading.

Not too long back I was looking around for a Marlin 1895 caliber 45-70. The best price I could find for a new one was $575 however I located a used one in 95% NRA condition that was priced at$450. I was in the local “Wally World” and ask the question; can I special order a gun? The price was $409+tax, it shoots great, and it’s the right gun for ME to hunt hogs with!

As you can see, there are many variables to consider when hunting down a new hunting “buddy”. Narrow down your choice to the handful of guns that fit the type of hunting that you will be doing, and then pick out the one that really makes you feel good while handling and shooting it. I hope that this article will be of some help to you in your search for the perfect gun for YOU! If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me anytime by stopping by the hunting forum at PAbucks.com. My user name is “Will Choate” and I am always available to lend a helping hand.