Published on March 2nd, 2022
Once you get into the shooting or hunting game, choosing your very first rifle can be a difficult choice to make.
Guns may seem quite straightforward, but there are so many different options, features, sizes, and so many other factors to consider.
This is your first rifle, so it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. However, those challenges shouldn’t get in the way of making the right decision to have a good start with this new hobby.
Rifles are typically classified according to action – which refers to the functional mechanism which makes moving parts work, and to cycle the various rounds of ammunition.
Each different type of rifle has its respective pros and cons, along with useful features. But, given that this is your first rifle, your preference has to be weighed in as well.
To make the buying process easier for you, here’s a list of some pro tips to get you started with choosing your first rifle.
1. Assess Who The Primary User Is
Because this is your first rifle, it’s most likely also the case that you’re the primary user of the rifle. If you aren’t, however, then you have to decide on who the primary user is. Is it for your spouse? For your kids? Grandkids?
This is a very important starting point, given the fact that one rifle doesn’t fit all. You have to factor in your own physical attribute or stature, to be certain the rifle you’ve chosen is the right match for your body size and arm length.
Recoil is just one of the top concerns. If the rifle is too heavy for the individual to operate the gun, that fact can be dangerous. Gun fit is essential, too.
2. Choose The Right Caliber
As a first-timer, one thing you have to know is that choosing the right rifle is somewhat a reverse process. You have to start choosing from the barrel up. This means making the choice primarily based on the caliber. This refers to that part of the bore diameter of the rifle’s barrel.
Two questions you may want to ask are:
- What type of terrain are you usually going to be hunting in?
- What type of ethical range and power are you going to need for every hunting game (like 80% lower)?
3. Determine Your Current Experience Level
Yes, this is your first rifle. But, even first-timers have varying experience levels. Henceforth, another important determining factor is your current level of experience.
For example, because you’re still a first-timer, you might want to choose something light and easy to learn with. This is where a .22 caliber rifle would be the right choice. It’s easy to come by and also one of the most straightforward when you’re still learning about the basics of firearms.
4. Assess Your Purpose
Different gun and rifle owners have their respective purposes for owning a rifle. To make that best match, it’s therefore a must to choose one which also resonates well with your intended purpose. Is it for personal defense? Or for hunting? Is it for close range or long range?
Narrowing down based on your purpose is one of the best ways to ensure you’re taking home the right rifle, particularly when you plan on owning only one firearm at a time.
5. Do A Lot Of Research
Don’t make this decision on a whim. Backing up your decision with research increases the likelihood of making a purchase you won’t regret.
Read product reviews and coinciding gun-related statistics before you even head out to the stores to shop ensures you’re making an informed decision.
Apart from reading through and browsing different websites, ask around from friends and family whom you know are gun enthusiasts as well. That’s first-hand information you can use to your advantage.
6. Study The Range Time
Many first-time rifle buyers actually buy one for hunting. That could be you, too. But, do know that hunting for the game is only a part of the fun. Once you spend more time with it, you may just start to enjoy using your rifle as a hobby.
Before deciding on a rifle to buy, it’s also a good idea to experiment on different rifles at the range. Or, you can try out different cartridges for a rifle you may have been thinking or keen on getting. Just be sure, nevertheless, to choose only the ammunition for which your firearm is manufactured for.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many different factors to consider in making this right first choice of which rifle you’re going to take home. It’s a big expense, so there’s no making any mistakes in this decision.
While it may be daunting when you’re now face-to-face with possibly lots of options for rifles, a decision can still be made, for as long as you have some direction. The information you’ve gathered above should help you out in this momentous time of buying your very first rifle.
