Deer hunting is a sport that is loved by many and is a family tradition for many. Whether you are planning on deer hunting to be able to put food on your family’s table, a way to bond with your children, or you simply love being outdoors, choosing the right rifle can be challenging, especially with so many options on the market.
The rifle you choose for deer hunting plays a crucial role in the success that you will have and will contribute to your safety and comfort in the field as well. In this ultimate guide, we will explore some of the different factors that you need to keep in mind as you shop for the perfect deer hunting rifle. We will also explore some of the best options available when it comes to rifles too.
Ready? Let’s dive right in.
The Basics of Deer Hunting Rifles 101
Before you explore any particular rifles, it is important to make sure that you understand the basics and the considerations you need to keep in mind as you shop. Knowing these basics can help you choose the right rifle for your needs.
Caliber
The caliber of your rifle is important and one of the most critical factors to keep in mind when you hunt deer. The caliber refers to the internal diameter of the rifle’s barrel. The caliber also determines the size of the bullet that can be fired from it.
The best caliber for deer hunting rifles is a nice mix between accuracy and stopping power. Here are some common calibers that are used by deer hunters:
- .243 Winchester: This is an excellent caliber option for beginners as it does offer a low recoil so that you can easily shoot it without worry of injury. This caliber is ideal for smaller sized deer such as white-tailed deer
- .270 Winchester: If you are looking to shoot medium sized deer, this is a popular choice as it offers effective trajectory and range leading to the perfect shot. This caliber is ideal for longer shots as well
- .308 Winchester: This is a very widely available caliber and is powerful enough to take down larger deer species. It does offer accuracy, but it comes with moderate recoil, so you will need to prepare yourself for this, especially if you are not used to recoil
- .30-06 Springfield: This caliber is effective for a wide range of deer and is effective for both beginners and seasoned deer hunters
Rifle Action Types
Rifles come in a variety of different action types and the type you choose will be dependent on preference, which means you may need to test a few to see what you like best.
Action refers to the mechanism in which the rifle cycles through its ammunition. Below, we will cover the four most common types.
- Semi-Automatic: With semi-automatic action, the rifle will automatically load the next round into the chamber once the chamber round is fired off. This allows you to make follow up shots quicker. Hunters who are looking for a rapid fire option typically choose this action; however, it is important to know that these types of rifles are often heavier than other options and do have a bit more recoil
- Bolt Action: Unlike the semi-automatic, a bolt action rifle requires you to manually cycle the ammunition after each shot you take. While there is a slower reload time, many people prefer bolt action rifles because they offer precision and are reliable
- Pump Action: A pump action rifle requires the hunter to manually cycle the action of the rifle by pumping the forearm. This is a good option for hunters who like to be in control of the cycling of the ammunition but want a rapid reload for a quick follow up shot
- Lever Action: Lever action rifles are not very common for deer hunting, but some
hunters do prefer them. To cycle the ammunition in these, you will need to press the lever located behind the trigger. These types of rifles offer fast handling and smooth cycling which is why some do still rely on them
Stock, Fit, Weight, and Handling
When shopping for a deer hunting rifle, you want to make sure that the stock of the rifle fits comfortably on your shoulder and is the correct length for your frame. A rifle that is too stocky or too small can lead to missed shots and even injuries, so it is important to pay attention to the fit of the rifle.
You want to also make sure that your rifle will provide good grip even in inclement weather. A slippery rifle is a dangerous rifle, so do pay attention to the way it feels in your hand at all times.
As you look for your rifle, you also want to consider the weight of the overall rifle. You want something that is easy to carry with you and easy to maneuver.
Furthermore, practice shooting the rifle of choice before you settle on it as you want to make sure it feels good overall when you not only carry it, but also when you shoot it. Make sure that you can handle any recoil it may have and that you do not tire too quickly while holding it.
Best Rifles for Deer Hunting
Now that you have some background information on the basic considerations to think about when shopping for a rifle, we will take a closer look at some of the best rifles available for deer hunting.
Ruger American Rifle
The Ruger American Rifle is a great choice for hunters who are looking for something affordable but don’t want to sacrifice quality. This rifle features an ergonomic design making it comfortable to carry and rest on your shoulder.
You can choose from a number of different calibers including .243, .270, and .308 making it a versatile choice for most hunters.
One of the unique things about this rifle is that it comes with an adjustable trigger which enhances your shooting experience and increases accuracy.
Why is the Ruger American Rifle a good deer hunting rifle?
- Affordable price without having to make sacrifices to quality
- Smooth bolt action mechanism that offers precision while shooting
- Multiple caliber options
- Adjustable trigger for a more personalized experience
Remington Model 700
One of the most popular options for deer hunting is the Remington Model 700. This is a bolt action rifle and is a rifle that most hunters will say they have shot at some point while hunting. This model is known for its reliability, accuracy, and wide range of calibers.
You can choose from a number of calibers including the .243, .270, .308, and .30-06 which makes this a versatile rifle option.
The Remington Model 700 is also highly customizable which means you can switch out the stock, scope, and barrel to best suit your needs and preferences.
Why is the Remington Model 700 a good deer hunting rifle?
- Smooth bolt action that offers steady performance and accuracy
- Exceptional reliability
- Easily customizable with accessories
- Multiple caliber options to choose from
Mossberg Patriot
Hunters looking for another affordable option often choose the Mossberg Patriot as their deer hunting rifle. This is a bolt action rifle that offers you true value when it comes to both affordability and accuracy.
This rifle is chambered for a variety of calibers including the .243, .270, and .308 making it a great choice for most deer hunters.
Featuring an adjustable trigger, nice sized stock, and soft recoil pad, you will find this rifle to feel comfortable even when holding it for long periods of time. The stock itself is weather resistant making it a good choice for all types of weather elements.
Why is the Mossberg Patriot a good deer hunting rifle?
- Multiple caliber options
- Stock is weather resistant allowing hunting in all types of weather conditions
- Adjustable trigger for precision
- Extremely affordable
Winchester Model 70
Often called the “Rifleman’s Rifle,” the Winchester Model 70 is a great choice for deer hunters and is well known in the deer hunting community. This bolt action rifle has a classic design and offers smooth operation.
The rifle is chambered for a number of calibers including the .270 Winchester and the .30-06 Springfield.
Known for its superior performance and trigger system, it has quickly become a favorite deer hunting rifle amongst hunters.
Why is the Winchester Model 70 a good deer hunting rifle?
- Great trigger system
- Multiple caliber options
- Quality craftsmanship
- Smooth bolt action
Browning X-Bolt
The Browning X-Bolt is a bolt action rifle that is both high-quality and accurate. Many hunters enjoy this option because it is accurate and offers incredible smooth action.
This rifle does offer an adjustable trigger making it a popular choice for hunters who want to personalize their shooting experience. Furthermore, the design of the rifle is ergonomic allowing you to be able to fit it comfortably.
The X-Bolt does allow you to choose from a variety of different calibers including the .243 Winchester up to the .300 Winchester Magnum.
Why is the Browning X-Bolt a good deer hunting rifle?
- Supreme accuracy
- Smooth bolt action with quick follow up shot ability
- Adjustable trigger to enhance precision
- Lightweight and extremely durable
Your Deer Hunting Rifle Is an Important Choice
Selecting the right deer hunting rifle is an essential part of having a successful hunting experience. Before you select a rifle off the shelf, you want to first consider the action type you want, caliber you will use most, and of course how the rifle feels when you hold it.
The rifles mentioned above are some of the most popular options but are not the only options out there. As you shop for a deer hunting rifle, spend some time trying out multiple options to see which one you like the most and which one fits your budget and performance needs.
