Having the right weapon can make the difference between taking home the prize and going home empty-handed.
You need to have something that fits comfortably, feels right and that you know exactly where it is going to shoot. Much of this is a matter of personal taste, but there are several guns which should be considered because they are perfectly designed guns for hunting.
Of course, it is also important to choose the right scope; this will ensure you can see and accurately shoot at any animal before it knows you are there. Gun Gods can give you the facts and reviews on the top 5 scopes currently available.
- Browning X-Bolt Target McMillian
If you want a gun that is ready to shoot and actually feels fun to shoot as stock then this is the one for you.
It is an excellent introductory rifle with a 28-inch bull barrel weighing just 9 ½ lbs. This means you can comfortably carry it all day.
The built-in muzzle break will help to keep your rifle steady when shooting and, of course, it is designed for long range shots.
This rifle is not for competitions as it can only carry a few bullets at a time. With a price tag of a little less than $3,000 you need to be serious about hunting before you buy it.
- Bergara B-14 HMR
Bergara is a relatively young brand but has developed a global reputation for providing the best products. It has a range of tactical and hunting rifles but the B-14 HMR is one of the best it has to offer.
It belongs to the new class of hybrid weapons and is tack driven.
In testing, it appears to be the most accurate rifle in this list. You can adjust the cheek piece for your own comfort. It has an oversized bolt handle which coupled with the twin lug action makes it both very smooth and very quick.
At just less than £1,200 it appears far more attractive than the Browning.
- Savage B-17
For just $329 you can pick up a Savage B-17 which will ensure you have success even if you are just starting out in the world of hunting.
This rifle is exceptionally smooth with a 10 round magazine and an incredibly fast run through; allowing you to rapidly fire all ten shots.
This rifle is the lightest of the ones on test at just 6 lbs and is extremely comfortable to hold and to carry. It has a 20 inch barrel although it is important to note that there is nothing ornate about this rifle; it was built to do a job.
- Anschtuz 1781
The Anschutz company has been in existence for in excess of 160 years; it is generally acknowledged to be at the forefront of innovation and produces highly accurate rifles.
The 1781 is no exception to this rule; finished in wood it may look like an old style hunting rifle but it is well built. If you add a quality scope to this rifle you should be able to hit the target every time.
It has an innovative floating tab on the recoil lug which can sit flush to the rifle and improve the accuracy of your shot; it works.
- Remington 700 Magpul
Remington is one of the best-known names in the business and this offering from them is highly accurate with a traditional black finish.
There is an aluminum bedding block mounted in the stock which will automatically adjust for your pull length although the six and a half pound trigger pull can be hard work after a long day hunting.
The rifle weighs in at 9 lbs which, as with many of these rifles, will make it a chore to carry all day. But, if you are planning on setting up and waiting for the right animal you may have just found the perfect rifle.