Choosing the right hunting rifle can be a real headache for hunters. This is why Europarm offers to support you in this choice, using a short guide allowing you to consider several criteria when choosing your first rifle. Indeed, there are numerous configurations between superimposed or juxtaposed barrels, the different possible calibers, the optics of the weapon or even the resulting bulk. And then not all hunting rifles lend themselves to the same uses: type of game, type of hunting, durability and ease of maintenance are important questions to ask yourself. Finally, the last element to know when making your choice is the regulations and categorization of the different hunting rifles.
A 12 gauge hunting rifle: the classic choice
You should know that semi-automatics as well as 12 gauge superimposed barrels are among the best-selling hunting weapons in France. This result can be explained in particular by the versatility of this caliber, and the fact that it has been very widespread for many years. It is therefore easy to find ammunition and accessories suitable for this type of hunting rifle. However, you should not opt for this caliber of rifle, especially if it does not suit you. It is at this stage that your body shape implies certain choices. Indeed, the 12 gauge is a relatively large caliber, and you should keep in mind that it is preferable to be able to carry your shotgun throughout the day without it being too difficult. In addition, a large caliber generates significant body recoil, which can quickly become uncomfortable and harm your shooting accuracy, particularly due to the apprehension (tremor) generated just before the shot. To summarize, if you are rather tall, muscular or corpulent, you can opt for a 12 caliber semi-automatic hunting rifle , but if you are of a lighter build, it is better to choose a 20 caliber. Finally, It is important to think about conforming your weapon with your gunsmith. This operation is important to definitively adapt your weapon to your body shape, and will make your hunting rifle a tailor-made rifle. This operation is also carried out on a 20 caliber hunting rifle or on a 12 caliber side by side rifle, etc. It allows in particular to retouch the stock of the weapon to best adapt it to your shoulder shape.
A hunting rifle for a long time
When you choose your first hunting rifle, it is logical that you begin your hunting career. As a beginner, one should gather specialist advice. This is why we always invite versatility. However, by choosing a 20 gauge or a 12 gauge shotgun, you can always modify the pattern by adding chokes to the barrel. The spray is the grouping of pellets or steel balls that are fired by the weapon. By tightening the barrel orifice more or less via chokes, it is possible to modify the shape of the spray. On a rifle with two superimposed or juxtaposed barrels, it is even possible to position different chokes, which avoids modifying the configuration of the rifle depending on the configuration of the shot. But it is quick to change chokes, and to reduce weight, which is a problem for young hunters, it is customary to recommend a semi-automatic hunting rifle with a single barrel instead. This choice will allow the hunter to keep his weapon for a wide choice of game, without requiring additional investments for diversification. Additionally, choosing a semi-automatic shotgun is often more enjoyable for the beginning hunter, as it allows them to quickly fire the three shots contained in the weapon, which is more enjoyable for waterfowlers and requires less of expertise on the part of the hunter. We will return in another guide to hunting rifles, which are more specific to certain types of hunting, and whose ammunition is often more expensive. Europarm is the French leader in professional online gunsmithing, and is the preferred partner of gunsmiths to advise hunters and offer them the best hunting rifles, from the biggest brands on the market.
You can also read the file How to choose your hunting rifle? written by a large French gunsmith.