Initiation to the hunting business begins with the study of the basics - the habits of animals and birds, familiarization with the rules of conduct and safety precautions. Only after that you can start choosing weapons. What is the best shotgun to buy for beginner hunting? The answer to this question depends on certain factors.
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Description and classification of hunting rifles
For beginners, it is recommended to choose smooth-bore models for hunting. Rifled guns have a high killing power, but not the way to stop the game. The use of shotgun shells or shot increases the chances of hitting the target, as these ammunition have a large radius of destruction.
First you need to familiarize yourself with the accepted classification of hunting rifles. This can be done with the following options:
- Reclining or non-reclining barrel. The first option is used in classic models, the second - semi-automatic or automatic.
- Shop availability. It is absent in the turning points, the maximum they can carry out is two shots. However, semi-automatic magazine capacity can reach 20 rounds.
- Caliber. Recommended for hunting is 410 (the smallest) or 12. The latter is used for the extraction of a large animal.
- Rate of fire. Hunting rarely involves automatic fire on a target. For an aimed hit, it is enough to fire up to five shots.
You also need to decide on the type of prey: a large forest animal (boar, wolf, elk, deer) or small-sized game (birds, hares, foxes). The type of cartridge, the requirements for the mass of the gun and the maximum number of shots without reloading depend on this.
For information on how to equip cartridges at home, read here .
What is best for a beginner
If the applicant for the honorary title of "hunter" is only superficially familiar with the culture of handling weapons, experts recommend starting training with classic models of guns. These include turning double-barreled shotguns with horizontal or vertical shafts. They will allow you to develop primary skills in the correct handling of weapons and achieve the necessary habits that turn into the category of reflexes.
Additionally, the following factors must be taken into account:
- Buying a new or used hunting rifle. For the first option, you need to shoot him. It is recommended to buy used models only with a specialist, as there may be hidden defects.
- Plank for mounting sights. Optics (collimator sight) is used only when hunting big game. Duck fishing is performed with a classic regulating bar.
- Magazine models have one unpleasant property - cartridge jamming. This is not due to the poor quality of the gun, but of the ammunition. That is why experienced hunters prefer classic "breaks".
- If the choice fell on a pump-action model, you should carefully analyze its characteristics. Most of the guns imported into Russia belong to the "police" category. They have a high-capacity magazine, a shortened barrel, and there is often no reticle.
Overview of popular models
As an example, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the most sought-after hunting rifles, which have been tested for many decades. They are characterized by optimal performance and affordable cost.
IZH-27 and TOZ-34
It is a classic design with a vertical arrangement of trunks. The caliber varies from 12 to 410. The stock is made of wood and uses a hammerless system. There is a modification with one trigger (1C), which allows you to change the sequence of shots.
Main technical characteristics:
- barrel length varies from 625 to 675 mm;
- weight - from 3.2 to 3.4 kg, depending on the material of the recoil pad (plastic or rubber);
- the presence of an ejector that can be dismantled in the field;
- aimed shooting distance - from 20 to 35 m;
- accuracy percentage - from 40 to 65, depending on the type of ammunition.
The average cost of a gun is 28 thousand rubles. You can buy cheaper, but in worse condition.
The TOZ-34 model has similar parameters. But experts say that the quality of the bed on it is much better. This affected the cost, which starts from 34 thousand rubles.
Altai
Of the more modern options, it is worth noting the products of Kharkov gunsmiths - Altay . This is a self-loading smoothbore gun, used with equal efficiency in the production of birds or large animals. Magazine capacity - five rounds.
Options:
- caliber - from 12 to 76;
- weight - 3.4 kg;
- muzzle nozzle options - from 3 to 7;
- barrel length - 76 cm;
- firing mode - semi-automatic.
The disadvantages include the lack of a cutter cartridges. The average cost is 37 thousand rubles.
It is worth remembering that buying a gun without proper experience can lead to loss of money and interest in hunting. Therefore, it is recommended to take the advice of a professional hunter with many years of experience.
Hello, I am Alexander, the mastermind behind the blog.
In terms of career and free time, I connected my life with the forest. How else, when you live in Karelia! In this blog, I am responsible for the hunting, hiking and equipment sections. Welcome to my world!