Guns for small game hunting

[EyeOfThePark]

Could you recommend me the best kind of guns for an unexperienced hunter who want to go and try shooting some rabbits?

It's rabbit season around here and some friends have asked me to go hunting with them. Of course, they said they'd teach me everything I need to know, but could you guys offer some pieces of advice about guns...?

[Newanderthal]

for an inexperienced hunter, I'd suggest a 20 gauge with 4 shot.

Once you get some practice, get a Ruger 10/22 with a 4x scope. Aim for the head and you won't have a single hole in the meat.

[GROUNDpounder]

Personally I use a .22LR with an adjustable scope or a bow.

I wouldn't hunt with a shotgun and pellets for the simple fact of you being an new hunter and the last thing you want to do is miss a pellet and start ingesting lead. I go for head\chest shots with the 22.

To each their own.!

[oldmangunner]

Rugars are probably the best brand of gun out there. I know there are some who might argue with that, but they are really reliable, you will get a long life out of a Rugar.

[GROUNDpounder]

Originally Posted by oldmangunner

Rugars are probably the best brand of gun out there. I know there are some who might argue with that, but they are really reliable, you will get a long life out of a Rugar.

Stop throwing that around.
Savage is a great brand, smith N wesson is a great brand.
Henry is a great brand.


They are good brands, not just Rugars.

[CozInCowtown]

Originally Posted by oldmangunner

Rugars are probably the best brand of gun out there.....

Um.......not?
Ruger is okay for a Wal Mart gun but there are definately not any better than any other name brand firearm.
Try and headspace one and you will not be that big a Ruger fan. There is a reason Ruger M77 sells for $400 and a Winchester M70 sells for $850.....
Winchester, Browning, Remington, Marlin, Mossburg, Savage and the list is long and distinguished.
Any name brand firearm should last a lifetime.
I think for what you are asking about a 12 gague pump (or 20 for that matter) should be right up your alley, either that or a good .22 semi-auto rifle.
JMO,
DC

[dhoyle]

Let's get back on the subject here, I like using a 22 RF ( I use a Ruger 10/22 or an old Rem 511 ) for small game hunt. For someone just starting out I would sugest a good bolt action rimfire rifle, they are a touch safer to learn on than the self loaders.

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by GROUNDpounder

Stop throwing that around.
Savage is a great brand, smith N wesson is a great brand.
Henry is a great brand.


They are good brands, not just Rugars.

I don't even know what a RUGAR is. We have RUGERS where I'm from. You'd think someone that enamoured of a brand name would learn how to spell it.

I think the original suggestion here is the best. A 20 guage makes an excellent rabbit gun. Number 4 shot is heavy enough to cut through grass and some light brush. And if you learn the pattern of your gun, you can headshoot the rabbits very consistently.

[Kepper]

I will agree with the 20 or 12 gauge. It depends on how your friends hunt, if they are running the rabbit with dogs, then it will be some tough shooting with a rifle.

I, personally, am not that concerned with shot in the meat. It is not that difficult to find the holes in game and remove any shot that may be in the meat.

If your in an area with a lot of rabbits and you can find stationary targets to shoot, then by all means go with the .22lr. It is fun and will make you a better hunter.

[GROUNDpounder]

Originally Posted by dinosaur

I don't even know what a RUGAR is. We have RUGERS where I'm from. You'd think someone that enamoured of a brand name would learn how to spell it.

I think the original suggestion here is the best. A 20 guage makes an excellent rabbit gun. Number 4 shot is heavy enough to cut through grass and some light brush. And if you learn the pattern of your gun, you can headshoot the rabbits very consistently.

Whoooow grammar Nazi dinosaur calm down.