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Getting into the hunt can be daunting. When I started hunting four years ago, I remember being completely overwhelmed. Not only did I need to learn a ton of information on butchering big game, best practices for caring for wild game meat, and how to cook wild game, but I also realized I needed a ton of equipment, including a gun. Buying a first women’s hunting rifle can be a bit overwhelming. <\/span>Fortunately, I was already backpacking, hiking, and bird watching. He already had a 65-liter backpack, decent binoculars, hiking boots, and breathable layers of clothing. To complete the rest of my hunting gear, all I needed was camouflage and a rifle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before I left Wisconsin for Colorado in the summer of 2018, my brother gave me his .22 long rifle. That fall, I used my shiny new hunter safety certification and that small-caliber handgun to chase small game all over Gunnison County. However, after joining me on a moose hunt and borrowing a friend’s rifle to shoot mule deer, I decided I needed a larger caliber rifle. <\/span>In the end, I ended up buying a Savage Arms .270 bolt action online. It was lightweight, available for left-handed shooters, and affordably priced. Plus, that gauge was just the right size for the game I wanted to chase: deer, elk, and bear. I added a sling and scope and before I knew it, I had a functional hunting rifle setup for under $1,000 that I loved shooting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buying your first rifle doesn’t have to be intimidating for women. Once you identify what type of firearm you need to meet your hunting needs, it all gets easier from there. There are a few things to consider before you swipe your credit card for a new gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a hunting rifle, exactly?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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What kind of caliber do you want to shoot?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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If you plan to hunt large game like elk, deer, pronghorn, or bear, consider a medium caliber. Personally, I use my .270 for these applications. Generally speaking, most big game hunters don’t shoot a caliber smaller than that on big game. Also, most states have a minimum caliber size when it comes to big game. Ideally, anything from a .270 to a .300 will do the job in these situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you plan on going after a moose, I recommend a .300. You can probably lethally shoot one with a smaller caliber, but when it comes to shooting this massive animal quickly, ethically, and with as little damage to the flesh as possible, you’ll want a caliber that really packs a punch.<\/span><\/p>\n

What type of action do I want to use?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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What barrel length do I need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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What should be the composition of my rifle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Rifle barrels are blued or stainless steel. Bluing is cheaper; it is a more historic method of corrosion resistance. If you live in a humid environment, expect to get wet while hunting, or don’t plan on cleaning your firearm after every hunting trip in the snow, stainless steel might be better for you because stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose a rifle that makes you feel good.<\/strong><\/h2>\n