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I’m planning to go deer hunting this year and I’m setting aside some cash to buy a rifle or shotgun, I’ve heard suggestions to get both, so I’m asking poal, what kind of gun would be best for deer hunting for someone that has very little experience with guns?

I’m planning to go deer hunting this year and I’m setting aside some cash to buy a rifle or shotgun, I’ve heard suggestions to get both, so I’m asking poal, what kind of gun would be best for deer hunting for someone that has very little experience with guns?

(post is archived)

[–] • 1 pt

The question also requires more info. What kind of country are you planning to hunt and what game? This would help in anyone knowing what would be best. In WY, you hunt big game at long distances ... in PA, with heavy brush and trees, a shotgun is sufficient with the proper ammo.

That being said, I think if you only have one gun at the moment, a shotgun would be your best bet. A 12 gauge being the best option there. But not one of those short barreled home defense types. They are generally useless in taking game and more suited to self defense. The shorter the barrel, the poorer the range your shot will remain in an effective pattern.

Why a shotgun. Because it can be used for all types of game animals using various types of available ammunition. With a high powered deer rifle, for instance, it's useless in hunting small game (and illegal). The shotgun will allow you to hunt rabbits, pheasants, grouse, squirrel, etc ... and also be useful in home defense, if you ever need it.

Unlike , since this is your first step into firearms, I'd suggest either a pump action or even a single shot shotgun. Semi-autos are cool and not out of the realm of possibility ... you'll like it ... but check your State Game Commission web site and see if it's legal to use in your State. For instance, though I think that's changed now, there was a time Semi-Auto shotguns and rifles were prohibited for hunting game in PA.

IMHO a deer rifle can come later, unless you're looking at long range shooting. I'd buy a shotgun first ... followed by a decent .22 Long Rifle (LR) rifle (not generally permitted for hunting), but great to get into shooting as ammo is cheap and there's no kick, so the wife and kids will love plinking away, too, it's fun ... plus many States allow .22s to be used for small game like rabbits. Last, a legit (larger caliber) hunting rifle.

[–] • 2 pts

Interesting, the type of terrain is going to be woods probably most shots will be 100 yards or so. At least thats the info I have gotten from the experienced hunters I know.

[–] • 1 pt

A good resource. You may want to ask local hunters (not affiliated with the gun shops), too. Although be advised, many have their own preconceptions and may not necessarily be suggesting what's right for you.

[–] • 1 pt

That would seem to be the case as I've already got several conflicting opinions.

[–] • 1 pt

Def read that . I mainly bow hunt. He's got a much better grasp on the ins and outs of laws regarding firearm hunting. Bout to go check and make sure hunting w/ a semiauto shotgun is legal in my state. I've done it before and it's never occurred to me that it could be illegal for any reason. Also check your various hunting seasons.

[–] • 1 pt

I think by now most States have updated their laws to allow semis. But ya never know ... it was an issue in PA once upon a time.

[–] • 1 pt

I'm like 99% sure i'm good but that's the kind of thing I never expected existed anywhere outside of places like cali.

[–] • 0 pt

I agree on pump action or single shot for a kid or an adult that strikes me as irresponsible to learn on. Good reliable and fun gun types, just not my preference. I'm pretty sure pmyb2 can figure out a semi auto w/o shooting his dick off or someone elses. You're bang on about a bolt action .22 plinker to get the wife and kids interested. If he thinks his kids are old enough that'd be the first gun to get.

I just see gun buying like an addiction lol. A single shot or pump action shotgun would just gather dust as I'd never be interested in shooting it w/ my other options.

[–] • 1 pt

Yeah, I.m more looking at price point. He may buy in and then realize he doesn't like it. Other than that, I have no objection to a semi. Just not needed for a newbie starting a journey.

[–] • 0 pt

Yeah that's why I really think he should buy used. New guns are like new cars he gets a used one it'll maintain it's value a lot closer to the purchase price. So many guns spend one day at the range then never get used again. A reputable dealer and some vids on what to look for should set him up pretty good. He really wants to go new though so meh. Really depends on his budget and how much value he wants the weapon to maintain.

[–] • 1 pt

12 gauge pump with smooth and a rifled barrels . Cheap easy to clean dependable and you can hunt anything with it.

[–] • 1 pt

Also check you regs some counties are shotgun only

[–] • 1 pt

Yup ... whatever, check with your state and local Game Commissions. Rules and regs vary.

[–] • 1 pt

How often do you actually need to clean them?

[–] • 1 pt

Depends. Duck hunting I clean every trip because it always gets wet .deer hunting I clean once a season unless it gets wet or dirty

[–] • 0 pt

Interesting. I'll for sure keep this in mind.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Can't go wrong w/ .30-30, 12 gauge, If you want an AR variant go w/ the AR-10. Any of those will be up to the task. My personal preference for shotguns is gas operated.

Never really cared for pump guns, I'll take lever action or semi all day

[–] • 2 pts

Gas operated? also aren't AR's rifles?

[–] • 1 pt

Gas operated shotgun is just a semi auto. Uses blow back from trapped gases to cycle in the next round. Yeah man AR platform are rifles. Most .30-30s you'll find will be lever action.

[–] • 1 pt

See I've been told by several different people to go both ways so I'm having trouble picking one or the other. Shotgun or Rifle

[–] • 1 pt

I really like AR platforms cuz they're like the legos kit of guns. Wanna change your caliber? Easy as buying a new upper.

[–] • 2 pts

So it would pretty easily be adapted for lots of different hunting.

[–] • 0 pt

weigh in on this if you want.

[–] • 0 pt
[–] • 1 pt

Why choose when you can have both

[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

I'd lean towards a bolt action .308 for most deer hunting. Maybe a Scout style rifle, even.

[–] • 0 pt

PNW checking in. Thick woods for days on the west side, wide open plains on the east. Thick woods, nothing beats a brush gun or a slug shot gun. Depending on the deer size and your local laws, a 30-30 is King of 100 yard shots. Slug shotgun can also reach out 100 but will require a tad more practice cause the shots won't group as tight. My personal deer gun is a Maverick 88 with a 26 barrel (makes my groups a tad bit tighter than the 20 inch security barrel). It has the added bonuses of swapping barrels, different load types, and far superior house gun for defense over the average brush gun.

If you expect a shot longer than 100, look into a Ruger American. Of all the rifles out right now they give the best bang for the buck, no pun intended. Also, the best rule of thumb is to expect to spend as much on the glass as you did in the gun. A good Leupold or Nikon scope will make a decent gun into a fantastic one. Really, outside of Remington's offerings, most hunting rifles today will be good. It's more about caliber and features. As I said: Ruger American is feature packed, incredibly well made, and American produced.

And speaking caliber, you'll hear folks go on about flat shooting, distance, blah blah blah. If it's your first gun, get a common caliber like 308 or 30-06. The ammo choices will be much more varied and the cost much better so you can get more range time. They also both have the added bonus of being able to take almost anything you can hunt in the 48 except large grizzly and moose