Hunting Firearms

     There are several different firearms you can use in hunting equipment. Equipment such as rifles, shotguns and handguns are options for you depending on what you are hunting and the regulations of your district.

     Rifles offer lever action, semi automatic and bolt action. Quality rifles are known for their strength, durability and light weight. All rifles are built based on a modular design, which means that you can have additions along the way such as barrel shrouds, front grips, red-dot scopes and high accuracy barrels to name just a few features. Rifles offer a few popular types and many hunters simply prefer their own taste. Rifles used when hunting moose or bear might be a 7mm, .30-06 or a .308. Generally, hunters will use a larger type rifle for bigger animal. For animals such as the fox, groundhog or rabbit, you would probably opt for a .22 rifle.

     While hunting birds also know as a birds shot, hunters will usually use a shotgun such as a 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge and .410. It is actually illegal in many districts to use a rifle because the bullet will travel a couple of miles where as a shotgun bullet is good for a few hundred yards. Bird shots have a range of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The number 3 has fewer pellets in one shot so for example, you would use a number 3 for larger birds. A 9 is used for smaller birds as it covers a greater distance and has the most pellets in one shot.

     Shot guns have different actions such as pump action, hinge action and semi automatic. It's also possible to purchase interchangeable barrels for hunting shotguns. Acceptable ammunition for a hunting shotgun are those that have been tested by qualified organizations in your country, province or state.

     Handguns can be used to hunt anything from a small animal to an animal as large as a buffalo. As a side note, a buck shot depending on size has multiple large caliber pellets that have more power behind them. Slugs are a large chunk of lead that that remains a chunk of lead after it leaves the barrel.

     Hunters must have hunting licenses, permits and tags and all districts have regulations to follow which are designed for both safety and conservation of wildlife. Regulations may vary from province or state so be sure to check the regulations with your government and your Ministry or Bureau of Natural Resources.