Fall is an important time of year for multiple reasons: Thanksgiving, Halloween, and most importantly, deer hunting. Fall is the time of year for deer hunting, and you want to make sure you have the proper rifle, whether it’s a bolt action rifle or a semi-automatic hunting rifle. Now is the time to begin your research on which is the best deer hunting rifle for you.
Rifle Type
While deer are considered big game, you will not necessarily need a .45 caliber gun to hunt them. The most common round used for deer hunting is the .308, which should be taken as the middle ground.
The goal of a deer hunting rifle is to eliminate the game quickly and painlessly. To achieve this goal, a rifle needs to be both accurate and powerful enough to be efficient.
Below is a list of the three best deer hunting rifles you are likely to find in an online gun shop:
1. Tikka T3x Hunter
The Tikka T3x Hunter brings the feeling of a classic rifle with the power and precision of a modern-day weapon. A bolt action rifle that uses .308 Winchester rounds, this rifle is perfect for hunting deer.
While the ammo capacity is fairly low at four rounds, the Tikka T3x Hunter is powerful enough to efficiently take out the target.
This rifle is designed for both left and right-handed shooters and is effective at a long range. Depending on who you ask the Tikka T3x Hunter can cleanly kill a deer up to 500 yards, which is supported by the solid grip and renowned accuracy of the weapon.
The Tikka T3x costs around $798 and weighs 6.61 lbs. Known for its accuracy and range, it can prove to be a favorite of any deer hunter.
2. Nosler M48 Patriot
The Nosler M48 Patriot is a bit different because it uses 7 mm caliber rounds. Another long-range rifle specifically made to hunt game such as deer.
The designers definitely took hunting into consideration when making this rifle as the stock is reinforced with aramid fibers and it has an aluminum bedding chassis making it lightweight and easy to travel with. Weather conditions such as moisture in the air will not swell the stock, giving it a consistent shot in all conditions.
The Nosler M48 Patriot is an effective rifle that weighs only 6.75 lbs and costs around $1,695. This rifle is perfect for those hunting in any condition from a long range.
3. DPMS GII Hunter
The DPMS GII Hunter is a semi-automatic hunting rifle that is praised for its innovations. Compared to other semi-automatic hunting rifles, the DPMS GII Hunter weighs much less at 7.75 lbs compared to others which weigh almost 9 lbs. This weight reduction solves one of the biggest complaints about most semi-automatic rifles.
Even as a semi-automatic hunting rifle, it still chambers .308 caliber rounds, making it just as powerful as most bolt action hunting rifles.
Apart from the weight reduction and caliber, the DPMS GII Hunter also looks and feels clean. It handles well and shoots accurately, making it ideal for any hunter who prefers to use semi-automatic rifles.
With a retail price of $1,699, it is by no means inexpensive, but its high quality and great design make the price worth paying.
Power and Accuracy
Two of the most important aspects of a hunting rifle, no matter the game, is having the proper power and accuracy. Power, combined with accuracy assures a quick and efficient kill.
Every gun listed above is made to hunt game such as deer. Each will prove to be effective for any hunter. Some hunters prefer long-range bolt action rifles while others want semi-automatic ones. Each hunter has their favorite rifle features; you just need to find the rifle that fits your preference.
