| Small game hunting involves pursuing small animals | | | | A perfect small game rifle should have a small |
| like rabbits, squirrels, and ducks. Since these | | | | action to match its cartridge and a good, solid feel. |
| animals are small, high power weapons are not | | | | A rifle with a smooth action is always best with a |
| needed to hunt them. You are better off | | | | clean and light trigger pull, which is needed for |
| investing in a weapon that has greater accuracy | | | | accuracy. Given the standards of production |
| to be able to target the small game better. | | | | today, a trigger revamp might be needed for |
| Also, the price of ammunition should be | | | | every new rifle. |
| considered, too, since a hunter can take a great | | | | It is much more important for a small game rifle |
| number shots in one day. | | | | to be accurate, rather than fancy. There are |
| Under these conditions, a rim-fire rifle would be | | | | various different types to choose from: |
| perfect weapon to use in the small game hunting | | | | auto-loading, lever, pump, and bolt action |
| category. When selecting a rifle, you must | | | | repeaters. Among the widely known calibers are |
| consider the following - its fit, sights, weight, its | | | | the .22 WMR, .17 HMR and .22 LR, from |
| action and caliber. A gun that fits properly will help | | | | manufacturers such as Anschutz, Ruger, |
| assure you of getting more accurate shots. | | | | Browning, Kimber, CZ, Winchester, Henry, and |
| When using a rifle with a stock that is too short, | | | | Savage, among others. |
| the scope might hit your eyebrow, giving you | | | | A quality rim fire rifle deserves to have a quality |
| "scope bite," while one that is too long could get | | | | scope. A fixed power scope of around 4 times or |
| caught in your armpit if you are wearing a heavy | | | | a variable one in the 2 to 7 times range can |
| jacket. | | | | serve a small game rifle well. Good rim fire scopes |
| A full size stock is better for adult hunters | | | | are not inexpensive, but are not overly costly |
| because of its perfect fit. Good balance and stock | | | | either. |
| design is vital for a small game rifle so that it can | | | | A first-rate small game rifle should be: |
| be handled quickly and readily. When you are small | | | | - as accurate as possible, but not necessarily too |
| game hunting, most shots are done from a short | | | | powerful. It can be as powerful as .22LR, but no |
| distance where the animal can possibly detect the | | | | more powerful than .30 Carbine |
| hunter, and small animals do not sit still for very | | | | - light: for carrying ease and fast handling, but not |
| long once they sense danger. | | | | ultra light |
| It is better to get a light rifle rather than an ultra | | | | - well balanced and able to swing properly |
| light one, because ultra light rifles are difficult to | | | | - with a smooth action and a stock that perfectly |
| keep the balance and make accurate shots. An | | | | fits the hunter |
| ideal weight should be about 6 pounds. The rifle's | | | | - with light and terse trigger pull |
| action can be either repeater or single shot as | | | | - with a scope of good quality and medium power |
| long as it gives you a more accurate shot. Barrel | | | | A superior rifle may be a little too high priced for |
| length also needs to be considered - mostly for | | | | a amateur hunter but its quality will prove to be |
| balance more than for ballistics. A medium weight | | | | rewarding in the long haul. |
| barrel of about 20-22 inches in length is ideal. | | | | |