Should I get a shotgun or a rifle?

Question

I plan to hunt in the woods behind my grandfather's house. Which would be best for me?

Answer 1

First check the regulations in the state where you are planning to hunt and for what you intend to hunt. Some states are shotgun only for deer.
If you intended quarry is small game such as squirrels or rabbits or birds such as quail then a shotgun is safer for the neighbors and increases the odds on hitting your target. The shotgun in larger gauges such as 12 or 16 can be used on deer sized game also with slugs or maybe buckshot if legal. The smaller pellets such as 7 1/2 or 8 shot don't travel as far on a miss, thats not to say they aren't still dangerous but errant pellets won't travel over 200 yards or so and due to there small size aren't likely to knock a hole in the neighbors roof when falling from the sky.

The rifle firing a single projectile requires much more careful aiming and precise bullet placement. And since even a rimfire bullet will travel in excess of a mile, you have to be careful of what is behind your target and where you are shooting. Rifles are not to be used for birds such as quail or pheasant.

So in short the shotgun might be a little more versatile. But again, first check the hunting regulation in your state. The regulations may answer your question for you.

Answer 2

what are the laws of your state. Here in NJ the only rifle you may hunt with is a muzzleloader, so a shotgun is the weapon of choice. Assuming your hunting big game, the other factor is your terrain and the likely range from with you might be shooting. If your in open area with shots much beyond 50 yards, a rifle is the weapon of choice. If you stand hunting in close quarters or shooting at running deer on a drive a shotgun can be very versatile.

Answer 3

if you're in the woods, then range probably isn't an issue. i'd suggest getting a shotgun, and a rifled barrel for slugs. you can switch out barrels in a minute, so you could go from duck to deer in the same day. slugs will shoot just fine out of a smooth barrel, but the rifling helps improve accuracy. i suggest a pump-action, they make great home defense firearms. just the sound of a shell being racked into the chambers is enough to cause most criminals to defecate into their sagging boxers and cry for their mommas.

Answer 4

Depends on the type of hunting, the local laws, and your experience. If you plan on hunting small game, you could go with either a shot gun or a small cal rifle, if you like pointing and pullinga trigger, go with the shotgun, there's a lot of skill to hit moving targets, are quite fun, and are versitile..depending on the shotgun. If you're a good shot and like to do percision shooting, go with a rifle, they're equally challenging and fun, but different. Maybe get both? haha, good luck,

Answer 5

If you're only going to own one gun, and not take shots over, say, 50 yards, then go with a shotgun. One with interchangeable chokes increases versatility. A Mossberg 835 12 ga. pump, for example, can be used to hunt anything from doves to deer. If I could own only one gun, it would be a Mossberg 835. It's a lot of gun for the money, and has a great 10 year warranty. It's also great for home protection; the sound of a 12 ga. being racked is a great burglar alarm!

Answer 6

Rifle

Answer 7

get both! Rem 870 express magnum try it.. if you like it buy a rifled slug barrel for it. Try it. it i will kick like heck so buy a limbsaver recoil pad ask your dealer they make one for REmington 870 express less than 350 bucks and you have the best of both worlds. be careful get training and hunter safety course before you go! sounds like you are limited on experience

Answer 8

Depends on what your hunting and how far your line of sight is from trees. Shotgun it.

Answer 9

In this case it sounds like you might be better served by a shotgun. Ask your grandfather.

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Answer 10

Rifle.