which is better for hunting deer a shotgun or a rifle?

Question

i wanted to hunt deer and someone told me to use a rifle and another person told me to use a shotgun so which one is better.

if this helps any to answer my question: i am 13 and i live in indiana

Answer 1

Definitely a rifle!

Shotguns loaded with slugs have brutal recoil. As a 13 year old you will not enjoy it. With buckshot the recoil is more manageable depending on size and more importantly shooting technique. But buckshot shoots a random pattern at the target and is useful only at a maximum of handgun range or about 25 yds. Farther than that you can not guarantee lethal hits and you run the risk of wounding the deer, for it to suffer and die needlessly. Chances are it will run for some time and you will not find it.

With a rifle, powerful enough to kill, but with recoil that you can handle, and enough practice to guarantee hits at whatever your personal maximum range is. (Maximum distance you can maintain a 5" group from a certain shooting position i.e. standing, sitting kneeling) You will kill quickly and humanely which is every hunter's responsibility.

Good calibers are at the low end .243 with 100gn bullets, 7mm08, .308, and so on. Try some of these guns out and get used to shooting them before you buy. Remember a lighter gun kicks more than a heavier one.

Practice, practice practice! Shooting at the range is a lot different than aiming in on your first deer. You must only take a shot you know you can end the animal's life quickly with a minimum of safety. It is better to pass it up then to screw it up.

Answer 2

I bought a model 710 rifle and cant keep it sighted so I mostly use a 12 gauge with a slug, 00 or 000 buckshot. I mainly hunt it thick woods though. I'm gonna sell the rifle to the next dumba$$ I can find.every deer I have ever shot with my shotgun never took a step. Every deer I ever seen ran a little that was shot by a rifle. Use a shotgun for shots under 100 yards yes I have killed a deer at 100 yards with a rifled slug, but I have always used a scatter gun for everything. I never shot a center fire rifle til Iast year and I think rifles cost too much for what you get unless your shooting over 100 yards. think about it a 1 ounce slug or a 130 grain bullet ya cant miss at close range just point and shoot. It's called a scatter gun for a reason use a full choke for a tight pattern (medium range) and a modified choke for a loose pattern ( close range) and a slug for long range. SHOTGUN or a SCATTER GUN whatever you want to call it shotguns can be used on just about anything not just big game like most center fire rifles.

Answer 3

Depends on if you already have both. If, you looking to buy a first gun, I would recommend a Shotgun with a Modified Choke. It be more versatile should you want to hunt other game too. Quail are fun, scare the crap out of you when they spook, but, that part of the fun. Be sure to ask the dealer if the Modified Choke will handle a Slug. I have used them with no problem, but, for your safety you need to know.
I prefer a rifle for deer. The type conditions you will hunt in help determine the gun you would want. I hunt a lot in underbrush and like the old Winchester 30/30 for a deer rile as most shots are never over 50 yards. I can hit a deer at 100, but, the drop on the bullet and hit power are diminished, so, never shoot that far. Many people run dogs, usually here people will be dropped off along a field or road in sight of each other so no one get shot. Then there are rules as to who shoot at the deer. Many times you may have 100 yard shots, maybe more if you confident of hitting your target. The 30/06 and .308 are very common where I live. There are some actually like a .243 (I think that the one) very fast bullet and great trajectory and a fun Rabbit/Varmint gun with a scope.
I can not recommend your gun, but, may talk with several gun dealers and explain the type deer hunting you do. Get them to explain about the different "Grains" and "Trajectories". Also ask about "kick" a 30/06 may just jolt you, where-as a .308 bruise your shoulder. ;-)

Answer 4

Some of us are not fortunate enough to live where rifle hunting of deer is legal. So it's a good idea to look into shotguns as an alternative. Of course, you could also learn to bow hunt, as I did; then you get a head start on the season. For a shotgun I would simply look for a 12-gauge with interchangeable chokes and a 3" chamber for maximum ammo versatility. A 3.5 inch "magnum" might be even better, but probably isn't necessary. I would consider a gun that adds the option of a rifled slug barrel, or even comes as a package with both barrels, like the Remington 870. An autoloader is good for birding but I wouldn't dump an excessive amount of money into the action. A single-shot would be fine. I have a strong bias toward the Remington 700 for a rifle, but there are many options. If you are looking for something very affordable, I'd recommend getting a single-shot break-action. They are cheap, very accurate, and well-made, and retain much of their value.

Answer 5

You need to check your local hunting regulations to see if you can hunt deer with a rifle or a shot gun first. If both can be used in your area the rifle will allow you to hunt a greater ranges and offer flexibility that a shotgun can't. You must also think about where you are hunting. Is it thick woods where shots will be short, or open country where shots will be longer. Thick cover areas may be better served if a shotgun and slugs or buck shot.
In may area of Michigan rifles are not allowed to be use for deer. You can use shotguns,muzzle loaders and handguns. I use handguns and a muzzle loader. I choose which handgun depending on where I'm hunting and the ranges involved.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 6

Normally, a rifle is ued to hunt deer, it is usually more accurate and effective at a longer range,not to mention less recoil.However some states require that a shotgun be used.In most cases when using a shotgun the ammunation ,unlike most shotgun ammo which is made with various number of shot, depending on size, a rifled slug is used.A shotgun barrel has no rifelings which cause a bullet to spin rather than tumble. The slug itself has the rifilings so it will spin.

Answer 7

A rifle is the better choice-it will shoot alot farther and remain accurate.

A shotgun is for short range-like 100 yards. A rifled barrel for a shotgun is good to maybe 175 yards. It will send more shock through the deer, but wont be as reliable as a rifle.

As for shotguns, they dont scatter with a slug, only shot, which is illegal to hunt deer with in my state. slugs are just a big chunk of lead that dont scatter.

Check the state rules for guns-i thought it was illegal to use a rifle in Indiana.

Answer 8

It all depends on the range that you will be hunting. With the new hornady slugs I would feel comfortable shooting a deer up to 150 yds. with a rifled barrel. But a good rule of thumb anything past 75yds. you probably need a rifle. If you are 13 I recommend a 30/30, .243., .270, or a .25-06 all are good rounds and would fit nicely.

Answer 9

If hunting doe, go with a shotgun, the heavier shotgun will actually help you hold the gun steady and make a head shot. the energy from the slug will knock the deer down in its tracks. if hunting a buck, and you want to save the mount, go with a rifle, being 13 years young, get a good rest, if possible get in prone position, and wait for the best shot. don't rush it, and put it right behind the shoulder.

Answer 10

Well you better check with your states game commission to see what weapons are allowed. Some States allow rifles and some do not. I like rifle because of the accuracy at a greater distance. Shot gun you will need to use a slug and have to be with in a 100 yard to have a chance. I also think its more fun to shoot a rifle than a shoot gun, but that is me. Another way to hunt deer is by bow or black powder musket. Good Luck