Are you an outdoor enthusiast planning for your next outdoor adventure? If yes, as you develop a checklist of what to carry along, remember that choosing the right rifle and ammo is crucial.
The firearm and ammo you bring on your adventure can define whether or not you’ll have a successful and safe trip. I mean, whether it’s hunting, camping, or hiking, the firearm and ammo you choose can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll guide you through selecting the ideal firearm and ammo for your outdoor trip.
We’ll tell you what factors come into play when you step into that store to buy ammunition or a firearm for your outdoor endeavor. We’ll even recommend some of the best options for some occasions, so keep following!
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Firearm
When selecting a firearm for your outdoor exploration, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all kind of rifle. You have to know what aspects to factor in for you to choose the ideal weapon for the job.
Here are some factors to consider:
1. The Nature Of The Trip
What is your outdoor adventure all about? Do you intend to use the firearm for target shooting, hunting, or self-defense on your camping trips? Once you have these questions answered, it becomes easier to know what kind of firearm fits the job.
For instance, if you need a firearm for self-defense, you’ll need to look for a more reliable kind. The Glock 19 is a favorite pick for most people in this case, thanks to its reliability and ease of use.
If you’re looking for a firearm that you can deploy in target shooting applications, then you might want to consider an option like AR-15. The semi-automatic rifle has the accuracy and versatility needed for that application.
For those on a hunting mission, the ideal choice here comes with a little more consideration, much like choosing your hunting gear. In this case, you also have to decide what size of game you’re targeting.
If a small-sized game, a .22 caliber rifle should suffice. But for the larger animal, you will need a more powerful option to increase your chances of success. In this case, you might consider something like a .30-06 or 12 gauge shotgun.
2. The Weight Of The Firearm
When going outdoors, every single ounce matters. You don’t want to pick something that will make your outdoor life difficult, as this can significantly impact your outdoor experience.
Ideally, you should focus on the lightweight and compact varieties. They’ll make your movement less arduous.
But as you factor in the size and weight, remember that outdoor conditions can be unforgiving. Therefore, also ensure that you don’t compromise on build quality.
3. Terrain
The terrain of your destination also plays a big part in determining what firearm to choose. If you’re headed to a thick forest, you will need a different kind of firearm from the one you’d choose if you were heading to an open plain or a mountainous region.
For the former, you’ll want to pick options with a shorter barrel to make it easy to maneuver. But for the latter, there’s no big deal in choosing firearms with longer barrels unless the need is canceled out by other factors.
4. Ergonomics
When picking the ideal firearm for your next outdoor adventure, you can’t afford to skip on choosing one that feels comfortable in your hands.
Here, you will want to visit a gun store and get to experience how different models feel in your hand. You’ll definitely know it when you get the one that feels just right for your hands.
5. Local Laws & Regulations
As you factor in all other aspects, remember also to do some research and find out if there are any local laws prohibiting using some types of firearms. Different states have different policies, so ensure you know what firearms are permitted before you leave for your outdoor journey.
For instance, in the US, the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act prohibits the civilian use of some semi-automatic weapons. The act has also banned magazines featuring 10 rounds or more, underscoring the need to understand your destination’s local laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms and ammo.
Types Of Firearms For Your Adventure
Not every firearm is designed for adventures. However, there are a few types you may want to focus more on when picking the ideal companion for your outdoors:
1. Bolt-Action Rifles
These are great options liked for their accuracy and reliability, two essential aspects when exploring outdoors. They can be great for hunting in the open terrain, but you may have trouble hauling them since they aren’t the most lightweight.
2. Handguns
These are generally more lightweight and compact. They can do well for self-defense applications, but they can also impress when used as a backup plan for hunting. However, on the negative side, they don’t offer the accuracy of rifles at long range, so you’ll want to use them for close targets.
3. Shotguns
Shotguns make great rifles for hunting. You can use them for small and big games, but you will want to use the correct gauge for the size of the game you’re targeting. They’ll give you a wide variety of ammo, but they only do well for close-range shooting.
4. Semi-Automatic Rifles
This type offers quick follow-up shots and has a larger magazine capacity. Hence, they’re suitable for hunting and self-defense. But then, they’ve got some extra weight on them, so they may not be the most maneuverable. Plus, as earlier seen, their use is prohibited in some destinations.
Choosing The Right Ammo For Your Outdoor Adventure
Once you’ve picked the ideal firearm, it’s essential to match it with the right ammo to ensure optimal performance.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the ideal ammo for the occasion:
1. The Bullet Type
When selecting ammo, ensure you know what bullet is ideal for your needs. There are several options here, including Full metal jacket (FMJ), soft point (SP), hollow point (HP), and more.
FMJs are ideal for target training but not for hunting applications, as they don’t expand enough to cause a significant impact on the game. For hunting, and especially miniature to mid-sized game, you will want to work with SP. However, the HP variant works better for more giant games like bear.
2. Caliber Selection
Caliber refers to the diameter of a bullet. You can also think of it as the diameter of the bore of a gun. It’s usually indicated in thousandths of inches or millimeters, depending on the country of origin.
When choosing ammo, you’ll want to ensure that the caliber matches the manufacturer’s recommendation. You can only use ammo within your gun’s compatibility scope. Some of the most common calibers include .22, 223, .30-06, 9mm, and more. Each has its purpose for specific types of firearms and can be ideal for different shooting applications.
3. The Local Laws
Again, don’t neglect the rules of your destination land, as it can land you in legal trouble. Hence, as you research what firearms are allowed, check to see if there are any rules in place that limit the use of some ammo.
4. Cost & Availability
Of course, you must also consider the price tag and availability of the ammo you choose. Some calibers may be popular and readily available, while others may be scarce, expensive, or both.
For your outdoor adventure, it’s best to go with ammo that you can easily access without spending much money. Otherwise, you may end up with an expensive and useless firearm if you can’t find compatible ammunition for it.
Conclusion
As seen, your firearm and ammo selection matters a lot when going for an outdoor adventure. You don’t want to go with just any firearm or ammo, but only what’s best suited for the task ahead.
And thankfully, we’ve provided all the information you need to make an informed selection when next heading out for an adventure. Check out our tips and keep them in mind for an outdoor experience that stands out.