Thread: Desirable features of an all round NZ hunting rifle

Originally Posted by Bagheera

This wasnt the original question . That was “desirable features”. But, we must be systematic.

Reliability: feed specially. In dirt, mud, deer hair, someone elses ammo.
Toughness: in wet, dropping on rocks, used as walking stick or tent pole.
Stability: zero not to move in wet or dry or after a knock.
Durability: same function after 10 years of hard use. Scope not fogged, barrell not rusted out, stock and bedding still ok ( these can be maintained of course.
Accuracy only needs to be 2 moa if the zero is truly stable.
Power: kill and recover game even with marginal shots eg a bit far back in the ribs.
Optics adequate to identify game and non game, see deer clearly in dark bush and at 200m in evening. Accurate adjustments when sighting in. Not fog. Good reticle.
Shootability: stock trigger and scope placement.
3 shot mag at least.
Weight depends on hunters physique but for an average 80kg bloke 3.5 - 4 kg all up with bolt and ammo. Over 4kg is specialised for semi target or long range.
Gizmos: needs sling. Suppressor optional. Bipod is specialised for a minority of hunting and capability to fit one is not essential. Dialup sights and parallax not essential.

You will always need to compromise somewhere, better to know your own limits and that of your equipment.

'All rounders' will never work as good as something specialised.