Thread: New Hunter Firearms

Personally I would spend some time with a few guys and go hunting to learn the ropes and try some guns, or do a NZDA Hunts course. And then get a feel for what models and calibres are popular. Any decent rifle should work and I wouldnt recommend anything less that a 25/6.5 calibre for a beginner. 7.08, 308, 6.5x55 would all be a good start if you can comfortably handle the recoil. A decent 303 in a sporting stock is perfectly adequate for most hunting, but is regarded as too old school by most guys. However I would spend the minimum required to get a reasonable rifle, but the maximum possible to put a good scope on it. No need for for a varipower, 3x or 4x will work in most hunting situations, are probably more reliable, and less confusing to a beginner. Weaver is excellent value for money, Leupold make good scopes with plenty of choices, but the Varix1 leaves a lot to be desired. The scopes supplied in some of the rifle/scope packages are crap, buy a bare rifle and put a good scope in good mounts on it. Good luck, and have some fun.