I went to the range yesterday and got my rifle basically where it needs to be. I’ve got a 100 yard indoor rifle range here, which is nice. I had bore sighted the rifle using a laser bore sighter, but I still had to work a bit to get the rounds to land where they needed.

After a while I got it working really good. Now let’s see if I can find some deer!

If you install a scope on your Marlin 336 rifle, you will probably need to install the included hammer spur. The Marlin 336 comes with a hammer spur, and it’s really easy to install. If your Marlin rifle didn’t come with one, or if you lost your spur, just contact your local gun shop to order one for you.

Here is what came with my rifle:

See the little red thing on the end of the allen wrench? That’s the screw that will hold your hammer spur in place. It does an OK job, but if you work the hammer a lot, you might need to re-tighten it. To install, you just slide the spur on the hammer as far as it will go. There are two little grooves on the side of hammer, so the spur will stop when it gets there. Do this next:

Just tighten it up nice and snug, and then remove the allen wrench. Simple. Make sure it’s tight, but not so tight that you break the allen wrench. Here’s what you get when you’re done:

Some things to keep in mind: You might not need it, and you might need to tighten it from time to time.

Remember, this spur might come loose. Just keep the allen wrench handy for re-tightening, or contact your gunsmith for some kind of firearm adhesive (locktite or similar…talk to a professional).

When I say that you might not need it, you’ll just have to look at you and your setup to see if you can do without it. I have a 50mm scope, so I have the tall scope mounts for the clearance. I also have average-sized thumbs. So there’s plenty of room to work the hammer without the spur. I’ve tried it several times, and it just works out. If there is any question about your ability to work the hammer, stick with the hammer spur. Don’t risk an accident!

The installation only takes a few second, so go ahead and put it on there. Besides it’s obvious benefit for scopes, the hammer spur will also help out when removing the action for cleaning. But I won’t show you that here. Next time I’ll write a little how-to article for stripping your Marlin 336 for cleaning. Don’t worry, that’s easy, too. Subscribe to the RSS feed or the email newsletter to get notice of it.

I’ve got my scope mounted on my weaver base, and I’m ready to bore sight. I think I’ll pick up a laser bore sighter and use that to get the scope set up initially. Then I’ll work on zeroing it.

I’m really looking forward to some pin-point accuracy with such a fun and functional rifle. I’ll need to do this all within the next few weeks, as modern gun deer season starts soon. I’m going to scout some in the woods this weekend while squirrel hunting. Hopefully I’ll see some good deer sign. Maybe they haven’t moved very far from where they were last year.

I hope that this season is better than last year. The weather was so screwed up, I don’t think the deer knew what to do with themselves. It would be a shame if I didn’t even get to test this rifle out in the field because everything is screwy again this year. Here’s to hoping for the best…

I’ve decided to put a scope on my beloved Marlin 336 .30-30 lever action rifle. It’s such a great rifle, but I want to improve my chances of filling the freezer with venison this year. Here’s how I did it.

First off, Marlin 336 comes drilled and tapped for a scope. But there isn’t a base and there aren’t any rings. So you’ll have to buy them if you want to mount a scope. And, of course, you’ll have to buy a scope, too.

First, locate the screws:

The screws are small, so you’ll need a small flat-head screwdriver. I used the largest one in my little jewelry-type driver set.

Here are the removed screws:

Now we can see the mount points clearly. They go all the way through the receiver. If you are going to use some type of screw adhesive, do it very carefully! You don’t want to get any in the action.

Here is the two-part base I’m going to mount on the rifle. It’s a Weaver base made for the Marlin 336 and similar rifles. The package lists all compatible rifles on the back. Here are the mounts:

I just used a standard small-ish flat-head driver to mount the bases. It was super easy. They line up just right, and I can still use the iron sights if there is no scope mounted. Here are a couple of shots of the completed job:

and

The job took only a couple of minutes total, and that includes stopping to take some photos. Now I just need to decide what scope I want on it. I’m on a budget this year, so it will have to be an inexpensive model. I guess it’s back to Wal-Mart after I get paid again!

Tips For Buying a Rifle Scope
By Brady Ritsema

When you are considering buying a rifle scope, you’ll soon come up against more choices than you know what to do with! If you last bought a scope several years ago, or you have never owned one at all, the variety of scopes can leave you a little bit concerned about which one is the best choice for you. When you are thinking about getting a scope, you’ll find that your choice can be much simpler if you only keep a few things in mind. Remember that the best scope is not necessarily the most expensive one; it will be the one that suits you the best.

The first thing to think about is what conditions you will be hunting in. Some people only hunt in fair to good conditions, while others take a real pride in going out regardless of the weather. Take some time to read the fine print, and figure out what conditions your rifle scope can deal with. For instance, you’ll find that Bushnell rifle scopes are known for their water-repellent lens coating, making them a natural choice in rain, sleet or even snow.

Also, you’ll find that you will want a rifle scope where the size of the forward lens, also known as the objective lens is one that is comfortable for you. The larger this lens is, the brighter the view will be. If you often hunt in low-light conditions, like daybreak or dusk, you’ll find that the more clearly it will show you your target. Make sure that you test out these lenses if at all possible. Keep in mind that there is a drawback in that the larger the forward lens is, the further forward it will need to be mounted on the gun and the less natural your sighting process will be. Make sure that you are comfortable with the amount of adjustment that you need to do.

You’ll also find that some lenses are known for their all-purpose durability. For instance, the Nikon rifle scopes are known for their endurance no matter what the condition, and many have praised it’s crystal clear edge-to-edge view. You’ll find that these lenses have also be coated with several layers of anti-reflective compounds, thus improving your vision will preventing you from spooking your prey with a tell-tale glint.

As always, whenever you are thinking about purchasing something that carries an impressive price tag, remember that you will want to get a warranty with it. No matter how reliable the company, and Bushnell rifescopes and Nikon riflescopes are known for their reliability, it is still possible that there is a problem with the product. If you have a warranty, you can make sure that you recoup your money and get a replacement if there is some sort of factory defect. Similarly, make sure that the rifle scope has a great deal of adjustment available to you; some hunters will refuse to buy rifle scopes that don’t have at least 60 inches of adjustment available.

Take some time to figure out what you really need from your rifle scope, and then look around and make sure that you get it it!

Find Bushnell Riflescopes and Nikon Riflescopes along with a large selection of Binoculars at http://scopesbinoculars.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brady_Ritsema
Tips For Buying a Rifle Scope

What to Look For When Purchasing a Rifle Scope
By Joshua McNiel

Here, you will be introduced to what to look for when purchasing a rifle scope. As a result of my experience in law enforcement in the past, I can honestly say that this device is essential if you are working the streets as an officer, other areas in the criminal justice field, or working in the capacity of military positions. Many individuals who engage in target practice, or engage in hunting may also find that this is an essential element to the standard rifle that is used.

As you observe your rifle, you will notice that it has many unique characteristics. In addition to this, rifles all shoot in their own way. The basis of the actual firing characteristics is dependent upon many different factors.

First, the grains of the ammunition that you use will play a large role in the way that the weapon fires and the accuracy of that weapon. Secondly, the manufacturer of the ammunition may affect this function. The length and width of the rifle, as well as the weight of the gun will also play a role in determining the overall accuracy of the weapon. Having a rifle scope is an effective strategy behind exact accuracy.

There are a number of benefits of accuracy when shooting a rifle. The following details some of these advantages:

1. By having an accurate shot with your rifle, you can actually engage in shooting that is long range. This means that you can aim at any target, near or far, and have precision accuracy with little to no complications.

2. By using a scope on your rifle, you can enjoy the benefit of recovering more quickly after each shot.

3. By using a rifle scope, you can get a detailed estimation of the space between your weapon and your target.

4. To ensure that you hit the designated target, the scope that can be attached to your weapon can assist you in the area of properly identifying the target that your rifle is bearing down on. This is especially helpful in careers, such as law enforcement and those positions in the military.

When purchasing a rifle scope, it is important that you consider the following:

1. The first thing that you should consider when it comes to purchasing this component for your rifle is the amount of money that you have that can be budgeted to the purchase. There are many scopes out there that can cost as much as over $1000! You want to be certain that you know exactly how much you have to spend, and the most that you can spend on this product.

2. The second thing that you will want to think about is the overall size of the lens that you prefer for your rifle scope. If you select a large lens, you will be able to have a higher level of power than if you select a small lens. In addition to this, larger lens on rifle scoops permit for a larger viewing area.

3. The next thing that you should consider is the overall power setting that comes in included with the scope that you are considering. If you need to see your target in a distinct manner, then it is important to have a large power setting. This way, you can properly identify your target – with no questions whatsoever.

There are many benefits to having a scope on your rifle. Here, you have been introduced to many different advantages associated with rifle scopes, as well as some main points to consider when it comes to actually purchasing your scope. If you are thinking about a scope for your weapon, let this article serve as a guide to assist you in your purchasing decision.

Visit our website to shop for rifle scopes, and tactical rifle scopes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_McNiel
What to Look For When Purchasing a Rifle Scope

I took my Marlin 336W .30-30 out to the range this past weekend. I love shooting that rifle. This was the first time I fired some of my LeveRevolution ammo by Hornady. It’s good stuff. Feels smoother than the Power Shok rounds I had from Wal-Mart. Though it still kicked like a miniature mule. My shoulder was a bit sore after firing 40 rounds.

I shot some freehand, standing, and then sat down on the bench for my longer shots. I’ve never been much of a rifleman — preferring pistols to rifles — but I think that’s gonna change. Since I’ve started deer hunting, becoming proficient with a rifle is a must. And for a beginner, I think I did pretty well. I had decent groups at 25 – 75 yards, both freehand and with support. I even hit the target when it was at 100 yards. A fair accomplishment, since I was using the stock iron sights on the rifle. No scope or glowing sights of any kind. But at 100 yards the front sight post covered up the entire target.

Still, I think I’ll keep that rifle without scope. It’s short and easy to move with through rough woods. I’ll just have to get a nice bolt action rifle with scope to hunt deer in the large open areas. Once I find some large, open areas, that is…

I love my .30-30. I got it for my birthday, early for use with the modern gun deer season. It’s a Marlin 336W, unscoped and slinged. The rifle is light, comfortable, and very easy to handle in the woods. This might be one of the best basic utility rifles around, and would be perfect for bugging out, bugging in, and hunting.

I’ll post some pics of it this week, because everybody loves some good gun porn. If I forget, then I’ll post them next week. Just keep checking back everyday until you see the pics. And I’ll write a review soon, too. Not too soon, though, because I need to use it more to get a real grip on it, its use and its function.

Since my bow broke, and I haven’t been able to acquire a new one, it looks like I’ll just be hunting deer this year with modern firearms. Further, my budget isn’t going to allow for me to buy a rifle (unless I find some mystery money), so I’ll just be hunting with my shotgun… and XD if I’m in the mood for some handgun hunting. Though, the XD is just a 9mm, so I would have to keep my shots really close for the rounds to be effective.

So…what do I need to get for my shotgun to make into a world-class deer slayer? I took down a nice 8 point buck with it last year, but I was presented with quite a fortunate shot. I might not get such a shot this year. My setup right now is this: Maverick 88 Field 12 gauge shotgun, firing slugs. That’s it. the shotgun is stock, with a modified choke. I’ll be using rifled slugs.

One thing I really need is a sling. As I learned last duck season, hiking long distances with it is a pain. So I’ll be getting a sling and I will also have to get a swivel kit for it. I think Uncle Mike’s makes one for my shotgun. I think they make a universal kit. I’ve seen it before, and I’m not going to look it up now… Just look at Wal-Mart or Bass Pro or Cabela’s and you’ll find it.

There’s one (two) accessory(ies), what else do I need? I’m just using the stock bead sights on it, but I was thinking of getting some iron sight attachments that affix to the barrel ribbing. They might make my accuracy just a bit better. But I really don’t know. I haven’t been out to a marked range with a bunch of 12 gauge rifled slugs to see just how far I can reliably hit a 4 inch circle with the bead sights.

I plan on keeping my shots all within 50 yards, but if I can squeeze out a little bit more with better sights and maybe a different choke, I will. That’s something I’ll need to research — chokes. I might need to invest in just a little bit of choke to squeeze a little bit more range and accuracy out of my slugs. But, I don’t know much about shotgun chokes so I’ll just have to do some reading.

Any other thoughts, opinion, or advice would be appreciated.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here. But don’t worry, I’m still here.

I think I’m going to have to just stick to gun hunting this year, with modern weapons. My budget is totally shot, and since my bow broke, I’ve got nothing for archery season. I don’t have the money right now to buy another bow, and I don’t feel comfortable spending money on a muzzleloader, either. So, it looks like I’ll be using my shotgun to hunt deer again this year. And only during any Arkansas modern gun season.

There’s some public land not too far from here that has a modern gun season, so I’ll have to do some scouting out there soon. Then there is also some private land I may be able to hunt on. Hopefully my son and I will both be able to get a couple. Of course, then I would have to invest in a chest freezer to store all that meat.

Face it, squirrels are everywhere. When stuck in the woods somewhere, you’ll need to eat. The food you carry with you will only last so long. You may need to find another source of food to get you through to safety.

It seems that eating squirrel has a certain stigma to it. But I don’t care about any negative reputation. Plently of people around here love to hunt the little furballs, and enjoy eating them. I’ve personally never killed or eaten squirrel, but I plan to in a few short days. Since squirrels are such a readily available animal, I thought I would learn how to hunt them and prepare them for eating, in case I need to eat them in an emergency. Having previous experience with the animal may mean I won’t have to work as hard to win a meal.

Besides the survival training aspect of squirrel hunting, I think it will just be fun. Think about it. I’ll be out in the woods with my shotgun (I don’t currently have a .22). I’ll practice my marksmanship, my woodland navigation skills, and learn about squirrels. Those are some very useful survival skills that are also fun to practice. And as my wife will tell anyone, I need A LOT of practice with my navigation.

I’ll post a report with pictures after I go out. The season starts this Saturday, September 8th.

While browsing various AR parts dealers online, I see that I have a lot to choose from. Not only are there several configuration variations for the AR platform (A2, M4, A3, etc.), but there are a wide variety of calibers available.

The first thing I have to do is decide on what kind of rifle I want to build. Do I want a general defensive rifle, that will take the very easy to find 5.56mm/.223 cartridge, or do I want a heavier-hitting .308? Likewise, I could opt for a 9mm carbine or the slow but heavy .450 Hornady.

Money doesn’t grow on trees in my yard, so it would probably make sense to get something that could be considered all-purpose. The .223 AR is a leading candidate for that. The problem with that round is that I hunt deer. While a .223 can kill a 150 – 200 pound animal, there’s little room for error. A more powerful cartridge would be better.

If I go up to a .308 or larger, the ammo starts to get more expensive. So practice with the rifle would be pricey. However, the .308 is a great all-around cartridge, suitable for a wide array of uses.

If I move up to the 6.8 SPC, I’ll get plenty of deer-hunting power, and have a rifle chambered in a round that is picking up popularity fast. So what do I do? 5.56mm, 6.8 SPC, .308, or one of the other chamberings? I could always buy a complete rifle and then buy different uppers and magazines, each one suitable to a particular purpose. But I don’t know if that’s what I really want to do.

The question is whether I want a rifle I can use for anything, or if I want to purchase rifles that were designed for a particular task. Should I build a 5.56/.223 AR for a defensive weapon and buy a rifle designed for hunting, or should I get one weapon for all seasons?

I need to decide that before I decide exactly what I want to build. I do plan on buying hunting-specific rifles, but having something all-purpose really appeals to me.

Guns are expensive. That’s the plain and simple truth. A quality firearm will cost you anywhere from $500 to $3000. Not exactly pocket change, I know. A lot of people I know don’t own any guns at all because they feel that they just don’t have the money to afford one.

Whether you are looking for a hunting tool, a defensive weapon, or just something that will give you hours of fun at the range, you don’t have to save paycheck after paycheck to get it. What you can do is buy the Maverick Model 88 Field. I bought one almost two years ago, and it’s a great little shotgun. Maverick is an offshoot of Mossberg, and the 88 is basically a bare bones version of the Mossberg 500. Barrels and chokes are interchangeable. Brand new, after taxes, I spent less that $160 on mine.

I know what you’re thinking… “What a cheap gun!” Well, cheap as far as money is concerned. Sure, there aren’t any bells or whistles on this shotgun, but thing works. It’s simple, and it works. I took a 200 lbs. buck with it last season, so I know it’s effective. This hunting season, I’ll be using it on squirrel, dove, deer, and duck. Based on its past performance, I am confident that it will get the job done.

The Maverick 88 is a 12 gauge shotgun, with a smooth-bore barrel that comes with a modified choke Accu-Choke installed. It is chambered to take 2 ¾” or 3” shells. The stock is black synthetic, which feels nice and keeps the gun light. I’ve taken a few pictures so you can see what it looks like. Now, I don’t have a proper photography studio setup, so the pics are kind of amateurish. I’ll get better with time. Anyway…

Here is the shotgun (most of it, anyway).

The barrel has standard ribbing to which you can attach clip-on sighting systems.

The integral recoil pad makes this a breeze to shoot. That pad will come in handy on a long day of shooting squirrels or doves.

If you don’t have much money to spend on a firearm, take a serious look at a Maverick Model 88 Field. It’s inexpensive, durable, and gets the job done. Head to your local gun shop and take a look at one.

I read an article today that made a pretty decent case for the .270 as an ideal deer hunting cartridge. The article was in the current issue of Peterson’s Hunting (August 2007). Technically, the piece was written from the angle of getting rid of (well, not hunting with) some too-weak, too-strong, or generally ill-suited-for-deer cartridges.

Once the “herd was culled,” as the writer put it, there were a few good old chamberings left. The writer touted the .270 as the best all-around deer cartridge. Apparently, it’s versatile enough to be effective against a wide variety of deer, and in a wide variety of locales.

I still haven’t bought my rifle for this next deer season, and this article was persuasive enough that my mind may be swaying. We’ll see how it turns out. And, of course, you’ll get some pictures when I get my rifle.

I’m sure there are some of you out there who bought a pistol, but don’t really know how to properly maintain it. Don’t be ashamed, you never know something until you learn it. Check out this helpful little article for some pistol cleaning basics:

How to maintain a handgun

Have you heard of the new Sig Sauer pistol? A few days ago I picked up the new issue of Guns and Ammo and there was a new Sig pistol exhibited as the cover story. Well, it looks pretty, and, according to the article, should be quite a pistol.

It’s the Sig P250, currently chambered for the 9mm. This pistol is so new that the article didn’t even list a price. Though it does say that other chamberings will be coming soon. I’m intrigued by this new Sig, and I’m going to learn more about it. I’ll write about what I learn, so you don’t have to do the reading yourself…

I’ve got to get a Sig Sauer. I’m thinking the P220. Any thoughts?

The AR platform has been a most-endeared rifle in this country over the past few decades. It’s success does not lie exclusivley in the realm of military and law enforcement, however. Sportsman and defensive-minded citizens have taken the Black Rifle to heart.

I would like to have one, but I’m not sure which one. Sure, there are several different styles of rifle, but there are also different calibers from which to choose. Assuming that I decide upon the 20 inch model, I still have a lot of choices. I could have a fixed or detachable handle, fold-down iron sights, optics, and all kinds of other options.

Regarding the caliber, I can choose the standard .223/5.56mm or go all the way up to the new and intriguing .450 “thumper” by Hornady. Since I am currently looking for a hunting rifle, the .450 sounds particularly interesting. It may be a bit excessive for the deer around here, but I still haven’t seen the ballistics on it.

I know a bit about this rifle, but not everything (I’m sure I probably won’t ever know everything). As I research the platform and learn more, I’ll chronicle the details here for you. So check back often.

This week’s featured gear is the Springfield XD Service Pistol. If you don’t have one, go run out and buy one, because I really think that you’ll be pleased with the purchase. I have owned a Springfield XD 9 Service for over a year, and it is one magnificent pistol.

It’s light, tough, has a good capacity for ammunition, and is really easy to shoot. Just point it and you should hit your target. The ergonomics are such that pointing it is very natural, whether you shoot with both hands, one hand, or use your weak hand.

One thing that really stood out to me, and ultimately made the purchasing decision for me, was the narrow grip. It just felt so comfortable in my hand. Despite having a standard-sized double stack magazine, the pistol’s grip is quite narrow. That means that people like me, who don’t have large hands, will be able to comfortably hold the XD.

The XD has three different barrel lengths, but I can only speak for one of them. I have the service model, which comes with a 4 inch barrel. Some of the other features of this fine weapon are: Polymer frame and grip, 16 round magazine, trigger safety, grip safety, chamber-loaded indicator, accessory rail, and a few different color choices (I got the OD frame with black slide).

I wish I had more time and money to put into practicing with my XD, because it’s such a joy to shoot. If you’re in the market for a high-quality pistol, I would encourage you to check out the XD. There are different sizes and calibers available, so I’m sure you can find something you like.

A decent firearm should be a staple in most people’s disaster kits. Why a firearm? Well, simply, you never know when you’re going to need one. In a disaster, everything is chaotic, and you might need some way to defend yourself, your family, your food source, or you home. Or, you can use a firearm to hunt and feed your family.

In a society-crushing disaster, or even a prolonged ecological disaster, having a tool for food and protection is a must. Even if you “don’t like guns,” you need to have one and know how to operate it. It’s better to have one and never need it, than to need it and be empty handed.

Here’s a great resource for browsing and purchasing firearms for what is typically much less than retail pricing: Gun Broker.

Click this link, sign up, and start shopping around for a decent rifle, pistol, or shotgun. Some of the descriptions are the bare minimum, but most contain detail pictures and lots of information on that particular firearm.

Be safe, secure, and confident. Click the link and check them out.

I went to the range yesterday, and I was horrible. I took my Springfield XD9, and my lack of practice was evident. My shots were all high, high and to the right, or just all over the place.

I hadn’t been to the range for nearly a year — eleven months, I believe. That’s far too long to sustain any real skill. Even though I’ve been shooting various firearms throughout my life, I’ve never been really good. The practice I did get was sporadic, and I’ve never had any actual professional marksmanship instruction.

Out of practice, and just learning as I go has produced some horrible results. So, I’m going to need to shoot more often. The more you shoot the better you get, I’ve heard. Well, since I can’t afford to pay for a class or a weekend workshop right now, I’m going to just have to learn as I go.

I’ll be visiting the range more often. I want to improve my skills from decent to really good. I think I’ll buy a book on pistol marksmanship. Time to head to Amazon.

I set out to find a hunting rifle, with the intent that it be somewhat utilitarian. I wasn’t just after a hunting rifle…I wanted a firearm that could serve multiple purposes if needed. Sure, if it’s decent and everything, it probably won’t be really good at one particular thing, like hunting, but in my search I was prepared to make that sacrifice.

While searching, I saw many great rifles, read some good reviews of weapons and one interesting critical analysis of the .30-06 cartridge. My decision is for the Mosin Nagant. That might seem like an odd choice for a hunting rifle. At close range, there might not be much venison left for me to eat, since I’ve heard that those rifles pack quite a punch.

My reasoning is based in pure practicality. Right now, I don’t make a lot of money, so I need to purchase a rifle that won’t put undue financial strain on the family. I can also get these rifles at quite a discounted rate once I get my C&R firearms license. That’s right, I’ve decided to go ahead and start my collection of old arms.

It’s been something which has held my interest since I was a child. Now, as deer season approaches, I see the opportunity to get some great rifles for the collection and also have some decent hunting rifles. Sure, they may not be ideally suited for deer slaying, but most of these rifles I will buy will have already proven themselves. Some may have been used in actual battles. So I’ll have a little piece of history.

I’m not going to get my license right away, because I will be moving soon. It would be kind of pointless to get something that is directly related to my physical address, and then move a couple of months later. So, I’ll wait until my wife and I pick out a house to buy, and then I’ll get the license and start buying Mosins. Now…do I want the carbine, or the sniper model?

While researching various long guns for this rifle search, I have learned that this isn’t going to be an easy decision. Simply put, I want them all. There are so many fine rifles out there, it’s going to be hard to choose.

I have looked at all sorts of rifles — semi-auto, bolt-action, lever guns, old war horses, and modern combat weapons. There’s clearly a lot to choose from, so how do I narrow it down? I could shop by pure economy, purchasing the cheapest rifle I can find that has sufficient power. On the other end of that spectrum, I could go for a really nice, high-end rifle in use by troops and police officers worldwide. Taking a different approach, I could shop based on task-specific criteria, such as buying a rifle that has been fully designed as a deer hunting rifle. You see where I’m going with this? How do I decide?

If I base my decision on pure utility, options both expensive and inexpensive come to mind. For example, the Springfield M1A Scout rifle would be an excellent all-around weapon with a history of reliability. Unfortunately, those are terribly expensive. An inexpensive option would be to purchase a mauser, mosin, or sks. Those rifles have proved themselves throughout history, but they don’t cost a lot.

Which brings me to a recent discovery. Well, I didn’t really discover it recently, but I did learn details about it recently. I could always get a Curio and Relics federal firearms license and just buy some of these historically proven and still serviceable rifles online and have the shipped to my door. These licenses are cheaper than I thought, and since I’m a good citizen, I’ll qualify for one. If I do go this route, not only will I be able to get some great deals on some field rifles, I’ll be able to have a collection of these historical weapons–something that has been an interest of mine since childhood.

Regardless of what I choose, I still want them all. Right now, based on my family’s financial stature, I think that I’ll need to go with a more economical firearm. But that still leaves the question of utility vs. specific purpose. Do I want to get an older rifle that is really cheap (inexpensive, not shoddy craftsmanship), or save a bit more and get a task-specific rifle? I don’t know, but I imagine that my continued shopping and research will lead me to the answer.

Choosing a rifle that would be suitable as a basic all-around utility weapon is my goal. I mean that I am looking for a rifle that is both field-ready for hunting large game and also battle-ready for defending my family. I’ve come up with some basic criteria that I will use when shopping for a rifle. I don’t just want some bullet-slinger, but rather something with a bit of elegance.

Here are some of my basic criteria:

• Reliability
• Availability of ammunition
• Ease of carry and handling
• Accuracy
• Stopping power
• Availability of spare or expansion parts

I am looking for a round with enough stopping power to take down a whitetail deer without too much of a risk of merely wounding it. That pretty much rules out the .223. I know that many deer have been killed wih a .223, but in the thick hardwoods that I hunt, I’m afraid that it’s just not enough bullet to be a reliable slayer of deer. Prove me wrong if you can, because I would love to buy an AR-15.

I would like to get a rifle that is somewhat common, that way I can get spare parts and accessories at most gun shops, instead of having to search around for them. However, this isn’t really such a big deal since one can find just about anything online. Still, it’s a consideration of mine.

Since I am looking for more of a utility rifle, meaning that it will plausibly serve more than one purpose, I may not go with the standard bolt-action hunting rifle. In a defensive situation, when my pistol is not near or ready, a bolt action rifle would be cumbersome. Even so, this is just a minor consideration, since my shotgun would also make a fine defensive weapon.

Cost is something else that I must unfortunately consider. This is really too bad since there are some amazing and well-reputed rifles that cost over twelve hundred dollars. I would not be able to disclose such a figure to my wife, no matter how well off we are at the time of purchase.

Check back for part 2 of this series, where I will have a few rifle considerations, and why I am looking at them.