A Basic Guide to Rifle Shopping

For new gun owners, shopping for a firearm can be intimidating. When it comes to rifles, understanding different lingo takes time and practice, but there’s more to the purchase than just finding the coolest-looking rifle.

Before you even walk into a gun store, make sure the legal side is handled first. Research state and local laws, and figure out exactly what you need it for. Bring any required paperwork, money, and some patience to shop for a rifle.

Know Your Limits: Shopping for Your Needs and Abilities

rifle on back of truck — Large rifles just aren’t for everyone, which can be a bummer if a huge, steel rifle was at the top of your wishlist. [Photo credit: Grace Stevens]

Believe it or not, guns aren’t universal. They may be too big, small, heavy, or long for some bodies. Recoil is also a factor for some because not everyone wants a bruised shoulder every time they shoot their rifle (a little dramatic–but some people with some guns just don’t mix).

First off, be realistic about what kind of weight you can handle for long periods of time. A good test is using free weights — it’s not entirely accurate, but it can give a new gun owner an idea of what they’re up against. Make sure your arms can remain extended for long periods of time as well as carry the weight without buckling too soon. Some people don’t have a problem with heavy rifles, while others need a light frame to stay safe. It doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with strength, either, it can be affected by injuries and other issues, too.

If you need something lighter, generally avoid rifles made of mostly steel (or steel-adjacent). Most manufacturers will tell you the weight, but make sure to consider the weight difference when loaded (if the manufacturer doesn’t have it listed already).

Next, arm length needs to be considered. This is called the length of pull, which is the distance between the trigger and the end of your stock. This can help make sure that your stock length is right for you. Doing this assures that shooting will be stable, comfortable, and keep your line of sight perfect.

length of pull diagram — This gives a good visual of what exactly to look for if measuring yourself. [Photo credit: Don Currie]

It can be tricky to find your best fit without a rifle nearby, but typically you can go to a local gunsmith and ask for advice on finding your size. This shouldn’t completely turn you off from a rifle, since stocks can be adjusted by removing material, adding a spacer, or using aftermarket parts. You can also compare the feel of a few different rifles at the gun store to figure out if you should lean towards a shorter or longer rifle.

Grip strength comes into play too. Triggers have different pull weights; some are intentionally heavy while others are much lighter. This comes down partially to personal preference, but if your trigger pull is too heavy it could become a problem quickly (as well as too light). If you like the feel or the requirement for two stages, check out two-stage triggers (aka, the trigger needs to go through two phases of pull to be fired, helping prepare the shot, but this is also largely personal preference).

Lastly, consider recoil. This may be harder to work with depending on what you need the rifle for, but understanding what’s comfortable for you matters. Recoil is affected by the rifle’s weight, design, and caliber. Generally, heavier rifles help absorb felt recoil, but there are aftermarket methods to help recoil if you need a lighter rifle that happens to have a strong recoil. You can also choose a rifle by looking at reviews to understand how strong the recoil may be. If you can handle basically taking a solid punch to the shoulder a few times, I’d worry less about it — but if you know you don’t want that feeling to any degree, search for low-recoil rifles. Knowing for sure what you can handle takes time and experience, though.

If possible, see if a responsible gun owner in your life could take you to the range to get a feel for certain types of rifles. There are some measurements you can do, or directions to push you towards based on objective facts, but in reality, it’s hard to mimic actually using a rifle at home.

(Also, though it doesn’t necessarily affect the rifle choice, new gun owners should find their dominant eye to know if they should shoot left-handed, right-handed, or if they’re cross-dominant.)

A Rifle’s Purpose: Why do you need it?

There are several reasons a person may be seeking out a rifle:

Hunting
Pest control
Home Defense
Customization/Hobby
Long-range shooting

Knowing its purpose before you buy will make sure you get the right firearm for the job. To do so, it is best to decide what caliber you need.

Hunting

223 bullets — .223 ammunition is a fan favorite for dealing with smaller animals. [Photo credit: Grace Stevens]

If you’re hunting small pests like rabbits, 22 LR can work well. It’s commonly used, and the ammunition is cheap. Of course, if you get something larger like a 243 Win, you’ll have more options. For larger game such as whitetail deer, you’ll want something like 350 Legend, 6.5 Creedmoor, or 308 Win. If you’re going after big game like elk, it’s time to consider magnum rounds like 300 Win Mag.

If you’re sitting in a blind most of the time, a heavier gun will be less of a concern. However, if you hunt on foot with a lot of movement, make sure you choose a lighter rifle. Durability has a part as well, depending on how you hunt and the environment. Make sure your rifle is prepared for common conditions within the game you want to hunt (whether that be severe weather, dust, or mud).

If you’re hunting waterfowl, you’re going to need a shotgun.

Pest Control

remington 223 rifle — Remington makes a great option for .223, it’s reliable and pretty. [Photo Credit: Kraft Auction Service]

This is a fairly easy one. Assuming the ‘pests’ are smaller, such as snakes, rabbits, or other small varmints, a basic 223 should do the trick. This is a great option if you live in an area permitting the use of rifles this way, likely for farmers or those with a bit of land. When I moved to Texas, I quickly realized how many families kept 22 LR rifles on standby for rattlesnakes.

Home Defense

A 223 Remington can be good here as well if you’re looking for the bare minimum defense. Some also like lever-action rifles for personal defense, and they’re certainly capable of taking care of business. But many prefer semi-automatic styles in a variety of calibers. Although over-penetration is mentioned with many rifles, the truth is that literally any round can over-penetrate. Be aware of the layout of your home and property and remember, you are responsible for every bullet you send down range.

Customization / Hobby

Gunsmithing is a useful hobby that can be a lot of fun, but it does require some experience. Typically, this relies on aftermarket parts, so if the main purpose of a rifle purchase is to make it a project gun, make sure you choose a rifle that’s easy and cheap to work on. The Ruger 10/22 is a common choice, as well as the AR-15, being a common kit gun. With laws rapidly changing, it’s important to make sure to abide by local, state, and federal laws when modifying your rifle.

Conclusion

gun store wall lined with rifles — Gun stores can be a lot to take in, so doing some research beforehand can make the whole process easier. [Photo credit: Kones Korner]

Rifles are amazing tools with several uses. They’re great to introduce new gun owners just learning to shoot, care, and upkeep a rifle, as well as being a common favorite for existing gun lovers and outdoorsmen. Rifles are (as of now) the most readily available to younger groups legally, making it a common first purchase for hunting or home defense. So, whether this is your first rifle or your tenth, make sure you consider all the potential factors when purchasing.