Part 1 covers basic firearm concepts and the .22 Long Rifle, while Part 2 introduces the wider subject of pistol-caliber carbines (PCCs). In this post, I intend to introduce full-power hunting rifles. I offer my apologies in advance for the Yankee-centric calibers and models mentioned.

The aforementioned PCCs suffer from the inherent limitations of pistol cartridges: low powder charges and chunky bullets. Proper rifle cartridges use bullets which are typically much more aerodynamic, and are pushed to much higher velocities by much higher pressures from much larger powder charges. A rifle round carries enough power to reliably take deer and larger game, often at extreme ranges.

History

The most famous rifles from early America are the muzzle-loading Kentucky Long Rifles. Better accuracy was gained at the expense of more tedious reloading. Eventually, militaries also widely adopted "rifled muskets." The Sharps Rifle was one of the first successful breech-loading firearms in the US, and later models used a self-contained metallic cartridge. This cartridge technology swiftly led to the development of repeating rifles.

The French bolt-action Lebel 1886 rifle and American lever-action Winchester model 1886 are examples of early models using tubular magazines for full-power rifles. Rounds are inserted nose-to-tail in a spring-loaded tube under the barrel. There is a risk of detonating when the nose of a bullet is pressed against the pressure-sensitive primer ahead. In the Lebel, the extreme taper of the brass cartridge case combined with the later addition of a recessed ring stamped into the base of the cartridge effectively eliminate this risk. In the Winchester, bullets typically have a blunt nose, losing long-range accuracy potential in exchange for safe stacking in the magazine.

Later gunsmiths like the Mauser brothers improved the bolt action design, and surplus service rifles have been so popular as hunting rifles that any remaining in military-issue condition without "sporterizing" are now collectibles. Commercial designs have been developed, with and without military influences. These rifles usually use a box magazine, so spitzer bullets are much more common. Ammunition is also often derived from former military rounds like the .45-70, .30-06, .303 British, or 7mm Mauser. There are even a few pump-action models like the Remington model 760 and a variety of semi-automatics dating back to at least the Remington Model 8. Those self-loaders will have to wait for a future post, though.

Source

Calibers & Rifles

Unlike prior posts, I don't even know where to begin discussing specific calibers. The array of options is truly bewildering. Your selection depends on your needs, budget, and local availability. Current and former military rounds remain popular in the US, but I know some countries restrict civilian ownership of such military-caliber firearms. The .30-06 is often necked down to take smaller bullets, or stretched out for larger ones. The newer .308 Winchester has many such variants, too, and some are also commercial successes. Rounds developed specifically for hunting outside the military supply chain are too numerous to mention.

The primary downsides to rifle rounds are the cost, weight, and bulk of each individual cartridge. The cost, at least, can be mitigated by reloading spent brass with new bullets, powder, and primers. There is an up-front expense, and some care must be taken when handling and dispensing these materials, but the savings per shot add up swiftly. This can also allow tuning rounds for your rifle for maximum range and accuracy.

Recoil from full-power rifle rounds can also be stout, but proper posture and a good rifle fit mitigate this. I have fired a Ruger M77 in .338 Win. Mag. with relatively little rifle training and had no issues with the recoil. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to shoot round after round plinking at tin cans, but even I can manage this fairly serious rifle literally "loaded for bear" and intended for big game.

Make and model options are also overwhelming. If you are building a survival arsenal, I can perhaps narrow the scope of your choices. Bolt-action rifles are simple to operate and simple to maintain while offering a sturdy and reliable platform. They can be fitted with a wide variety of optics, but either a low-magnification long eye relief scout scope or a variable power standard rifle scope will aid precision marksmanship. They are chambered in almost every caliber under the sun, so you can probably find your ideal combination. Choose a reputable brand and you should be set.

Conclusion

If you need a firearm capable of reliably taking deer, killing predators, and managing a varmint population, take some time to explore hunting rifles. Read website reviews. Chat with local hunters. Take a hunter education course from the NRA or your local equivalent organization. Go to the range with someone willing to let you try their favorite rifles and see what recoil you can manage and what fits your physique. If you ever need to feed and protect your family in an emergency, or just want to stretch your grocery budget by hunting a buck each fall, this might be one of the most important tools you can acquire.

What is your favorite hunting rifle? Personally, I'd be content with a Marlin model 336 despite its less-convenient maintenance regime, but Savage and Ruger are both makers of excellent bolt-actions on a budget, and I hear good things about Tikka/SAKO. Finns know rifles. Just ask the Soviets, and remember what a good rifle in the hands of a good marksman can do.