Compound bows are typically faster than recurve bows. This is not to say that all compound crossbows are faster, however the fastest crossbows are compound. These bows are also the ideal choice for a beginner as it doesn’t take as much strength to fully draw this bow back. The farther you draw back on a compound bow the lighter the string becomes. These types of crossbows also have a more compact design which makes them more maneuverable. While the compound bow has its strengths, the recurve bow is still used today for a reason.

Due to the more simplistic design, recurve crossbows are naturally quieter than compound crossbows. This is especially important when hunting live game. One of the biggest advantages of a recurve crossbow is that you don’t need to take your bow into a shop to get the strings changed. Since it is so common for strings to wear out, many hunters like that fact that they can change their strings with their hands or with the help of stringing tools anytime or anyplace. Recurve crossbows are also lighter than compound crossbows. It is easier to carry for longer distances and for longer periods of time.

Flintlock muzzleloaders use flintlocks and black gunpowder to force a ball placed on top of the gunpowder to shoot out of the barrel. The mechanics of how this works are pretty simple. The hammer holds a piece of flint. Below the hammer is a metal plate called a frizzen. Below that is a pan that holds a small amount of black powder. When the trigger is pulled, the flint hits the frizzen and sparks ignite the black powder. This then ignites more blackpowder that has been placed in the barrel causing it to explode and shoot the bullet or ball out of the barrel.

Caplock muzzleloaders use the same principle of igniting powder in the barrel to shoot a ball out of the barrel however this is accomplished with the use of a small cap help on by a nipple on the side of the barrel. When the hammer hits the cap, flame is shot through the nipple into the barrel igniting the powder and shooting a ball out of the end of the barrel.

Inline muzzleloaders are the more modern of the three types of muzzleloaders. Often times they have a more modern look as well as more modern features like scopes. With these guns, the cap is located in line with the powder charge which aids in giving it a more efficient ignition. The powder used for these is often times a more pellet like powder with modern looking bullets.

If you are looking for a traditional hunting experience where you can get a feeling of how it was back in the 1800’s, try using a flintlock or caplock muzzleloader. However, if you enjoy the benefits of a muzzleloader hunting season such as the time of year and limited hunters but don’t care to relive the past, try an inline muzzleloader. All three are proven to be effective weapons in big game or deer hunting.

Buying a bow is pretty much based on your personal preference. You need to find a bow that you can draw easily and that is comfortable. Also, do some research on the most reliable brands that fit your budget. Most hunters today use a compound bow. Compound bows when fully drawn do not require as much strength to hold in that drawn position. This is extremely useful when hunting as you may be required to hold your bow fully drawn for a long period of time in order to effectively shoot your game.

Another important aspect of choosing the right bow is the draw weight. It is good to choose a bow with a heavy draw weight, however don’t get more than you can handle. Drawing the bow shouldn’t be too difficult as this is not physically good for your body. Draw weight is adjustable within about a 10 lb range. So buying a bow with a maximum 60 lb draw weight can be adjusted to have between 50 to 60 lb draw weight. The ideal draw weight for you would depend on what you are hunting and how much you can handle. On average for women and younger men between 40 and 50 lbs is typical. For the average adult male, 60 lbs is average.

Draw length is also an important factor when choosing a bow. To measure your draw length, stretch out your arms and measure the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the other. Divide by 2.5 and this is a rough estimation of your draw length. It is important not to get a bow that can’t adjust to your proper draw length. Shooting with a greater length than you should results in less accuracy. Shooting with less draw length than you need can result in a loss of speed and power.

Gauge is a unit of measurement that indicates the diameter of the barrel. The higher the gauge, the lighter the shell shoots. Hunters have found success using shotguns ranging from a 10 gauge to a 28 gauge. The gauge you choose is often decided by the game you want to hunt. Dove hunters often prefer a 12 gauge for these fast flying birds as they provide better range and more shots. A 20 to 28 gauge works well when hunting quail. If you want to hunt turkey, a 10 or 12 gauge is a great choice. There is no right or wrong when choosing the size of your gun. It’s all about personal preference. The general rule is bigger guns for big birds or game and smaller guns for smaller birds or game. However, the 12 gauge is considered by many to be an all around pick for many different types of hunting.

You also have single shot, pump-action, semi-automatic, and double barrel shotguns to choose from. Single shots tend to be more affordable but just as the name indicates, only hold one shot. Pump-action shotguns are probably the most common and they are also quite affordable. Unlike a single shot, once you have discharged a pump action shotgun you simply pump the gun and another shell is loaded into the gun from the magazine. With a semi automatic, it is as simple as squeezing the trigger. Double barrel shotguns have two different types of design. The barrels are either stacked on top of one another or are side by side. Some hunters have better luck with one versus the other, but either one will probably cost you more than a single shot or pump-action shotgun.

A couple other factors to consider are the barrel length and choke of the shotgun. Long barrel shotguns have a tendency to be slightly more accurate but are harder to maneuver in tight spaces or in thick areas. Short barrel guns are ideal in tighter spaces and are quicker to aim. The choke is the area at the end of the barrel that constricts the diameter of the muzzle. The choke will make the pattern of your shot tighter as well as allow it to travel farther while maintaining its pattern. The tighter the choke, the tighter the pattern. The game you are hunting and the distance away from that target can help determine the size of the choke you need.

Bolt action rifles are the most popular type due to their quickness, reliability, and vast selection. Lever action rifles are also quick and reliable, but are not quite as accurate as a bolt-action rifle. You may be more limited in your cartridge selection as well. Pump action and semi automatic rifles both offer a hunter ease of use and the ability to deliver quick follow up shots which can be very important but, neither of these is thought to be as accurate as a bolt action.

Where you hunt is another factor that will help you determine the best rifle to choose. If you find yourself in an area with thick brush or a lot of overgrowth, you may want to choose a gun that you can load quickly in a limited space such as a lever action or pump action. A lightweight gun that you can maneuver easily is ideal in areas of limited visibility. Bolt action rifles have proven to be successful when a hunter wants more control as is the case when shooting longer distances. While you may have more control over your shot, many claim that bolt action rifles are difficult to work with in small spaces.

While you can use almost any rifle for hunting larger game animals, the bolt action rifle seems to be the weapon of choice. This is largely due to its accuracy and ability to fire and reload quickly. For smaller game animals, choose a rifle that you can hold and shoot more easily. You want to focus more on getting your shot off correctly versus spending time getting control of your gun. A semi-automatic small caliber rifle is often the weapon of choice for hunting small game animals like rabbits.

So if you have a general idea about what you want to hunt and the environment you will be in, you should find a rifle that feels comfortable to you. You may have to shop around, but it is worth it. Also make note of additional features on the rifle that make it easier and safer to use such as thumb safety switches. Once you bought your rifle, it is a good idea to learn how to completely break it down and put it back together. Know your rifle so you can use it safely.

Always be sure to lock your rifle away and keep in a place where young children can’t get to it. Keep it unloaded and as an additional safety measure, store your ammo in a different place. We cannot stress the importance of ALWAYS practicing gun safety at all times.