By Frank Brophy
The Ideal Hunting Rifle?
H
unting rifles are designed specifically for use on live game. Regardless of calibre, magazine capacity, scope/no scope, the sole purpose for their existence is to despatch a targeted animal quickly and humanely. Bolt-action rifles are the most popular choice in Irish hunting circles. Notwithstanding that while both smallbore and centre-fire semi-automatics play an important niche in vermin control - neither type is better, they’re just different - bolt action rifles from .22 to .30cal are the main focus here. Whether a firearm is a budget model or top of the range – and there is a bewildering selection of rifles to choose from - it has to be capable of competently performing the task required. In Ireland this varies from vermin culling through to deer stalking. Beyond this island a larger calibre rifle may be required for hunting wild boar or big game up to and including dangerous game. Whatever its purpose, total reliability has to be the most important factor
along with the usual criteria of accuracy, type of sights, magazine capacity, trigger- pull, stock design/length, to name but a few. Smooth bolt function that chambers and extracts cartridge cases without jamming is paramount, as is a well-designed safety catch. Weight can be an important factor too – rifles tend to become heavier as the day wears on. Many of us will purchase based on a manufacturer’s reputation, previous experience, financial outlay or word of mouth. Perhaps even because we like the good looks! Stocks, synthetic or fashioned from walnut with a nice grain can be a major issue–a matter of personal preference. Professionals and regular hunters who brave inclement weather frequently opt for synthetic products. I mostly avoid them having previously owned a stainless steel 6.5 X 55cal rifle fitted with a synthetic stock. The firearm performed flawlessly on the hill and produced tight groups on the practise range, but in my opinion it just lacked character.
The most important factors must be reliability and accuracy A timber stock has an air of authenticity along with good looks good when it’s polished; admittedly I’m probably just old-fashioned about firearms. The latest super-duper gadgets are of no interest and while my air rifle is fitted with a synthetic stock, in my opinion an air rifle isn’t a real firearm anyway, despite legislation stating otherwise. Whatever about cost or appearance the most important factors must be reliability and accuracy. Hunting publications frequently consider a rifle that can produce 2” groups at 100 metres as sufficiently accurate and acceptable for fieldwork. It probably is, although experienced sport shooters and professionals expect a far higher standard, many not settling for less than 3 shots either grouping in under one inch at that distance or even clover-leafing. Barrel length is not really a factor in accuracy despite
Fanie Kruger testing his home-built .308 rifle (the author’s Mauser .270 is in the foreground). 36
Autumn 2020 Irish Country Sports and Country Life
