Big Game Rifle Designs Pros & Cons
Here are some things to consider when deciding on a big game rifle to purchase or build:
Weight: Total firearm weight is affected by the type and length of action, the length and contour of the barrel, the diameter of the bore and the materials used in the stock, as well as the size and type of optics / sights used.
Heavy Pro The heavier the rifle the more it will soak up recoil, making you less sensitive when firing heavy recoiling calibres.
Con If you need to carry it around over long distances or extended times, it will make you fatigued quicker. If you are fatigued, you won't be as alert, and if you need to make that important shot late in the day, fatigue may reduce your ability to perform at your best.
Light Pro A light rifle is a pleasure to carry around, and doesn't wear you out if you spend many hours on foot. This is especially true if hunting in hills or mountains.
Con A lighter rifle will have a much faster recoil speed and consequently a sharper recoil impulse. Consider how many rounds you are likely to fire from it. If you only expect to fire one shot per day and are comfortable with the level of recoil, this may not be an issue for you.
Length: Rifle length is generally a function of action type and length and barrel length. A single shot or double break action rifle will be much shorter than a bolt action for instance.
Long Pro A longer barrel will produce higher velocities.
Sight radius is improved if using iron sights, reducing possible sighting error.
Balance and pointability may be improved (depending on other factors).
Blast is reduced as more powder burns up in the barrel and also is farther from the shooter's ears.
Con In thick vegetation, a long firearm can be a liability, being less manoeuvrable and slower to bring to the shoulder quickly.
More prone to catching on branches etc.
Short Pro Convenient to carry around, and generally lighter also.
Much easier to use and bring to the shoulder in thick vegetation.
Con Some velocity will be sacrificed.
Sight radius will be reduced when using iron sights, increasing possible sighting error.
Blast will be more pronounced and closer to the shooter's ears.
Stock Material: A rifle's stock will add to not only its visual appeal, but also to its accuracy and durability. The material selected should be based on the user's requirements.
Wood Pro Most readily available and largest number of stock design choices.
Can be modified by the user.
Considerable visual appeal (especially with higher grades of wood).
Tactile appeal; wood generally feels better than synthetic materials in the hand.
Con Not as strong as other materials, can suffer cracking in heavy recoiling calibres.
Susceptible to warping from heat and moisture variations which can cause temporary and unpredictable point of impact shifts with ammunition.
More easily damaged by dents and scratches.
Wood Laminate Pro Maintains the aesthetic appeal of wood.
Is much stronger and far more stable than natural wood.
Con Generally heavier than natural wood.
Is not usually available in higher grades for additional figure.
Wood with Aluminium Chassis Pro Maintains all the positive features of natural wood.
Extremely strong and stable for best accuracy and most consistent point of impact.
Con Higher cost to purchase.
Synthetic Pro Very stable and almost impervious to changes in heart and moisture.
Often available in very light configurations.
Many are very inexpensive to buy.
Minor damage (scratches & dents) are generally less noticeable and less concerning to owners.
Increasingly available in camouflage as well as block colour finishes.
Con Usually not as aesthetically pleasing.
Some designs have hollow buttstocks and have a hollow sound.
Barrel Contour: The contour (or weight) of your rifle's barrel will play a significant way in which it handles and shoots.
Heavy Pro Slower to heat up when firing several shots in rapid succession, providing more consistent point of impact shot to shot.
Less barrel whip will generally contribute to better accuracy.
Con Adds weight to the rifle, making it more difficult to carry for extended periods of time.
Too much weight forward can unbalance the rifle, compromising its handling characteristics.
May require a wider forestock.
May be more costly to purchase.
Light Pro Easy to carry for extended periods of time.
Will fit into any forearm width.
May be cheaper to purchase.
Con Quicker to heat up when firing successive shots, affecting point of impact.
Greater barrel whip can lead to reduced accuracy.
Sight Selection: The choice of sight selection will be largely dictated by the type of game you intend hunting, the conditions under which you are likely to be hunting and the likely engagement ranges. To a lesser degree it will also be influenced by your personal preferences.
Telescopic Pro Can magnify the target at long ranges or for precise shot placement
Reticle provides distinct aiming mark
Some reticles have additional aiming marks for longer ranges
Involves only a single focal plane which makes use simpler
Con Heaviest option in relation to additional weight
Field of view will be more limited (depending on magnification)
Have a very limited eye relief range (may be an issue with heavy recoiling rifles)
Red Dot Pro Large field of view
Eye relief range is very broad
Involves only a single focal plane which makes use simpler
Con Generally no magnification
Dot reticle often gives no indication of cant
Can be prone to failure (e.g. flat battery)
May be difficult to use for people with colour perception difficulty.
Reflex Pro Generally the smallest and lightest option
Least obstruction to field of view
Usually the quickest for target acquisition
Involves only a single focal plane which makes use simpler
Con Generally less rugged and more prone to damage
Can be prone to failure (e.g. flat battery)
Iron Pro Add least weight and bulk
Least prone to failure
Little obstruction to field of view and peripheral vision
Always ready for use
Con No magnification for longer shots or target assessment
Not as precise in terms of defined aiming mark
Involves the use of three focal planes
Requires more skill by the firer to prevent sighting errors
May cause additional issues to shooters with impaired eyesight