Best hunting rifle for women?
- Thread starter Mrs Dama dama
- Start date
Generally I think there are a lot of misconceptions in rifle setups. I can't really understand why a light weight person should be more recoil sensitive. The heavy bloke will get higher surface pressure into the surface of his shoulder due to inertia of his body weight and might therefore bruise easier than a light person who just moves back a bit more under recoil.
Common rifle setup / rifle hold beliefs are other factors that I do not agree with. I believe, light rifles can shoot very accurately, light rifles can shoot very accurately even held very lightly. Important is the setup of a light rifle which will lead to the shooter seeing the impact even if the rifle is held lightly.
In this case I think a rifle with following feature would be an ideal compromise. Light weight 20" sporter barrel, light weight stock that should be adjustable in the cheek / recoil pad and.... a medium to heavy scope. Combinations that we know that work very well are for example. Tikka T3, Carbon fibre stock as in E-Lite, combined with a scope not lighter than S&B Zenith. Of course other combinations down these lines work well too. It is about the balance and recoil management of a rifle. I have T3's, Sako, Remmies made after these rules and they shoot fantastic. I can hold them very light meaning the rifle will shoot the same in a variety of shooting positions.
edi
Common rifle setup / rifle hold beliefs are other factors that I do not agree with. I believe, light rifles can shoot very accurately, light rifles can shoot very accurately even held very lightly. Important is the setup of a light rifle which will lead to the shooter seeing the impact even if the rifle is held lightly.
In this case I think a rifle with following feature would be an ideal compromise. Light weight 20" sporter barrel, light weight stock that should be adjustable in the cheek / recoil pad and.... a medium to heavy scope. Combinations that we know that work very well are for example. Tikka T3, Carbon fibre stock as in E-Lite, combined with a scope not lighter than S&B Zenith. Of course other combinations down these lines work well too. It is about the balance and recoil management of a rifle. I have T3's, Sako, Remmies made after these rules and they shoot fantastic. I can hold them very light meaning the rifle will shoot the same in a variety of shooting positions.
edi
Jagare
Well-Known Member
My ex wife had a Ruger #1 in 25.06 and shot really well with it . I don't see a woman buying a rifle any different than a man buying one. Go handle a few rifles and see what feels right for you. As you've done a few stalks you may have a good idea about the amount of recoil you can handle. As said in other replies Shultz and Larsen are very nice rifles.
@Mrs Dama dama a 2nd hand Tikka T3 or T3x is a very safe choice, in 243 or 6.5mm (or even 308 if you're comfortable with a bit more recoil). There are many cheaper options/brands that will do a great job too - Howa 1500, Mauser M18, Browning A-bolt, Winchester XPR, RWS 89 and more. Don't be pressured into spending a fortune on a scope - good ones can be had for very reasonable money. I like Wildcat and Atec for moderators but there are many other good ones like DPT, Freyr Devik, ASE, Stalon etc etc.
I prefer stainless steel rifles because they're easier to keep rust free.
Hopefully you can find somebody local for sound advice as there will no doubt be many differing opinions on this thread.
I prefer stainless steel rifles because they're easier to keep rust free.
Hopefully you can find somebody local for sound advice as there will no doubt be many differing opinions on this thread.
Lots of good advice and opinions. I would suggest firstly get down to the gun shop and try loads and find one that fits - we all have different lumps and bumps and fit is really important. Then think about carry weight and the capability of the shooter to lug the thing around when scoped and with a full mag and mod. Then think about calibre.
The first two are down to preference and body shape the third may need a little thinking about. My suggestion would be a 7mm08. It's a good compromise between knock down power and shooting comfort. It will take anything in the UK and will be future proofed against the potential for a lead ban.
Oh yes, and the shooter will have to actually like it. I bought a family car that ticked all the boxes for need and did the job without a grumble for many years but I hated it with a fiery passion and it brought me no pleasure at all......so get a rifle that hits the emotions as well.
FN
The first two are down to preference and body shape the third may need a little thinking about. My suggestion would be a 7mm08. It's a good compromise between knock down power and shooting comfort. It will take anything in the UK and will be future proofed against the potential for a lead ban.
Oh yes, and the shooter will have to actually like it. I bought a family car that ticked all the boxes for need and did the job without a grumble for many years but I hated it with a fiery passion and it brought me no pleasure at all......so get a rifle that hits the emotions as well.
FN
go to a gunshop and try the ergonomics of any rifle you might want to buy/afford. assuming, you wont aftermarket re-stock it, in which case mainly irrelevant. hand size - fitting the trigger, and cheek position relative to 'length of pul' on the rifle butt are more important than the weight of the rifle, as long as it is for stalking and not 9 kilos of F Class gimmickry.
Are you expecting to be on the hill, on southern woodlands, in highseats ? Lets presume youre built strongly enough to drag any deer you shoot to the vehicle - thats already stronger than many men.
I would also recommend stainless action and barrel, which would be my recommendations for any new rifle. But dont overlook pre-owned. Most rifles are under used and cheap when being sold on. I think you cant really go wrong with a Tikka, Sako, Sauer or even an RPA. Personally, Id not buy a Browning, Bergara, Savage or Howa, but some like them. Im not interested in higher end Blaser, Heym, Merkel, etc but they are lovely. Ive gone with one make and they are workmanlike but accurate and totally reliable.
Are you expecting to be on the hill, on southern woodlands, in highseats ? Lets presume youre built strongly enough to drag any deer you shoot to the vehicle - thats already stronger than many men.
I would also recommend stainless action and barrel, which would be my recommendations for any new rifle. But dont overlook pre-owned. Most rifles are under used and cheap when being sold on. I think you cant really go wrong with a Tikka, Sako, Sauer or even an RPA. Personally, Id not buy a Browning, Bergara, Savage or Howa, but some like them. Im not interested in higher end Blaser, Heym, Merkel, etc but they are lovely. Ive gone with one make and they are workmanlike but accurate and totally reliable.
Yes that combination will work very well. The only reason I said E-Lite stock was because our feedback is that 10% of customers say the Multipurpose comb is on the high side and 20% would prefer it higher. Hence the adjustable comb. I'm ok with either.Agreed for the most part edi, only thing is your best stock for hunting is the Multi Purpose...
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edi
Friendly Boar
Well-Known Member
My wife had no problems using my tikka T3 (243) with ASE (lightweight mod) ….. she used my mates Howa (243) and did well with that though the heavy mod he had meant it was not as easy. I’d go for a lightweight mod as it makes handling easier, I use a Harris bipods on all my rifles but lighter carbon types are all the rage I believe abd can be detached easier/ quicker. The laminate stocks can be heavy , I prefer the synthetic (plastic) as they are more like tools then things i marvel at. A good local gunsmiths should be able to show you options to create your ideal rifle combo. 
Your thread title is the only thing that could be considered sexist, I gave you some solid advice, take it or leave it.
Nachtjäger
Member
If you can still get it: A used Mauser 66 S ULTRA. Was produced until 1993. Even then, it had a barrel that was only 51 cm long. And above all, the so-called telescopic bolt shortens the bolt action by around 9 cm. Three years ago I bought my wife such a rifle in 7x64 and fitted the bolt lever with a rubber ball. It repeats like a straight-pull repeater - only with a shorter way. And it's not a plastic gun, but a real classic gunsmith's work.
Kind regards!
Kind regards!
404Shooter
Well-Known Member
Arrange to visit Steve Beatty at Ivythorn Sporting, near Street, Somerset. He provided me with all the help and advice I needed as a relative novice. Importantly, he encourages a hands-on approach which will allow you to get a feel for what works for you and what doesn’t. He is also very careful not to push any particular style or brand, and you can even fire the rifle on his range beforehand. I’m sure there are plenty of other good, honest RFDs out there but Steve is great and he shouldn’t be too far from you. Good luck.
Lots for sale online, some in 7x57 even!
Morkai
Well-Known Member
I think there's still too much uncertainty regarding the legality of the .243, when lead free ammunition becomes obligatory, so unless someone only intends to use it for foxing, or muntjac, & Chinese Water Deer, I'd be suggesting something that won't be effected by any new ruling.
Outside of that, pick from any of the established brands, in a rifle that feels comfortable to shoulder, and isn't too heavy.
And for calibre, something you're comfortable to shoot should do what you need it to, so easy availability, of sensibly priced ammunition, may be a consideration.
Outside of that, pick from any of the established brands, in a rifle that feels comfortable to shoulder, and isn't too heavy.
And for calibre, something you're comfortable to shoot should do what you need it to, so easy availability, of sensibly priced ammunition, may be a consideration.
Morkai
Well-Known Member
I'm not by any means well experienced but budget and calibre would be my starting points, some people dont always see money as a limiting factor but it can be for a lot of people including myself when I recently purchased my rifle.Hey! I am looking for some advice for the best rifle for women? Looking to purchase my first rifle in the next few months and would appreciate some help! Thanks
I would decide on some calibres and budget, search for the guns in that criteria, then whittle it down.
When you have a choice of a few potentials see if you can go and try some for fit/pull length/weight/balance etc.
Also as @Fabnosh said get something you like, if its a pleasurable item and not a daily tool you'll throw into the pick up then its nice to have something aesthetically pleasing.
How did you get on with the estate rifles you have used, are any of those a choice you would consider?
I would ignore the comment regarding the spraying of a rifle in pink, and there better things to write than just buy something that'll kill with one well placed shot.
I'm glad to see this type of comment was in the minority as it was not the type of response I got from members when I asked for advice.
Big_Sparky
Well-Known Member
Go for anything as long as it’s left handed - right handed rifles are just weird …… oh, and you’ll struggle to see through the scope with your dodgy right eye….
Oh, hang on…. Maybe that’s just me….
Oh, hang on…. Maybe that’s just me….
I suggest getting two rifles. One in a small centrefire cartridge like .222 or .223 and one in a full sized deer cartridge such as 7x57 or .308. The former allows you to do a decent volume of practice with less cost and recoil. Then as your skills develop start using the larger cartridge. It is even better if the two rifles are the same make and model as the carryover of handling is great. E.g., I have two BSA Hunters from the 1950s, one is a short length action in .222 and the other is a medium length action in 7x57. They weigh almost the same and handle/operate very similarly.
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