Recent studies have revealed that there are just over 11.5 million hunters in the United States, and this pastime could become even more popular in the coming years. If you have decided to try your hand at hunting, then you will need to spend a little bit of time figuring out which firearms will best suit your needs.

Remington 870

 

When it comes to hunting weapons, very few models are as popular as the Remington 870. This shotgun has been around for well over six decades, and it can be used to hunt fowl as well as large game. As an added bonus, the shells are relatively cheap, and that means target practice is going to be very affordable.

Remington 7600

Another popular Remington firearm is the 7600 pump-action rifle, and this gun might be a great option if you want a good blend of versatility and reliability. For larger game, you will most likely want to go with the .30/06 model so that you have plenty of stopping power. You are also going to have quite a few options when it comes to optics and other accessories.

AR-15

Even though most hunters aren’t going to take their AR-15 rifles out into the wild with them, that weapon platform can be used to improve your accuracy and proficiency. There is a growing population of hunters using their AR-15 rifles, mostly for small game. That rifle is highly customizable, easy to use, and extremely durable when properly maintained. It is an excellent option for home protection as well as target practice at the range and vermin hunting.

Marlin 1895

The Marlin 1895 comes with a 22-inch barrel, and it is usually chambered for the powerful .45 round. This particular rifle is very popular among hunters because it is ergonomic, incredibly reliable, and easy to maintain. As long as you clean the weapon after every use, this rifle should last for many decades to come.

Freedom Arms Model 83

If you are interested in hunting with a pistol, then you might want to take a closer look at the Freedom Arms Model 83 revolver. Even though that model can be pricey, it is going to be an excellent investment if you are an avid hunter. It can be fully customized to suit your needs, and it is going to serve you well as long as you spend a little bit of time practicing with it.

Once you have started to build your gun collection of the 5 guns every hunter needs, you should consider investing in a high-quality safe that can be bolted to the floor. A gun safe is going to extend the lifespan of each of your weapons and prevent anyone from accessing the collection without your permission.

This article was first published in Gun News Daily.

Image: Reuters