Tag: deer hunting

The Best Hunting Rifles and Ammo for Deer Season

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As the hot sunny days turn into colorful leaves and cool breezes, we know that the season y’all have been waiting for is finally here: Deer Season! Hunting deer is a great way to have some fun while providing for your family or community, help with wildlife conservation, and learn important skills that come with hunting deer. As deer hunting opens up across North America, it is best to go ahead and get all of the hunting rifles, ammo, and hunting accessories you will be looking for this Deer Season. 

The Best Deer Hunting Rifles

Whether sitting in a stand or using your best tracking methods, hunting deer is a fun pastime for the family every year. However, one of the most important parts of deer hunting is picking a good rifle. While most people use bolt action rifles, many gun enthusiasts use the classic lever action rifle for a more close-range approach to hunting. We have gathered a few of our favorite hunting rifles here for your consideration. 

Bolt Action Rifles

Accurate, dependable, and with a variety of caliber options; bolt action rifles are the most popular deer hunting rifle in the US. With many bolt actions chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, or standard .308 Winchester; there are plenty of ammo options to choose from depending on what you like. The bolt action rifles are also known for their smooth trigger pulls, are very accurate long-range, and have a lightweight structure for rough terrain. GrabAGun offers an extensive list of bolt action rifles and Winchester ammo to choose from.

Tikka T3x Lite

The Tikka T3x Lite combines high performance with lightweight ease while still being reliable and durable.  Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 24.3 inch barrel, this rifle features a synthetic stock, an adjustable trigger, and a 3 round magazine. The T3x receiver introduces a widened angular ejection port making it easier to feed one cartridge at a time, and extra screw placements on top of the receiver to robustly attach a Picatinny rail. The Tikka Lite models are equipped with the T3x synthetic stock with modular pistol grip and forend capabilities. It also comes with the classic low-angled grip. There are plenty of ammo options for your Tikka rifle. Get some of our Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor ammo with either InterLock or ELD-X bullets. There are many  different types of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo for our selection of Tikka rifles.

Ruger American

Ruger American Hunting Rifles at GrabAGun

You couldn’t ask for a more solid and dependable rifle right out of the box than the Ruger American. Featuring an ergonomic and lightweight synthetic stock designed for quick and easy handling, it blends a classic look with modern forend contouring and grip serrations. Ruger’s American Rifle offers minute-of-angle accuracy that can make every hunt a success. This Standard 308 Winchester model has a 22″ matte black barrel, black synthetic stock, rotary magazine, and sling swivel studs. The one-piece, three-lug bolt with a 70 degree throw provides ample scope clearance and utilizes a full diameter bolt body and dual cocking cams for smooth, easy cycling. Its patent-pending Power Bedding, integral bedding block system positively locates the receiver and free-floats the barrel for outstanding accuracy. This Ruger bolt action also has a Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger, cold hammer-forged barrel, and a tang safety. Get a number of Ruger rifles and .308 rounds from GrabAGun online.

Remington 700 SPS

Remington 700 Hunting Rifles at GrabAGun.

Most deer hunters know that this gun list cannot be complete without the all time classic Remington 700 SPS. More Model 700s have been sold than any other bolt-action rifle. Whether shooting at the range or pursuing big game, its out-of-the-box accuracy is unmatched and has the high-end performance you would come to expect from Remington. This 700 Remington bolt action comes chambered in .243 Winchester with a 24 inch barrel and features a 4 round magazine. Features include an improved, ergonomically designed synthetic stock, carbon steel barrel and receiver drilled and tapped for scope mounts. All exterior metal work features a matte blued finish. The legendary strength of its 3-rings-of-steel receiver paired with a hammer-forged barrel, combine to yield the most popular bolt-action rifle in history. The Model 700 SPS (Special Purpose Synthetic) is leading the way for the next generation of hard-hitting, fully-featured, affordably-priced rifles. Get your 700 Remington and .243 Win ammo from GrabAGun for a price you will love!

Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP

The Savage 110 Apex Hunter XP is a great choice for a ready-to-go scoped hunting rifle. Chambered in the versatile .308 Winchester, it features an ergonomic synthetic stock with recoil pad, a 20-inch matte black barrel, a user-adjustable Accutrigger, and a factory mounted Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 scope. The Savage model 110 Apex Hunter XP delivers custom features in a production rifle to give you an accurate, reliable hunting companion that you can count on straight from the factory. The heart of the Apex Hunter is Savage’s classic 110 action, known for its superior accuracy and smooth operation. This Savage 308 also features the AccuTrigger for a light, but safe trigger, a carbon steel, button rifled barrel, soft grip fore-end and pistol grip, and a detachable box magazine. Savage earns its name with this powerful and punchy .308 Win rifle.

Christensen Arms Ridgeline

Are you a hunter with a taste for the finer things? The higher-end Christensen Arms Ridgeline is the quintessential hunting rifle. Offered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 4-round capacity, the rifle features a sporter carbon fiber composite gunstock and a stainless steel radial muzzle brake built around a light target contour Christensen Arms carbon fiber wrapped 20-inch barrel. This muzzle brake reduces the kick and makes it easier to stay on target. This bolt action rifle’s finish is durable and is great for multiple types of terrain. This rifle is ultralight while staying super accurate and is maneuverable in tight quarters. With a long list of premium features and various chamberings, the Christensen Arms bolt action makes it easy to optimize your hunting experience. Check out our Christensen Arms rifles and 6.5 Creedmoor ammo online and make your Deer Season a success!

Lever Action Rifles

Henry Side Gate Lever Action Hunting Rifles at GrabAGun.

This lever action rifle design is one of the oldest and most important contributions to the Firearm industry. Not only do the lever action rifles have a rich history, they are also reliable and are quite popular with shooting enthusiasts. If you are hunting in tight brush and need a rifle that is easy to carry and maneuver, the Henry Side Gate Lever Action rifle in .45-70 is a great option. Not only does it have enough power to take down any deer on earth, it has enough punch to stop dangerous predators in the unlikely event you should find yourself on the menu. There are great ammunition options available for the .45-70. You can load your Henry lever actions with all soft points for deer or load it with one soft point followed by hard cast solids if you’re hunting in bear country. This is a great versatile rifle that truly can do it all! Shop GrabAGun and receive your Henry 45-70 for sale or other Henry rifles for sale.

The Best Deer Hunting Ammo 

GrabAGun sells multiple brands of the best deer hunting ammo in various calibers. Picking the correct caliber really comes down to personal preference. Do you want to hunt larger animals or only deer? Will you be hunting in tight brush or more open areas? Whether you are a fan of .308 Winchester or .243 Winchester, there are multiple options for you to choose from. 

.30-06 Springfield

Remington Core-Lokt Ammo at GrabAGun

One of the most tried and true rifle cartridges for hunting is the .30-06 Springfield caliber. This historical and powerful caliber is versatile and is one of the best hunting cartridges. This powerful cartridge is also good for bigger predators in case you run across any while hunting. The new Remington Core-Lokt ammo contains 20 rounds of .30-06 Springfield, 165-grain, Core-Lokt Tipped bullets that can really pack a punch. With a velocity of 2820 fps and an energy of 2913 ft/lbs, you’ll be able to take down game with ease. Looking for a deer rifle? Get your 30-06 bolt action rifle and Remington ammo for the best price at GrabAGun!

.243 Winchester

While .243 Win is seen as a “first-time” hunter caliber, it actually gained wide popularity with shooters of all skill levels when it first came out. With wide availability, many people use .243 Win to take down coyotes and other varmints outside of Deer Season as well. For deer, the best bullet weight is 90 grains or more for the flattest trajectory and the best penetration to really stop a deer in its tracks. If you are more interested in more knock-down power that works great on deer or larger game, the .308 Winchester is more for you. Either way both are available in many different brands and models perfect for deer hunting.

.270 Winchester

Over many decades, the .270 Winchester has been a hit with deer hunters. One of the best long-range calibers, the .270 is great for open country. The .270 Winchester was way ahead of its time. While it packs a lesser punch than the .30-06 Springfield, it will get the job done when hunting deer and varmints! GrabAGun offers this Federal Power-Shok Ammo in .270 Win with 130-grain Jacketed Soft Point projectiles in brass casings. With a muzzle velocity of 3060 fps, these rounds are great for hunting! Get your 20-round box at GrabAGun today for the best price and flat rate shipping. 

6.5 Creedmoor

A newer caliber that has really taken over the hunter’s market and caused quite a stir is the 6.5 Creedmoor. This caliber has match-grade abilities with outstanding accuracy and shootability. This caliber has minimal recoil and allows for fast follow up shots. If you want to get another new caliber, the 6.5 PRC may be for you! The 6.5 PRC cartridge is known to deliver accuracy while also having a bit more power than the 6.5 Creedmoor. While these are newer calibers that haven’t been in the deer hunting scene for long, we figure that they will be a favorite among the classic rifle rounds soon enough.

GrabAGun Has Everything You Need

Whether you are looking for a new bolt action or a classic lever action, GrabAGun has everything you need for a successful Deer Hunt! Get your Henry lever actions, 30/30 rifles, .30-30 ammo for sale, or other hunting accessories for the best price at GrabAGun. Make sure you have everything you need for deer season!

–Destinee Norman

Deer Hunting Essentials: 2021

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deer hunting

Deer hunting is not just exhilarating—it’s incredibly rewarding. There is no greater thrill than taking down a high-point buck or doe. To do that, however, you need the right tools and experience. That’s where GrabAGun comes in. We provide hunters of every experience with the right equipment to have an enjoyable experience. Through our store you can find everything from tactical shotguns for sale to ammo online, all at affordable rates. In this post, we broke down all the deer hunting essentials you’ll need before, during, and after a big hunting trip. Let’s get into it. 

Pre Deer Hunting Essentials

If this is the first year you’ve decided to go deer hunting, there are a few things to get out of the way beforehand. First and foremost, start by checking your local laws regarding hunting limits, the duration of the season, and the types of weapons you are allowed to use. Next, you’ll need to pay for your hunting license. You cannot hunt in the United States without a valid license. With it, you are legally allowed to hunt during a specific time in whichever state you live. If you are going to be hunting out of state, you will need to purchase a license for the area you’ll be located. 

Note: Many areas have a cap on how many licenses and permits are issued each season. Permits are different from licenses, allowing individuals to hunt specific animals on private or public land. You don’t need a permit to hunt, but you absolutely need a license. 

Once you have your licenses and permits, the next thing to determine is the “bag” limit. A “bag” limit refers to how many deer (antlered and antlerless) you are allowed to bag and tag. Limits will vary based on location, time, and other factors. Tags can come in a package deal with your license or be purchased over the counter in most outdoor supply stores. 

Last but not least, you’ll need to decide which season you’ll be hunting in. Your hunting season is determined by your location and will help you decide which weapon you choose to use. Archers typically have the first pick with their season starting in September for most areas. After that, muzzleloaders and other firearms are next in line. So how do you know which weapon is best for you?

deer hunting essentials: bow hunting

Choosing Your Perfect Weapon

Deer hunting requires very different equipment compared to something like duck or dove hunting. In those instances, you need a firearm that can disperse a large number of pellets at varying distances. With deer hunting, however, you need a singular blow to hit accurately at a long distance. For that, hunters have a few options to choose from, including:

Crossbow/Bowhunting

For bigger game like deer, bowhunting is a much sought-after weapon. Unlike dove or duck hunting, deer hunting provides larger, more stationary targets that an arrow can hit. This is not necessarily the best method for beginners, but it certainly is an enjoyable one once you get the hang of it. When you’re packing, don’t forget extra bow releases in case something happens!

Muzzleloaders

For dynamite long-range power and accuracy, muzzleloaders are the only way to go. Not only are they inexpensive, but they also provide unmatched power. It only takes one good shot to take down a high-point buck, and this firearm can do that. This is an option for experienced hunters who want to stop a deer in its tracks. Muzzleloaders for sale shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, and they won’t when you shop with GrabAGun. 

Rifle/Shotguns

Hunting rifles and shotguns are what you will most typically find in the field, specifically long-range rifles and bolt-action shotguns. Whichever you choose will be determined by the time when you go hunt, your location, and other factors. Long-range rifles for sale will obviously provide the most accurate shots from further distances. Bolt-action rifles are just as common amongst hunters, providing incredible power and accuracy. If knock-down power is what you are after, then a shotgun is what you will need. Whether it be semi-automatic or a pump-action shotgun, you won’t be missing a shot with either. GrabAGun has hunting rifles and tactical shotguns for sale and you don’t want to miss out on our prices.  

With your firearm, you’ll also need ammo. It’s unlikely that you’ll need more than a box or two the day of, but it never hurts to have a few extra on hand for target practice. For any semi-automatic rifle, you want to look for ammunition that blends high-velocity distances with weight retention for powerful impacts. Brands like Winchester, Hornady, and more produce high-quality ammo at affordable rates. 

Pick up a box of rifle ammo online with flat rate shipping from GrabAGun!

We also have plenty of shotgun ammo for sale here

Practice, Practice, Practice

Regardless if you are a new or experienced hunter, it never hurts to take the time to practice at the range. While the conditions aren’t going to be the same, getting used to setting up shots can do wonders for your performance in the field. Start by setting targets up at 25-yards and work on placing shots in the same area. Once you’ve got a grasp of it, move the target back in 25-yard until you reach somewhere between 100 and 150-yards. These are perfectly respectable distances for new hunters. What helps is picking up bulk ammo so you can practice without worrying about wasting precious rounds that you might use in the field. 

Day of Deer Hunting Essentials

Nothing is quite as exhilarating as waking up the day of a deer hunt. The night before is the best time to pack up everything. You don’t want to be fumbling around in the dark trying to find your permit or gear bag. Believe us when we say even some of the most experienced hunters have left the house without their gun on more than one occasion! 

But we understand. For your first trip, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what you need and what you don’t. It can result in overpacking, especially for first-time hunters, which is why we put together a general checklist. Items you’ll need the day of a deer hunt include:

  • Permit
  • First aid kit
  • Hunting knife
  • Weapon of choice
  • One or two boxes of ammunition
  • A blaze orange hunting cap or vest
  • Appropriate camouflaged cold-weather gear (depending on the climate)
    • Hat, gloves, shirts, jackets, waterproof boots, rain jacket, cleaning kit, etc. 
  • Scent control/scent attractant
  • Treestand/blind
  • Binoculars

This isn’t an exhaustive list. In fact, there are a few extras that you can also bring with you, including items such as a safety harness for blinds, LED flashlights, a trail camera, odorless bug spray, a rangefinder, and even a walkie-talkie for convenience. Get all of this and more items like ammo online or a quality rifle for sale from GrabAGun today!

Post Deer Hunting Essentials

At the end of your hunt, you will need to make sure that any deer you have taken down are properly tagged. As soon as that is done, you can either take your deer somewhere to be dressed or start the process yourself. Whether you are hunting on private or public land, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Mind Your Manners

  • Be respectful
    • Whether you are hunting on private land, public property, or your own land, be respectful of where you are. Don’t leave any trash or used shells behind. Not only can it spook deer for future hunters, it’s just not cool. 
  • Safety is the highest priority
    • New and experienced hunters alike must remember that safety should always be their number one priority. Never shoot above the horizon, toward homes, or populated areas, no matter how far away. The safety of yourself and others should always rank higher than bagging a deer.
  • Common courtesy
    • If you have the opportunity to hunt on someone’s private land, it’s never a bad idea to offer any meat you catch to them. While there is no rule, spoken or unspoken, this is a common courtesy that many hunters follow.  
deer hunting essentials: blaze orange vest

Final Thoughts

Whether you are an experienced hunter or this year will mark your first official hunt, a checklist for all your items is a must. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle of packing up everything that you end up missing important items. While your list shouldn’t be a mile long, it also shouldn’t be so short that you end up leaving all your essentials behind. When you need all your deer hunting essentials, including deer scents, hunting rifles, ammo online, and more; check out GrabAGun. We have everything you need plus things you may not have even thought of! 

—Kellie Krevosky