Rifle vs Shotgun For Hunting: Which Is Right For Me?
Rifle vs shotgun: which one is the right choice for you? Here is a thorough comparison of the two. Click on each section to learn more.
If you are looking for quality hunting shooting supplies for the lowest prices available, contact us.
Rifle vs Shotgun Comparison
Rifle vs shotgun: Discover which one is best for you
1. Cost of a Rifle vs Shotgun
However, the price you pay will depend on the type of gun you choose. Rifles and shotguns can range in price anywhere from around $200 to $5,000 or more.
Shotguns:
An average shotgun will cost about $505 to purchase. If you are looking to purchase just one gun and you want one that will give you the widest range of hunting options, then the shotgun is your better option as it is suitable for a wider range of prey.
Rifles:
When comparing the cost of a rifle vs a shotgun, the rifle is more expensive to purchase. An average rifle will cost about $556 to purchase.
Rifle vs shotgun: A rifle is usually slightly more expensive to purchase
2. Ease of Handling
Shotguns:
If you need to swing your gun for moving targets such as fast-running deer, the shorter barrel of the shotgun is easier to maneuver. The shorter length of the shotgun also makes them easier to handle when you are slipping through the brush or when you have to make adjustments to your weapon in tight spaces between trees.
Rifles:
Rifles are designed with longer barrels (26" to 30") than shotguns (18" to 26"). So when comparing rifle vs shotgun with regards to how easy they have to move around, the shotgun wins.
A shotgun is easier to maneuver when hunting in tightly packed trees
3. Shooting Distance
Shotguns:
Shotguns will only give you between 75 to 150 yards for your maximum range. It doesn't matter whether you are using a smooth-bore or a rifled barrel shotgun. The range is still limited.
Rifles:
Rifles can cover much greater distances than shotguns can. If you are looking to do long-range shooting (more than 660 yards), then a rifle is your clear choice.
4. Hunting in Brush
Shotguns:
If you are shooting in an area that is covered with brush, grass, or other vegetation, the shotgun is usually more effective. Shotguns that are loaded with slugs are able to blast right through whatever obstacle gets in their way. If you are going to be hunting in a treestand surrounded by brush where there are difficult shot opportunities, then a shotgun is your best option.
Rifles:
Rifle bullets tend to react negatively to interference such as vegetation when they are travelling towards your target, so they aren’t the best option for shooting in the brush.
Rifle bullets can react to interference such as vegetation
5. Type of Game Suitability
When comparing a rifle vs shotgun, you need to consider the type of game that you are going to be hunting. Each type excels for different tasks.
Shotguns:
Shotguns are a great choice for shooting the following:
Upland birds and waterfowl - ducks, turkeys, quail
Squirrels
Rabbits
Hunting larger game in brush, grass, or other vegetation
Targeting several different types of game while hunting because it can be quickly recharged
Rifles:
Rifles are a better choice for the following type of shooting:
Precise target shooting
Deer hunting
Moose hunting
Elk hunting
Other larger game
Rifle vs shotgun: rifles are great for deer hunting but shotguns also work if you are hunting deer in the brush
Choose Hummason for Quality Hunting Supplies
Using quality products like powders, shells and shots is just as important as choosing the right gun. Hummason has a wide selection of high-quality shooting supplies at the most affordable prices available. Here are just a few of our featured products.
Hodgdon Powder
Hummason sells a wide selection of Hodgdon Powder to both individuals and in bulk for resale.
For over 75 years, Hodgdon has been leading the smokeless powder industry through its innovative products.
Shells and Slugs
If you are looking for consistent performance and outstanding value, take a look at our high-quality ammunition that will suit a wide range of your hunting and shooting needs.
We offer an extensive line of Winchester shells and Challenger slugs; these brands are synonymous with high performance.
Why Choose Hummason for Your Hunting Supplies
Hummason is a hunting supplies store that cares. We want to make sure that you have the very best shooting experience possible - whether you are hunting or practising your skills. That is why we manufacture, distribute, and sell the highest-quality hunting supplies at the lowest prices possible.
We will give you a personalized experience that you won’t get at other big-box outdoor sports stores. Hummason is a Canadian-owned, family-run business. We are a smaller company that values that personal touch. You can have a real conversation with our highly-experienced staff and we are always here to answer any questions you may have.
We know the shooting supply industry inside and out and we would love to share our expertise with you. If you are a new client and are a bit intimidated by making your own ammunition, we can help you get started. We want to make sure that you succeed, so we will take the time to understand what you need and explain how to use any of our products properly and safely.
Take a look at our complete products & pricing list online, or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get ready for the field.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Excellent service, they respond very quickly to e-mail inquiries and have good products at reasonable prices. They keep a good inventory of reloading materials. I have been buying products from them for over 35 years and will continue to do so”
— AM Brat
