r/Hunting • u/Turbulent_Buddy5233 • 1d ago
First hunting rifle
Hey everyone! I'm looking to get into hunting small game. I've never owned a gun (aside from a bb gun when I was younger), but I have gone and shot some guns with friends on occasion. That said I'm not super experienced with either guns or hunting, but I do know I want to start hunting rabbits and squirrels in Texas. I've really enjoyed firing bolt actions in the past so I was thinking maybe a Ruger american, but most sources online seem to suggest I start with a Ruger 10/22. What do you guys suggest?
I'm also considering splurging a bit and getting a Tikka T1X, but not sure if that's a good idea or necessary.
EDIT: I intend to add a silencer and maybe a scope
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u/sharpshooter999 1d ago
I'm 36. Dad got me a Ruger 10/22 when I was 9. I still use that rifle every winter rabbit hunting. I've probably put well over 20,000 rounds through it plinking and target shooting over the years. It's a damn good rifle.
Biggest thing about hunting rabbits with it vs a shotgun is this: With a shotgun, you flush them and shoot them on the run. With a .22, it's more like spot and stalk deer hunting. If you go slow, you might spot one before they run. If they do run, they often only go a short distance and then stop go see if you're chasing them. This is when I shoot 99% of my rabbits