ORIGINAL: makinbacon06
I'm beginner hunter and was just wondering what a good begginner Rifle and Shotgun would be? As of right now I use my cousins guns but I'm looking into gettin my own. And I'll be going Deer hunting for my first time in December.. Should I harvest a doe or wait for the "right" buck to come along?
Its your first deer, do what you want. Shoot a doe if that's what comes along, or wait for horns. Get one under your belt and then you can take your time after that.
As far as guns go, 243 is minimum that I would recommend. 30-30 is a great low recoiling gun also and packs a little more punch with a bigger hole to get 'em leakin'. 257 roberts and 25-06 are great guns also for small and young people that are not yet immune to recoil. Just remember that the punishing side of the gun is in the front, and the recoil won't feel so bad in perspective. practice!
A shotgun is a little more of a personal item. The gun has to fit your eye/face interface with the gun. I have owned shotguns I couldn't hit $h!t with, and others that I could hit anything if I had my eyes opened and just looked at the target.