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Photo contest "Trofey Megamarket" https://t.me/trofeymos Small-bore rifles for hunting: how to choose? Hunting with a small-bore rifle, also known as a "small-bore rifle," is quite interesting and unusual. However, it's not accessible to everyone, only to shooters with five years of experience. Thanks to minimal recoil, light weight, and a relatively quiet shot, a small-bore rifle automatically becomes a good companion for hunting small fur- and feathered game. In this article, we'll discuss the features of this weapon, what it can be used for, and what to consider when choosing. Caliber The most common small-bore rifles chosen for hunting are .22LR and .22WMR (rimfire cartridges). .22LR (.22 Long Rifle) is the caliber in which the majority of small-bore rifles are produced. Cartridges of this caliber are distinguished by their low cost and relatively low noise levels. The main drawback is its low power. Depending on the load, the average muzzle velocity ranges from 280-350 m/s, and the muzzle energy ranges from 95-220 J. The low energy and steep trajectory of the bullet make this caliber suitable only for hunting small game at short ranges. The .22WMR (.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire/.22 Winchester Magnum) is the same .22LR, only lengthened from 16 mm to 26.7 mm and increased in diameter from 5.66 mm to 5.69 mm. The relatively large dimensions of the ammunition allowed for a larger propellant charge, resulting in increased muzzle energy (320-470 J) and higher muzzle velocity (ranging from 450-670 m/s). Therefore, a .22WMR rifle will surpass even the best .22LR rifles in power, energy, and flatness. However, .22WMR rifles do not offer impeccable accuracy when hunting at ranges greater than 100 meters. The trajectory of a 2.6g and 3.2g bullet at 100 meters exceeds the line of sight by 4.5-5 cm. Perhaps the main drawback of the .22WMR is its high price compared to the .22LR. Barrel Length Barrel length is a factor that affects both the ease of use and the performance of the weapon. However, it's important to understand that the quality of not only a small-bore rifle but any shotgun is not determined solely by its length. Stock Material Standard options are wood and plastic. There is no definitive answer to the question, "Which is better?" Both materials have their pros and cons. Wood is visually and tactilely more pleasing. This type of stock is easy to work with, meaning it can be machined to your specific needs. Furthermore, wood reduces barrel vibration and balances the gun well. However, it does have its drawbacks. Wood adds weight to the rifle and absorbs moisture. It requires special care. This type of stock requires constant maintenance: properly dry it in the rain after hunting, carry it carefully, avoiding scratches on branches, etc. Plastic is practical: it's lighter, stronger, and requires little maintenance. However, unlike wood, it generates increased vibration and cannot be restored or modified. You can't customize a plastic stock, and you can't add engravings to it. If you plan to use the gun in high-humidity areas, we recommend plastic. For everything else, wood is the better choice. Availability of Sights Because the small-bore rifle has virtually no recoil, you have a wide range of sights to choose from. The only requirement for a scope is its suitability for the operating conditions. If you intend to use the gun in cold weather, the scope must be filled with gas (such as nitrogen). This is necessary to prevent the scope from fogging up and failing at the most crucial moment of the hunt. Therefore, the minimum requirement is nitrogen filling of the tube. Operating Principle Based on their design and operating principle, small-bore rifles are divided into two types: Bolt-action rifles. These are rifles equipped with a simplified bolt-action mechanism. Their main advantages are reliability and simplicity of design. Disadvantages include manual reloading, which reduces the rate of fire and can cause sight alignment issues. Bolt-action rifles come with rotating bolts and straight-pull bolts. One of the main advantages of the latter is the speed of reloading, as the handle only moves in a straight line. A disadvantage is the possibility of the bolt jamming. Incidentally, biathletes use rifles with straight-pull bolts. Bolt-action guns have a slower reload speed, but they're more reliable. Semi-automatic. Semi-automatic rifles offer many advantages, one of which is the ability to fire multiple shots at once without any unnecessary movement. This is important when hunting large game, but isn't always the case with small-bore rifles. However, for beginners, this feature is a valuable asset, as it significantly simplifies the shooting process. Furthermore, with a semi-automatic rifle, you can fire multiple shots without removing your finger from the trigger or disturbing your aim.