There are a lot of things to consider when you're on the market for your first hunting rifle. Unfortunately, novices sometimes fail to consider all the pertinent factors and therefore make some mistakes they regret later when purchasing their first hunting rifle. The following are six things you should avoid doing when you shop for your first hunting rifle.  

Focusing too much on appearances regarding stock material

When it comes to hunting rifles, wood is the classic stock material. While a classic wood stock hunting rifle looks great, you might want to choose a different stock material for a first hunting rifle. Something like a synthetic stock hunting rifle is likely to be more durable and weatherproof than a classic wood stock rifle. Also, synthetic stock requires less maintenance. 

Not spending enough time analyzing how the gun feels

While details like caliber and material are important, don't overlook the all-important detail of how the rifle feels to you. You want to choose a rifle that you find comfortable. Hopefully, you'll be able to take some practice shots at the range with the model rifle you're interested in before committing to buy. 

Failing to set a budget

There are a lot of hunting rifles out there to choose from. One good way to narrow down your search is to set a budget. Your budget can help you pinpoint the appropriate caliber, material, and more so that you don't feel so overwhelmed with all the options available to you. 

Neglecting to familiarize yourself with all available action options

You need to consider your action preferences. You can choose from bolt-action, pump-action, single-shot, lever-action, or semiautomatic rifles. If possible, give all these different action options a try at the range to find the action that's best for you. 

Not understanding the impact of barrel length

Barrel length is an important consideration that is sometimes overlooked. A longer barrel typically means that the bullet will be projected at a higher velocity. However, one drawback of longer barrel rifles is that they are heavier. As such, shorter barrel rifles are often a better choice for those who will be hunting in brush. They tend to be easier to aim and handle in brush environments. 

Choosing the wrong caliber size

One of the number one characteristics of a hunting rifle is the caliber. The caliber that you should select depends in part on what types of game you'll be hunting. Higher caliber rifles are needed for hunting larger game.

You should also consider whether you'll be hunting primarily in the brush or in open fields. Higher caliber rifles can handle shooting in the brush better. On the other hand, lower caliber rifles tend to offer greater precision when you're shooting in open country.

Contact a company like Country Boy Sports for more information.