I am looking to get started in hunting this year (first time around and I'm as green as they get). I have tossed around different ideas for my first deer/hog rifle. My initial thought was go head and get a cheaper, but decent, bolt gun (.308) package like the Savage Axis or something in that price range. However, I do currently have an AR-15 that, for about $100 less than a bolt package, could theoretically work. I would have to outfit it with a decent optic (I am thinking 1x-4x red dot that does well in low light), a sling, 5 round mags, and decent ammo.
With that in mind, how many of you use your AR-15 to hunt deer and hogs with? For those of you that do, what is your current setup and what would you suggest a newbie adding to their, essentially, bone stock AR to make it a decent hunting rifle (optics, ammo, etc.)? What are some concerns or areas I should consider if I went this route instead of a bolt gun? One thought I had was a smaller bullet would require taking shots at much closer range than something with more stopping power to make sure I'm not just wounding animals with little to no possibility of retrieving them. Is this something that would be an issue? Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
mods, if this is more hunting forum appropriate, my apologies!
With that in mind, how many of you use your AR-15 to hunt deer and hogs with? For those of you that do, what is your current setup and what would you suggest a newbie adding to their, essentially, bone stock AR to make it a decent hunting rifle (optics, ammo, etc.)? What are some concerns or areas I should consider if I went this route instead of a bolt gun? One thought I had was a smaller bullet would require taking shots at much closer range than something with more stopping power to make sure I'm not just wounding animals with little to no possibility of retrieving them. Is this something that would be an issue? Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
mods, if this is more hunting forum appropriate, my apologies!