Jim's Top 5

Our man Stateside, Jim Chapman, reveals which rifles he uses for specific hunting tasks

- Jim Chapman

I do a lot of hunting throughout the year, that could be categorised as small game, predators, and large game. Each of these requires a rifle with a specific set of features and capabilities, and in this article, I’d like to describe the rifles I carry when heading out on a small-game hunt. I’m not so fixated on the styling of the rifle and am happy to hunt with sporter-stocked, full-sized rifles, carbines, tactical designs, and bullpups. Rather, there are a set of features and performance requirements that are important across the board.

In terms of performance, I want a gun that provides solid hunting accuracy, typically 1” out to 50 yards, although that same 1” group needs to stretch out considerably further for some types of small game. The rifle must generate the appropriate power for the game and conditions that are anticipated. This is not because high power is required, or substitutes for proper shot placement, but because a heavier projectile moving at a higher velocity allows for longer shooting distances. Additionally, higher power gives some latitude in shot placement, and whilst it doesn’t matter for head shots, it does have a noticeable advantage for body shots. Finally, I want a good shot-to-shot consistency; if dealing with range, wind, and uphill/downhill angles, the last thing I want in my rifle is an intrinsic inconsistency to further complicate issues. I’m not saying that a gun must be regulated, but it does have to be set up to provide a stable output.

IMPORTANT FEATURES