New Hunter

[Hunter_Dan]

Just trying to make sure how to load the lever action rifle...its been a year or so since my firearm safety course. Do you place one cartridge into the chamber and then put 3 into the loading gate into the tubular magazine? Or can you put four in the magazine and then push the lever handle down and that'll bring the first cartridge into the chamber?
..and for the semi-auto you can put one in the chamber by opening the action and then place 3 in the magazine at the bottom?

[WIDeerSlayer]

How about a bolt or a pump. These two IMO are the 2 most complicated for a new hunter. But between the two I would pick a semi auto.

[iHunt]

I would just put all the bullets either in the magazine or loading gate.

[doogie494]

i would go with the bolt or pump also.

[DocHolladay]

I load all my ammunition into the magazine first, then cycle the action. I will take and unload my rifle when getting in my stand or crossing a fence so that I dont have an accidental discharge.

What is wrong with a lever action for a new hunter??? That is what I started with. Winchester Model 94 .30-30. Killed lots of deer with it until I "upgraded" to a Remington 700 bolt action. I have had that same .30-30 for 21 years now and use it yearly. It even helped start out my neice and nephew when they started hunting at the ripe old age of 7. I dont know the caliber of his lever rifle, but mine is a great started caliber with light recoil that a child can handle and accurate to boot.

[yellodog1]

Winchester model 94 .30-.30 works for me. Although I have thought many times about getting an .06, but for the amount of time I deer hunt the .30-.30 has always done well.

[carbine100]

My first was a semi-auto, but of the two and with no other info given I would suggest the lever.

[ccclean]

If you dont know how to load it you sure as hell dont need to be in the woods hunting with it. Neither on the choices above. Bolt action is the way to go. Far more accuracy and you can cycle one just as quick as the lever action. Semi auto is a poor choice you will start trying to mow the woods down. Go to a gun range and practice before you go out.

[KwackWacker]

CCClean, I would think when someone asks this kind of question, a little polite constructive critism would go farther than the blunt approach, after all, the name of the topic is "New Hunter" and he is asking the question and not just assuming he can figure it out when he gets to the woods.

[progers]

Yea dude, I second what Kwack says. Be nice. And besides, he made the post in July and I don't think there is a deer season in July so..........

Also, I will beg to differ from you. I can garuntee that I can rack off more shots faster with a lever action 30-30 than you can with any type of bolt action.

But, I do agree with the rest. Bolt actions and single shots seem to be more consistant with groupings. I started out as a kid with a lever action Marlin 30-30. I wouldn't own a Winchester 30-30. As I grew older and smarter, I have now become well attached to bolt actions, especially the 308. I agree with the semi auto's. I have seen more folk just shoot instead of making that first shot count. And that is what it is all about, one shot = one kill.

[herewegoagain]

I have to agree with clean on this one. Firearms are not toys and if you cant figure out how to load it or forgot some fundamentals you have no business using the weapon. Sorry guys but sometimes the truth can hurt.

[progers]

I have to agree with clean on this one. Firearms are not toys and if you cant figure out how to load it or forgot some fundamentals you have no business using the weapon. Sorry guys but sometimes the truth can hurt.

Actually, both ways he stated are ways to properly load it. So, it doesn't sound like he forgot.

[KwackWacker]

I have to agree with clean on this one. Firearms are not toys and if you cant figure out how to load it or forgot some fundamentals you have no business using the weapon. Sorry guys but sometimes the truth can hurt.

No one here is saying that he should go out not knowing how to load a gun properly. We should all promote proper gun and hunting safety. And no one is saying that he shouldn't be told. Yes, the truth hurts, but it hurts more when you don't take the time to teach someone the right way, ESPECIALLY when they are asking the questions to find out. The issue was with how you tell him. He asked a question as a new hunter and wanted to know the proper thing to do. Give him some credit, most folks who get hurt by firearms are hurt because they weren't smart enough to ask for help.

[progers]

I have to agree with clean on this one. Firearms are not toys and if you cant figure out how to load it or forgot some fundamentals you have no business using the weapon. Sorry guys but sometimes the truth can hurt.

No one here is saying that he should go out not knowing how to load a gun properly. We should all promote proper gun and hunting safety. And no one is saying that he shouldn't be told. Yes, the truth hurts, but it hurts more when you don't take the time to teach someone the right way, ESPECIALLY when they are asking the questions to find out. The issue was with how you tell him. He asked a question as a new hunter and wanted to know the proper thing to do. Give him some credit, most folks who get hurt by firearms are hurt because they weren't smart enough to ask for help.

Very well put!


Actually tho, most hunting accidents are from "experienced" hunters who do stupid things!