Considerations and tips to find the best rifle
How to choose a driven Hunting rifle?
Driven hunts are an exhilarating way to harvest game, but with so many options to choose from in terms of rifle you should get, the task can be quite daunting if you have no to little experience about it. We have gathered a few points that should help you in your rifle selection process.
Driven hunting
Before we dive into the specifics of choosing a rifle for driven hunts, and for those who do not practice this type of hunting at home, let's give you a quick introduction of what driven hunting is.
A driven hunt is a type of hunt where a group of hunters and beaters drives game animals towards a group of stationary hunters, who then harvest the animals as they run past. The interesting and challenging part is that we shoot only animals that are on the game plan. So in general, according to the species, weight, age and gender. It is a very selective process, making the task tricky for hunters. This type of hunting requires quick reflexes, good aim, and the ability to make split-second decisions in identifying the game, all this with safety as #1 priority.
Know your game
The first thing to consider when choosing a rifle for driven hunts is the type of game you’ll be hunting. For bigger sized game like red deer, white tail, wild boar, or moose, you need a caliber with enough stopping power to take down the animal quickly and humanely.
Determine your range
In driven hunts, shots are usually taken at short to medium range, around 100 meters or less. This means that you don’t need a rifle with extremely long range cpapability, but you do need one that is accurate at shorter distances. A rifle with a shorter barrel may be easier to maneuver in tight quarters, but a longer slightly longer barrel may provide more accuracy. 20" to 24" inches barrels are adequate and mostly recommended.
Choose your caliber
The main thing you need to pay attention to in driven hunts is to use a caliber that will deliver enough stopping power for the size of game you hunt. Larger calibers like 9,3x62, 300 Win Mag, 30-06 Springfield, 8,57 IS and 308 Win, equipped with the right projectile will definitely provide the expected results on big and tougher game like wild boar, moose or red deer. The caliber of the rifle determines the power of the bullet, which is critical for making sure your shots are effective.
When it comes to caliber, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best caliber for your rifle will depend on your personal preference, and the regulations in your area. In general, a caliber between .270 and .300 is suitable for most types of game. However, if you are hunting larger game, such as moose, .375, 9,3 x 62, are very common among hunters in Northern Europe.
Sako S20 - Built for Driven hunts
The Sako S20 ergonomics, equipped with the thumbhole stock provides you a solid grip for fast action shots. Its adjustable cheekpiece comes in handy to setup your sight alignment with the scope and put your eye that rocket fast running wild boar in a split of a second.
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CONSIDER THE ACTION
As a bolt-action rifle manufacturer, our opinion will be obviously biased on which type of action you should get. The reason why we recommend a bolt action rifle is simply because of our experience and knowledge gathered over one century of building bolt action rifles. We know it works! Over the years, thousands of hunters have field tested our products in some of the most demanding and challenging conditions and we simply know they can depend on their Sako or Tikka rifles to get the job done. Also, if you look at today's hunting market, it is the most common action used for driven hunts, as it is reliable, accurate and easy to maintain.
Bolt-action rifles are also very versatile and can be used for a variety of hunting situations. They are a good choice for driven hunts because they are fast to cycle, which allows you to take multiple shots quickly. Safety wise, if you are getting started, you will feel more comfortable using this type of action, as it is very simple to operate.
WEIGHT
The weight of your rifle is also an important factor to consider when choosing a rifle for driven hunts. A heavy rifle can be difficult to hold for long periods of time, but it has some advantage when shooting with larger calibers, taming the recoil. A lightweight rifle may not provide the same stability you need for accurate shots. The recoil will hit harder on your shoulder, requiring you to have a very sturdy grip and good shouldering techniques to cope with it. But again, those characteristics are very personal and related to your preferences. Muzzle brakes and suppressors can help you reduce that recoil, but unfortunately those options are not legally available everywhere. So make sure you are aware of your local regulations before purchasing such accessories.
When it comes to weight, you want to find a balance between stability and portability. A rifle that weighs between 6 and 8 pounds (2.8 to 3.6 kg), no scope included, is usually ideal for driven hunts. This weight range provides a good balance, making it easier to carry without sacrificing accuracy.
ACCURACY
Well, that goes without saying but accuracy is arguably the most critical factor when it comes to choosing a rifle for driven hunts. In driven hunts, animals are moving really fast in most cases, and you must make quick, accurate shots for an ethical hit, droppping the animal on the spot.
Here the best advice we can give you is to spend time with your rifle, go to the shooting range and get acquainted with it. Familiarize yourself with it, shoot it and find how it works best for you. With that in mind, you'll have way more confidence going on a hunt, knowing you can trust your rifle and you are comfortable to shoot with it.
SPEED
Speed is another critical factor to consider when choosing a rifle for driven hunts. You must be able to react and shoot quickly. A rifle with a fast rate of fire is necessary for success in this type of hunting. Here the cycling of the smoothness and feeding of the bolt has a critical role to play. Speed is also enhanced by the rifle ergonomics and how it fit your body size, length of pull, and sight acquisition. It should feel instictive, natural and your target acquisition when shouldering the rifle, should be fast and spot on. Training and practice can also improve your speed. Opportunities to harvest an animal can sometimes be scarse, and may happen in a split of a second.
RELIABILITY
Reliability is another important factor to consider when choosing a rifle for driven hunts. In driven hunts, hunters may encounter adverse weather conditions, and their rifles must be able to function reliably under these conditions. A rifle that is prone to jamming or malfunctioning will significantly reduce your chances of success.
SCOPE
When it comes to choosing a scope for your rifle, there are several factors to consider, such as magnification, reticle, and objective lens size.
Magnification refers to how much the scope can magnify the target. For driven hunts, you want a scope with a lower magnification, such as 1-8x or potentially 2-7x. This allows you to acquire targets quickly and make fast shots. Red dots are also extremely popular in driven hunting, as shooting distances are short, you don't necessarily need magnification, but just a clear and wide field of view enhanced with a dot for fast target acquisition with which you can shoot both eyes open. Choosing the right rifle for driven hunts is a crucial decision that should not be taken lightly. Driven hunts require a particular set of skills, and the rifle you choose can make all the difference in your success rate.
