So you have purchased a new rifle and are ready to get out on the range or climb in a stand with…. It is about that time that first time rifle buyers realize that there is much more to having a ready shoot rifle than just buying a new one. I am far from a first time buyer but I did recently purchase a couple of new rifles and while outfitting them it occurred to me how intimidating dressing out a rifle for a specific purpose may be to someone that is new to it. I have put together a bit information here to help guide you through that experience that I hope is helpful as a guideline whether you are buying your first new rifle or your hundredth.

A new rifle will come in a box packaged with manuals, advertisements, a magazine if applicable, in most cases today a lock to use to disable the action for safe storage, and not much else…Conversely to get much use from a rifle you will most probably need sights or optics, optic mounts, a case to transport and protect your shiny new long gun, a sling, sling swivel mounts, cleaning tools, and of course ammunition at a minimum.

For sights and optics you must first determine whether you intend to use this rifle with open sights, electronic sights, magnified optics, or some combination thereof.

If you are choosing open sights it is most likely that you have chosen a rifle that is often used in that manner and came equipped with a set of the gun manufacturers finest “stock” sights...These may work great for you or you may want to consider available after market sight options. Aftermarket open sights for rifles can include high visibility, night sights, or maybe just offer more adjustment options or a more suitable sight picture than the stock sites.

For many rifles that have the intended use that would dictate fast target acquisition and a highly visible sight picture (think tactical and patrol rifle as well as some shot guns) there is a plethora of electronic sights available. These sights include “holographic” style sights and “red dot” type sights. There are some magnified versions of these optics as well but if fast target acquisition is what you need magnification may be a hindrance. Click here to read more...