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Step 1
Become familiar with the area where you will be hunting deer. The type of area (brushy, semi-wooded, open field) will dictate the type of gun used. Brushy, heavily wooded terrain will require a higher caliber to penetrate the brush. Semi wooded areas will require a heavier bullet with a long-range trajectory. An open field will require the flattest trajectory.
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Step 2
Choose the rifle type you are most comfortable with. Bolt-action rifles are more accurate than lever action, pump action and semi-automatic action rifles. However with a bolt action rifle you sacrifice speed for accuracy. Semi-automatics are faster because they don't take reload time, but they are not as accurate as the bolt action. Lever action rifles are good brush guns because they are shorter and easier to handle in the woods. Because of the shorter stature of the gun, you can get it to your shoulder fast, and they have a quicker reload of the second shot then the bolt action.
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Step 3
When you are choosing your gun, make sure it fits your arms. The gun should settle comfortably in your shoulder and under your cheek.
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Step 4
Consider the recoil of the gun. Choose a gun with the easiest kick for beginning hunters and those not familiar with guns.
