The Definitive Guide to Rifles, Ammo, and Optics: For Deer and Other Big Game

Winner of theNew York State Outdoor Writers Association’s 2026 Excellence in Craft Awards

If you asked a hundred big game hunters what the ideal deer rifle is, you’d get a hundred different opinions.

The same holds true for selecting ammo and optics. These topics ignite endless debates among hunters. The Definitive Guide to Rifles, Ammo, and Optics: For Deer and Other Big Game quells the confusion by offering in-depth comparisons and reviews to help you make informed decisions.

This book doesn’t stop there. It’s packed with fascinating and useful firearm and cartridge insights for hunting a variety of big game species, including larger deer like moose, elk, and caribou. Plus, it dives into rifles and ammo suited for hunting dangerous game animals like Cape buffalo, the great bears, bison, wild boar, and more.

No matter what type of rifle, ammo, or optics you’re looking for, or what kind of animals you plan to pursue, you’ll find a wealth of valuable knowledge in this one-of-a-kind resource.

Chapters include:
Top 18 Guns: Caliber Choices for Deer and Other Big Game
Straight Walls: The Benefits of Short, Fat, Powerful Cartridges
Anatomy of a Kill Shot: Targeting Vital Organs for Quick, Ethical Kills
Stopping Power: Selecting Rifles and Cartridges for Dangerous Game Hunting
The Makeup of a Bullet: Specialized Bullet Designs for Big Game Hunting Success
Lights—Camera—Actions! Choosing a Rifle Action
Taming Baba Yaga: How to Mitigate Recoil to Improve Shooting Accuracy
How Far Is Too Far? Recognizing the Limits of Sensible Shooting Distances
Deadly Game Species: North America vs. Africa
Through the Lens: Factors to Consider When Selecting Rifle Scopes