Small Bores Versus Big Bores

posted on December 2, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
201012210395-smallborebigbore_f.jpg

Original date of publication: December 1954

I suppose there are few more hotly contested subjects than that of the caliber of rifles for use against large game, especially against that considered to be dangerous. Ever since man began to walk erect-even before that, I expect-this controversy probably raged as freely as it does now, if not about rifles then about clubs, bludgeons, battle axes, and bows. It may in fact be stated, with fair reason, that bored of all kinds have existed in great numbers since the word go.

It will be observed that it is almost invariably the Big Bore who attacks the Small Bore. Why this should be so is at first not apparent. It can be stated with very fair accuracy that the Small Bore does not usually bear any ill will towards the Big Bore. I should say that, on the contrary, the Small Bore rather commiserates with his brother Bore for having to burden himself with his heavy equipment.

On the other hand, the Big Bore will take every opportunity to attack the Small Bore. He will perjure his soul by declaring the smallbore rifle to be unsporting. He will even go so far as to declare that the use of smallbores should be made illegal. Why should the Big Bore get so hot under the collar about the number of thousandths of an inch that constitutes the difference between, say, a .270 and a .375?

Latest

Stoeger STR-9 Thinline
Stoeger STR-9 Thinline

Review: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline

The new Stoeger carry gun loses nothing—except some weight and girth. This is the Stoeger STR-9 Thinline.

5 Great Products for Your Next Hunt

These five products will help boost your chances at success in the field.

Small Calibers for Self-Defense: Addressing Common Myths & Criticisms

For decades, small cartridges like the .22 Long Rifle were derided as incapable rounds for defensive use and were even considered dangerous for the user by some. Today, those critiques deserve a second look.

New for 2026: HUXWRX Flow 9k PCC & Flow 9 M Suppressors

Continuing the legacy it first established as Operator Suppressor Systems, HUXWRX is still introducing new and mission-specific flow-through suppressors, with its latest products being the FLOW 9 M and FLOW 9k PCC.

Armed Citizen Stops Oregon Attack; NRA Reaffirms Importance of Law-Abiding Armed Citizenry

The National Rifle Association of America today issued a statement regarding yesterday’s act of violence in Oregon.

Gun of the Week: Tokarev TT-12 Pro

While there are several AR-style, semi-automatic shotguns on the market, the Tokarev TT-12 Pro has a few features you won’t find elsewhere. And it’s affordable, to boot.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.