I would 1st do a small hunt using Maddox IV (UL or L) or Piron series (L) pistol.
After that a small hunt using Emik T1, Zero Three or one of those new Emik Enigma's (L).
Once u have a taste of both you know much better which style fits you best.
(I have no idea which one it will be, but that's not important here )
Z3 is a good option as there are so many around = prices low. I would stick with beast+that, use the spare peds for hunting budget. L40 doesn't really warrant the dps of a dante considering the mobs you are (should be) shooting.