Ar 15 or Bolt gun

bullpup44

bullpup44

New member
I've narrowed my choices down to Remington VSF, Savage Model 12 both in .22-250, or an AR varmint style gun from either Bushmaster, RRA, or DPMS. I like all of the guns and their attributes equally. I just need some opinions from you guys on what you would get. One of the bolt guns or one of the AR's. It's going to be a duel purpose coyote prairie dog gun(I don't have enough money to have a seperate gun for each). Any opinions or advice would be appreciated. I'm young, 26, but I do know quite a bit about firearms. I just can't decide. Help!
 
I've been going thru the same decision process myself.
trying to decide between the Bushmaster Varminter or the Savage.

I've decided (Though haven't gotten it yet) to get the Savage basically because.

- in Maine you can't have a mag in a semi auto that holds more then 5 rounds, so capacity is the same for both guns.
- I can cycle a bolt gun very quickly so I don't think that the AR will give me a significantly faster follow up shot.

- the Savage is a lot cheaper then the Bushmaster so I can get a lot more accessories added for the same or less amount of money.
 
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Savage modle 12, 22-250, leuplod 4x16 mil-dot or the 4 x14 varmint hunter reticle. Then go out and have fun. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif GENE'O
 
No knocks against the AR platform or the .223, especially for coyotes, but if you are going to use it for PDs too, you will be happier with the 22-250. With no wind, I've shot PDs at 700YDs with a 22-250. Same day/conditions a little over 500YDs with a .223.
 
No one needs a machine gun or assault rifle to hunt harmless little coyotes and foxes. Those guns are made only to hunt down and kill people. So, you should all give up your guns and let furry critters live in peace, they have rights you know!









SCREW THAT.......Buy the AR /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I shoot WAY more prairie dogs than coyotes, of course. (I wish I the reverse was true.) However, I prefer the AR rifle system. The .223 cartridge is very easy and relatively inexpensive to reload and the same is true about buying factor loaded ammunition. Plus, with the AR I can shoot multiple p-dogs on one mound without ever loosing sight of the intended targets through my scope. The gun cycles and I make my next shot. If it is a long ways out and I miss, I adjust and shoot again. If I get a double oppurtunity on coyotes or a running shot, I don't have to worry about cycling the bolt, it does it on its own.

Plus there is a fun factor with the AR that I don't get with my bolt guns.

GrouseSetter
 
AR15.....way more barrel life. Can shoot as far as most folks are capable of holding on target. Cheap ammo and cheap to load for.

I just bought 1600 rounds of once fired commercial Remington brass for $45.10 INCLUDING shipping.
 
There are a lot of variables here to consider. How much shooting will you be doing? Do you reload? What distance will you typically be shooting? If you will be shooting a lot and dont reload the .223 is the way to go in my opinion. You can get decents loads a lot cheaper than those of a 22-250.

I have two AR's and I love them. I also have several bolt guns but it seems it is always one of the AR's that seems to find its way with me.

If money isn't a big issue- get a Bushy Predator; Just my 2 cents.
 
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I've narrowed my choices down to Remington VSF, Savage Model 12 both in .22-250, or an AR varmint style gun from either Bushmaster, RRA, or DPMS. I like all of the guns and their attributes equally. I just need some opinions from you guys on what you would get. One of the bolt guns or one of the AR's. It's going to be a duel purpose coyote prairie dog gun(I don't have enough money to have a seperate gun for each). Any opinions or advice would be appreciated. I'm young, 26, but I do know quite a bit about firearms. I just can't decide. Help!



Over a number of years I've had the same dilemma. I’ve shot several quality AR’s that have belonged to friends. My biggest problem with them is the trigger. I know get a Jewell trigger. Well I’ve shot a few of those too. They do not compare with the Jewel trigger I have in my bolt action rifles in my opinion. So those bolt rifles just kept following me home.

If I thought I was going to be involved in a real life combat situation the AR or a M1A; probably the later would get the nod in a heart beat. But for hunting I’m going to stay with my bolt guns
 
I just ordered a Bushmaster Varminter with a 24" barrel myself. I chose the AR platform for all the reasons stated above. I chose the Bushmaster Varminter because of its competition grade barrel and its adjustable two stage competition trigger. Also, I am not limited to a 5 round magazine in my state so 20 and 30 round magazines are a great plus. If you dont already have an AR type rifle, I would pick the AR. Bolt guns are a dime a dozen and unless I miss my guess, you probably already have several. Dont get me wrong, I love my bolt guns but there is just something about an AR. You just cant own too many.
 
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Me I'd have to say bolt gun a lot lighter and easier to handload for........



YAAAAA! Just like the one here that White Eagle uses for an AVATAR....JOHN
 
I own three ARs, 2 in .223 and 1 in .204 Ruger. I also have a Savage Bolt Action in .204. I was raised with bolt action rifles and questioned my need for a Semi-auto. I got a really good buy several years ago on an AR and after getting acquainted with it, the rest is history. There is no, if any, difference in accuracy. A follow-up shot and target acquisition is much faster with the AR. When I go Prairie Dogging,,I use the bolt action to give the ARs time to cool down.
 
The main reason I prefer the AR is, these days you have a vast amount of calibers to choose from. You can keep the one lower and have one trigger to deal with instead of switching from gun to gun with different a "feel" to each. You can even increase the selection when you have an AR10 platform to work from. It would probably be more expensive in the long run however, to have the same amount of calibers in an AR than it would to have the bolt gun.
 
Unfortunately, you will probably shoot at more PD's than yotes. I would say the AR would be better suited for multiple dogs on one mound. We don't have PD's here but even for the slower action groundhog hunting, I prefer my AR for the ability to watch the impact and be on target for the second shot if needed. In more open areas, such as out west where you are, the need for shooting while standing or in close quarters is probably not as common as in the east making the AR a sensable choice. Ammo cost and accessory availability, as well as barrel life also sweeten the pot for the AR. Just my opinion worth approx. $.02 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
Thanks guys for all of the help.
Stoney15- I do reload. I go coyote hunting quite a bit but only make it prairie dogging 3-4 times a year. We have small fields in my area so in a normal morning of shooting I only go through about 150 rounds. However, I am going to try an take a trip to Wyoming this summer and plan to shoot a lot more.

Once again, thanks fellows for all the responses. Anymore would be greatly appreciated. I still have about a month to make the decision.
 
Why not save a little and get one of each? I have a RRA AR and love it. Take it out quite often, also have an LTR in 223 and love that one as well.

Makes for a tough desicion (which one to take), Both will make you a fine setup eithier way you choose.
 
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If money isn't a big issue- get a Bushy Predator; Just my 2 cents.



I feel retarded on figuring out these ar's but really need one /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

What is the predator?

Thanks

Hammer
 
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