K9 Stalker
New member
I'm a die hard bolt guy
HOWA 1500!
HOWA 1500!
Last edited:
AR15 vs. Bolt Gun for coyote hunting?
- Thread starter GJJ
- Start date
russjerome
New member
Long time bolt guy, have had ARs in the past.
New ARs like the R15 weigh less than 7#, most
comfortable gun I have ever owned less my Ultimate
10/22 with Volquart' barrel and thumbhole stock.
My old ARs were clunky chunks of plastic, these
new guns are like aluminum artwork and shoot off
hand like my Anschutz Exempler.
New ARs like the R15 weigh less than 7#, most
comfortable gun I have ever owned less my Ultimate
10/22 with Volquart' barrel and thumbhole stock.
My old ARs were clunky chunks of plastic, these
new guns are like aluminum artwork and shoot off
hand like my Anschutz Exempler.
Kyfuzzyface
New member
I have always used a bolt gun but got the fever last week and picked up a Rem AR 15 waiting on the scope now.
I'll let you now what I think next week
I'll let you now what I think next week
sendit223
Well-known member
I like my AR. It's just fun to shoot.
My configuration is heavy, but when shooting prairie dogs that helps since they are so far away (after clearing out the close up shots!) that the weight helps with muzzle jump / recoil in a hipo scope.
I have to say that when my friends and I line up on pdogs they have bolts (.223 and 22/250) and I have my AR .223. They ask me to stop picking off the dogs so they can shoot.
Besides, a double tap on a pdog is just plain fun. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
As for carrying my AR to a coyote stand, I guess I'm carrying so much other stuff that a few extra pounds doesn't matter.
Blondes or brunettes I suppose...both are good.
My configuration is heavy, but when shooting prairie dogs that helps since they are so far away (after clearing out the close up shots!) that the weight helps with muzzle jump / recoil in a hipo scope.
I have to say that when my friends and I line up on pdogs they have bolts (.223 and 22/250) and I have my AR .223. They ask me to stop picking off the dogs so they can shoot.
Besides, a double tap on a pdog is just plain fun. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
As for carrying my AR to a coyote stand, I guess I'm carrying so much other stuff that a few extra pounds doesn't matter.
Blondes or brunettes I suppose...both are good.
SW_Sniper
New member
I also own an AR 15 and a bolt gun that I use to hunt predators. What I like about my AR is that it has the adjustable stock so I can make it fit my 5' 3" frame (bow draw length is only 24"). I also like the Nikon BDC scope that is on it. Then again... I hunt with a Ruger M77 chambered in 22-250 with a lighted reticle scope and it has killed several predators for me. My least liked feature is that the stock is too long so sometimes I have a problem trying to get to the scope. The only thing I don't take as of yet is a shotgun. I may when I find one that fits me! I always have a side arm just in case. I don't know about other hunters but all of my guns weigh at least 10 times more at the end of the day than they did when I started!!
deerhunterjj
New member
Heres my thoughts get the AR while you can if something happens and they ban them you will be chit out of luck for some time. Get the AR know then a bolt gun later on there much more likley to not be messed with for awhile. It pretty much boils down to now or maybe never get it while the getting is good. Dont be one of those kicking there self in the rear end later on down the road.
I find the AR15 very easy to load quietly. I just ride the bolt until the round is chambered. If it doesn't fully chamber, I hit the forward assist.
I hear you about buying one regardless of your preference, I own six AR15s. That should do it. Obobo is not getting them.
I think I can't decide which I like better. So, I will alternate between the Rem 700 and the AR15.
This is a good problem to have.
I hear you about buying one regardless of your preference, I own six AR15s. That should do it. Obobo is not getting them.
I think I can't decide which I like better. So, I will alternate between the Rem 700 and the AR15.
This is a good problem to have.
GregW
New member
Quote:
Traditionally bolt rifles are being used for hunting for years and the reason for that is accuracy, ease of cleaning and maintenance,mounting scopes,carrying and weight.
Military style rifles are more of a trend and look cool but have very limited use in hunting situations. There were semi automatic rifles before the AR style rifles like Browning BAr and etc.. but they were always in minority compared to bolt actions.
This is quite funny...
Traditionally bolt rifles are being used for hunting for years and the reason for that is accuracy, ease of cleaning and maintenance,mounting scopes,carrying and weight.
Military style rifles are more of a trend and look cool but have very limited use in hunting situations. There were semi automatic rifles before the AR style rifles like Browning BAr and etc.. but they were always in minority compared to bolt actions.
This is quite funny...
pyledriver
New member
Let's be sure of one thing! No matter which preference we have for hunting, let's support the ones who prefer the 'other' option when the SHTF. It's coming guys, and the first wave will likely be to divide hunters into the camp that asserts AR's are not necessary and the ones who want to use them. I feel AR's have a place, I just haven't personally found one I like enough to ride with me consistently. I will however, defend vehemently the use and right to own one!
On another note, one thing not mentioned so far, is that AR's can be rather spendy! Options abound, yes! But for some, myself included for the last couple years, money does not... This could be another factor that makes a certain type rifle 'right' for you.
Anybody know of an AR-10 platform for my beloved .243 that doesn't carry like a boat anchor? I would be interested in that setup! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
On another note, one thing not mentioned so far, is that AR's can be rather spendy! Options abound, yes! But for some, myself included for the last couple years, money does not... This could be another factor that makes a certain type rifle 'right' for you.
Anybody know of an AR-10 platform for my beloved .243 that doesn't carry like a boat anchor? I would be interested in that setup! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
rockinbbar
New member
I thought so too....
If one thing I can say about AR's is that they are accurate.
I won't compromise accuracy for ANYTHING. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
The one I hunt coyotes with is light, handles quick, easy to carry to the stand, and groups sub-moa at 100 yards. It also allows me to have a very fast follow-up shot so quick that I could not even raise the bolt handle of a bolt gun.
Limited hunting use? Not as far as I'm concerned. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
BTW, Remington just came out with a new AR caliber...30-AR...
It pushes a 125 grain bullet at the same ballistics as a 160 gr. 308 Rem.....
It shoots out the standard AR-15 configuration. Light & powerful.
That ought to get some deer hunter's attention.
As always, each to their own. That's why we have choices. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
Barry
If one thing I can say about AR's is that they are accurate.
I won't compromise accuracy for ANYTHING. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
The one I hunt coyotes with is light, handles quick, easy to carry to the stand, and groups sub-moa at 100 yards. It also allows me to have a very fast follow-up shot so quick that I could not even raise the bolt handle of a bolt gun.
Limited hunting use? Not as far as I'm concerned. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif
BTW, Remington just came out with a new AR caliber...30-AR...
It pushes a 125 grain bullet at the same ballistics as a 160 gr. 308 Rem.....
It shoots out the standard AR-15 configuration. Light & powerful.
That ought to get some deer hunter's attention.
As always, each to their own. That's why we have choices. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
Barry
GregW
New member
Sir,
Would a gun shooting this group weighing 8 lbs. all up be a hinderance?
Hate to break it to you sir but that attitude about legal methods of harvesting coyotes or anything game for that matter, regardless of your personal views and stubbornness is called zumbo'ing it.
Read up on the cool little, military type guns that are a fad, check the major manufacturers' new products, and what's selling at your local gun show then get back to me.
Again, to each their own.
Have a good one and take care...
Would a gun shooting this group weighing 8 lbs. all up be a hinderance?
Hate to break it to you sir but that attitude about legal methods of harvesting coyotes or anything game for that matter, regardless of your personal views and stubbornness is called zumbo'ing it.
Read up on the cool little, military type guns that are a fad, check the major manufacturers' new products, and what's selling at your local gun show then get back to me.
Again, to each their own.
Have a good one and take care...
Last edited:
It is real easy to load an AR15 quietly. Load and insert the magazine. Pull the charging handle and ride it as it strips the round off the mag. Most likely, it won't chamber the round all the way. So, you just gently push the forward assist until the round is chambered.
Bingo. Done.
Bingo. Done.
TexasTweeter
New member
NOt gonna get into the hoopla and what not, just gonna state my opnion. I prefer a bolt. Reason: cause that's what I prefer. Shoot whatever makes you confident...
TwoDogs
New member
If you don't have an AR already, it might be tough to find one. My AR is MORE accurate out of the box than any of my bolt rifles. That said, 9 out of 10 times, I'll take my little Model 7 .204 just because it's lighter, easier to carry, fits in the eberlystock pack well and that's what I've always used. I definately can't miss as many shots with the bolt as I can with the AR on any given critter but with the cost of bullets, that's a plus too. I won't sell the AR, it will stay next to the bed and I will hunt with it some anyhow. It's too much fun to shoot to sell.
If that's not ambiguous, I don't know what is. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If that's not ambiguous, I don't know what is. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
IABounterHunter
New member
It comes down to preference,period. Either you like it or you don't, I have shot bolt and still have one but for some reason I like the AR better, to me it just feels better, I can pull it up for the first shot well and quick follow up, as far as the loading you can do it with very little noise if you get to know your weapon which you should do anyway. Being a in the Army we have to qualify with the M-16 out to 300 yards with open sights. I won't say one is better then the other at all, I know which one I like. If you are serious about a rifle you must find someone with each and go shoot both so you can decide, that is the only way you will know. Thats my 2 cents anyway.
poorhunting
New member
Quote:
Quote:
Traditionally bolt rifles are being used for hunting for years and the reason for that is accuracy, ease of cleaning and maintenance,mounting scopes,carrying and weight.
Military style rifles are more of a trend and look cool but have very limited use in hunting situations. There were semi automatic rifles before the AR style rifles like Browning BAr and etc.. but they were always in minority compared to bolt actions.
This statement is so far out of touch with the AR platform it doesn't even come close to being accurate except for part of the first line "Traditionally bolt rifles are being used for hunting for years" The rest is nonsense.
Most "off the rack" AR's are every bit as accurate as most "off the rack" bolt guns and it's been proven here time after time.
"Military style rifles are more of a trend and look cool but have very limited use in hunting situations."
Boy, now there is a statement that is made without knowledge of any kind. There are tons of photos of small and large game hunted and harvested every year with an AR15 or AR10. The AR platform is one of the most well rounded and best suited hunting firearms to ever come available to the industry and consumer. Not many bolt guns can be switched from 22lr to 358 WSSM in a matter of seconds.
Gee and that scope mounting issue is so far off base it's histerical. There are more scope mounting solutions and options for the AR that it's ridiculous. There is only basically one way to mount optics on a bolt gun.
With the AR15 one can swap out optics and calibers, barreled uppers short or long in seconds and if you use a pistol lower you can swap from a handgun with a 8 inch 45acp barrel to a 26 inch 30WSSM and full stock in a matter of minutes, try that with a bolt gun. About the only thing that comes close to it's flexability is a TC Contender and I have't seen many TC's with a 30 round mag attached to them.
Get it right, if you are going to make statements regarding military style weapons, next thing is you'll be calling an AR15 an assault rifle.
I hate to open a new can of worms with this one but i just cant resist, your say the next thing we'll be calling the ar 15 an assault rifle........... the asault rifle realm is so broad with so many different models and makes,, Heres a question for you... what do you deem an assault rifle? some would say any military rifle or variant. I say any factory fully automatic rifle which most are military issue, ie. m-16, ak47, Cetme, and even my beloved L1A1, now all of these are factory fully auto, now thier semi auto variants have fallen into this category simply because of looks. Now dont get me wrong im not nocking the ar' no matter how you slice them either the fully auto, semi, or the armalite bolt styles because of thier looks they have fallen into the assault rifle category by todays standards sorry to jump on this soap box train but in my opinion both bolt and ars are good in the field just go with what you feel the most comfortable with
Quote:
Traditionally bolt rifles are being used for hunting for years and the reason for that is accuracy, ease of cleaning and maintenance,mounting scopes,carrying and weight.
Military style rifles are more of a trend and look cool but have very limited use in hunting situations. There were semi automatic rifles before the AR style rifles like Browning BAr and etc.. but they were always in minority compared to bolt actions.
This statement is so far out of touch with the AR platform it doesn't even come close to being accurate except for part of the first line "Traditionally bolt rifles are being used for hunting for years" The rest is nonsense.
Most "off the rack" AR's are every bit as accurate as most "off the rack" bolt guns and it's been proven here time after time.
"Military style rifles are more of a trend and look cool but have very limited use in hunting situations."
Boy, now there is a statement that is made without knowledge of any kind. There are tons of photos of small and large game hunted and harvested every year with an AR15 or AR10. The AR platform is one of the most well rounded and best suited hunting firearms to ever come available to the industry and consumer. Not many bolt guns can be switched from 22lr to 358 WSSM in a matter of seconds.
Gee and that scope mounting issue is so far off base it's histerical. There are more scope mounting solutions and options for the AR that it's ridiculous. There is only basically one way to mount optics on a bolt gun.
With the AR15 one can swap out optics and calibers, barreled uppers short or long in seconds and if you use a pistol lower you can swap from a handgun with a 8 inch 45acp barrel to a 26 inch 30WSSM and full stock in a matter of minutes, try that with a bolt gun. About the only thing that comes close to it's flexability is a TC Contender and I have't seen many TC's with a 30 round mag attached to them.
Get it right, if you are going to make statements regarding military style weapons, next thing is you'll be calling an AR15 an assault rifle.
I hate to open a new can of worms with this one but i just cant resist, your say the next thing we'll be calling the ar 15 an assault rifle........... the asault rifle realm is so broad with so many different models and makes,, Heres a question for you... what do you deem an assault rifle? some would say any military rifle or variant. I say any factory fully automatic rifle which most are military issue, ie. m-16, ak47, Cetme, and even my beloved L1A1, now all of these are factory fully auto, now thier semi auto variants have fallen into this category simply because of looks. Now dont get me wrong im not nocking the ar' no matter how you slice them either the fully auto, semi, or the armalite bolt styles because of thier looks they have fallen into the assault rifle category by todays standards sorry to jump on this soap box train but in my opinion both bolt and ars are good in the field just go with what you feel the most comfortable with
TheDogHunter2
New member
I shoot coyotes to get places to hunt. I help out ranchers and farmers. I have to use what works. I have used a bolt gun for over thirty years, and have been using a AR for the last three. They both have a - and a+ If I were to carry one gun it would be a bolt.