Semi-auto vs. Bolt?

Originally Posted By: millerjqOriginally Posted By: VarminterrorOriginally Posted By: 6724
millerjq said:
Then why ask the question if you are already set on a bolt rifle?

^ This...

Why ask, just to argue?

I largely prefer hunting with semiautos (AR's). Have handled a Winchester SX-AR .308win that I thought would make a fantastic deer rifle, not excessively heavy (nice having the weight in a .308 too), and balanced like a bolt gun. Shot prairie dogs to 500yrds with it, hit what I was aiming at.

Semi-autos are like motorcycles. They only go as fast as you want them to go. Guys can be cynical and say "shooting a semiauto at a runner just means you miss faster", but the reality is that if you're disciplined, your second shot is CLOSER with a semiauto by the time you get back on target. You just don't lose the time cycling the bolt, and in a light recoiling round like a .223rem or a compensated 6.8/6.5, you didn't lose the target out of your scope FOV, or were able to scan from one target to the second without breaking your hold. Sure, if you don't have the discipline to make the second shot count, then you're just spraying (a buddy of mine used to tell me that he'd shoot his semiauto shotgun "first shot leading the bird, second shot above, third below, fourth behind, then 5th shot right on". I asked him "why don't you just shoot AT THE BIRD every time?").

But seems like you won't be convinced, so discussion is moot. You won't be significantly disadvantaged with a bolt gun, animals were killed for generations with sticks and strings with pointy things before we ever came up with the repeating rifle, let alone semi-autos.

As far as pricing, sure, a bolt gun can be found cheaper than a semiauto, but that doesn't mean I'd WANT a $300 bolt gun. If I had to choose ONE coyote rifle, it'd either be an accurized AR or a Savage 12. Talking maybe $50-100 difference between the two.

I was not asking just to argue. I was asking to get feedback from the semi-auto users. I have always hunted with a bolt or lever action gun. They have been much lighter than any AR I've picked up, including that christesen arms $3,000 one.
 
Most my Predator/Coyote and Deer Hunting Rifles are Bolt-Actions,I feel when You have 1 shot You take more time to aim better and take better shots because You know You need to do the best You can with that first shot...just me and how i feel.If I I think I may need a follow up shot I've also learned to take good aim and hold steady,keep on target and chamber another round fast and be ready for anything.I also feel that a Bolt-action Rifle is more Accurate.....would I like a nice little AR Semi-Auto Rifle?Darn right I would just for the Fun Factor and the chance for quick follow-up shots or if multiple Coyotes came in....and Yes I would probably empty a whole clip if a Coyote was running away after a first shot miss!

That's gotta be a blast to be able to just cut loose on a runnning Predator in a nice open field.
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Most of my Predator/Coyote Rifles are very reasonably priced and in the Range of $300.00 to $800.00 from a .22 Magnum,.17 WSM,.223 Bolt-action,.204 and .243 respectively and each are Accurate,fun to shoot and reasonably priced and have put down their fair share of Predators and Varmints.....well except that .17 WSM I haven't got to sight in yet!
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I used to think bolt gun all the time. My friends started getting ARs and I seen the way they shot. They opened my eyes up. I have called in 2 sometimes 3 coyotes at one set kill one with the bolt gun. Because where I hunt a lot of woods. My AR 1@8 I can get a bullet in the 2nd coyote to slow him down to kill him. I used to hear autos wouldn't shot as good as a bolt. I have a AR bull barrel 20 inch match it will shoot as good as any bolt gun I got. It will shoot 55 gr BT 60 gr v max 60 gr BT 65 gr gameking a 5 shot group that u can cover with a dime that is out of a lead sled . Wish I had a 22 250 in a AR. The bolt and AR still has there own places where I hunt depends on which one I carry. I get my 22 250 AI built I will carry it more.
 
Originally Posted By: gmeHow many people hunt squirrels with a semi auto 22 vs a bolt 22?

I couldn't tell you honestly. My buddies, brother and I all use bolt action 22s, most of us the Savage. But I've heard a lot of good about the Ruger 10/22, and my father loves his Marlin Model 60 (which I used to use as well, but it didn't have the accuracy I wanted) I'll always use my little Savage bolt action for squirrel and rabbit, but I understand it's all depending on the person..
 
Never needed a follow up shot on a squirrel. My first 22 was a $85 Walmart purchase with a $25 scope. 7 shot clip bolt action. Killed tons of squirrel and woodchucks over the years with it. Not saying the 10/22 isn't more fun!!!
 
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I have had and still Own a large amount of AR15s. When I go coyote calling or varmint blasting a bolt action goes with me. I personally hate the AR platform, used to sip the KoolAid. I keep a tacticool one next to my nightstand, but personally don't hunt with them anymore. Its an ergonomics/fit thing for me no matter what mounts i use can just never get that awesome cheek weld.

I've been wanting to purchase a new Mini14 to play with though.
 


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