Different guns for different hunting trips. I own both semi-auto and bolt action guns. Yea I use the Browning MK II safari 30.06 most of the time on those deer hunts where the weather is nice. I do prefer a stainless bolt gun when the weather is going to be nasty. Bolt guns are almost 100 percent reliable and are going to function well in nasty weather. Truth is I have taken more game with semi-auto guns than with bolt guns, but still have more faith in that bolt gun when sitting in the pouring rain or snow. Whatever works for you. Its just like comparing a manual transmission to an automatic transmission.
Why don't we all use semi-autos?
- Thread starter Cosmoline
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PATH
Member
One shot one kill. Maybe a second if you need to put the animal down. I don't want somebody taking multiple shots during hunting season. I use a REM 700 in .30-.06 for hunting. I think maybe it is also a sort of tradition. Giving an animal a sporting chance. Here in NY you can hunt Semi with 5+1. I personally don't need that much. Maybe some folks do but not me. If I miss then that is that. Firing 5 more rounds probably won't rmedy the situation. Well that's my .02 cents!
ShaiVong
Member
Bolt? Semi? What are you boys talking about?! Only thing i use is my 6 phase 7Gigawatt, nutreno particle accelerator with gravidic targeting system and quantom cold-fusion cells. Oh wait.. What year is it again? Damn that prime directive!
TheLastBoyScout
Member
If it weren't for game laws (PA=No Semiauto), I'd hunt with either a Garand or AR15. I had to choose between having a rifle to hunt with or a highly effective HD weapon, so I did, and went with an AR.
I've never actually felt the need for a semi-auto. I prefer hunting rifles that are accurate and light and that precludes most of the semis in full sized calibers.
A few years back, I was deer hunting with a friend who used a Remington semi-auto. One the drive out, he was razzing me over my Ruger single shot. His face fell as we were getting ready to hike to the tree stand when he realized he'd forgotten the magazine for his rifle. Suppressing a grin, I observed that it looked like we were both were using single shots for this trip.
Both of us got a deer. One shot, one kill. My friend still has his semi but now prefers a bolt action with a fixed magazine.
Paul
A few years back, I was deer hunting with a friend who used a Remington semi-auto. One the drive out, he was razzing me over my Ruger single shot. His face fell as we were getting ready to hike to the tree stand when he realized he'd forgotten the magazine for his rifle. Suppressing a grin, I observed that it looked like we were both were using single shots for this trip.
Both of us got a deer. One shot, one kill. My friend still has his semi but now prefers a bolt action with a fixed magazine.
Paul
There's an old saying I heard on TFL last year.
During hunting season, if you hear:
-1 shot=dead deer.
-2 shots, maybe a dead deer.
-3 shots, that one got away.
A follow-up shot should rarely be needed. If it is, a boltgun can deliver it fast enough. Shooters of single-shots will tell you theirs can, too. So no need for the extra cost, weight and complexity of semis.
Now, if you're talking urban insurrection...
During hunting season, if you hear:
-1 shot=dead deer.
-2 shots, maybe a dead deer.
-3 shots, that one got away.
A follow-up shot should rarely be needed. If it is, a boltgun can deliver it fast enough. Shooters of single-shots will tell you theirs can, too. So no need for the extra cost, weight and complexity of semis.
Now, if you're talking urban insurrection...
Most hunting rifle calibers are much more capable than one can take advantage of without the use of a scope. I had a Garand which I thought would fit the bill pefectly.....until a shot past 300 yds. presented itself.
Both actions are effective, depending on the caliber, from the muzzle out to 500yds or 1000yds, however, shots past 3 or 4 hundred yards isn't recommended unless the hunter is sure they can make a clean kill. Accurate shot placement outside of 300yds with open sighted rifles is practically impossible. I don't mean that a person with open sights couldn't hit a target at further ranges, but to pick a point on the target to hit, such as the vitals on a deer, becomes nearly impossible.
I haven't noticed a significant difference between bolts and semi's in accuracy or reliability in my experiences. It just seems that bolts are cheaper, lighter and scope easier.
Both actions are effective, depending on the caliber, from the muzzle out to 500yds or 1000yds, however, shots past 3 or 4 hundred yards isn't recommended unless the hunter is sure they can make a clean kill. Accurate shot placement outside of 300yds with open sighted rifles is practically impossible. I don't mean that a person with open sights couldn't hit a target at further ranges, but to pick a point on the target to hit, such as the vitals on a deer, becomes nearly impossible.
I haven't noticed a significant difference between bolts and semi's in accuracy or reliability in my experiences. It just seems that bolts are cheaper, lighter and scope easier.
JohnBT
Member
My father shot 2 Virginia whitetails with 2 fast shots at the age of 76. Standing at 110 yards FWIW. He was using a BAR .280Rem. Try that with a bolt action.
OTOH, his brother's BAR .30-06 weighs something like 8.5 pounds. Not what I'd pick for walking up and down the mountain, but I guess he's used to it.
John
OTOH, his brother's BAR .30-06 weighs something like 8.5 pounds. Not what I'd pick for walking up and down the mountain, but I guess he's used to it.
John
I don't really like anything else EXCEPT semi autos. I don't like levers or pumps, and bolt guns are WAY down on the list.
But after a couple deer hunting trips with an M1A, I found myself looking long and hard at a bolt-action .308
Inexpensive, light, accurate, light, easy to maintain, light, and did I mention the weight?
I now own exactly 1 non-semi-auto rifle, that has only one purpose. It's a Savage left-handed bolt action .308 that goes hunting, and that's all it does.
But after a couple deer hunting trips with an M1A, I found myself looking long and hard at a bolt-action .308
Inexpensive, light, accurate, light, easy to maintain, light, and did I mention the weight?I now own exactly 1 non-semi-auto rifle, that has only one purpose. It's a Savage left-handed bolt action .308 that goes hunting, and that's all it does.
Joe Demko
Member
I'd say state regulations have a lot to do with it. The PA game commision is notoriously stiff-necked about which weapons you can and can't use.
Concerning action types:
For big game, may use any centerfire single shot lever action, bolt action, or pump action rifle. May use single shot pistols or revolvers subject to certain other restrictions. May use single shot, double barrel, or pump shotguns w/ slugs. Pump magazine must be plugged.
For small game, may use single shot, bolt action, lever action, or pump rimfires. May use any type of shotgn, magazine must be plugged.
PA Game commision didn't permit use of compound bosws until well into the 1970's. Didn't permit use of autoloading shotguns until the same period. Doesn't permit use of crossbows, except in one tiny restricted area. This was the first year to have a season for in-line blackpowder.
I think it is less a matter of tradition than law. You see every type of gun the law permits in use. If autos were permitted, they'd be out there too.
Concerning action types:
For big game, may use any centerfire single shot lever action, bolt action, or pump action rifle. May use single shot pistols or revolvers subject to certain other restrictions. May use single shot, double barrel, or pump shotguns w/ slugs. Pump magazine must be plugged.
For small game, may use single shot, bolt action, lever action, or pump rimfires. May use any type of shotgn, magazine must be plugged.
PA Game commision didn't permit use of compound bosws until well into the 1970's. Didn't permit use of autoloading shotguns until the same period. Doesn't permit use of crossbows, except in one tiny restricted area. This was the first year to have a season for in-line blackpowder.
I think it is less a matter of tradition than law. You see every type of gun the law permits in use. If autos were permitted, they'd be out there too.
Poodleshooter
Member
Bolt guns are often lighter than similar caliber semi-autos. Heft my Ruger M77 vs an FAL for a day of hunting and hiking and you'll find one reason. Sure, there are lighter .308 autos, but they cost $$$.
I like mine for the strength of the action. It's nice when reloading.
I like mine for the strength of the action. It's nice when reloading.
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