Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I'm gradually drifting from bolt actions, despite still having a good deal invested in them. The more I use symmetrical, ambidextrous actions the more I appreciate them. I do have a slight handicap with regards to shooting, as I was born a lefty, with right eye dominance. This has made many guns an awkward dance to get to know. I still shoot these symmetrical actions right side, as it's easier to fight the hand than the eye and right handed shooting is second nature now, but there is something pleasing about an action that feels and looks the same from either shoulder. In fact, the same can be said for aircraft, cars, and women; they all look better when evenly proportioned and identical from both sides!
So, my No.1, and Merkel double have climbed to be my favourite rifles to handle, look at, and shoot. My little fascination with symmetrical rifles is more than an aesthetic thing, there are real reasons I prefer the double in particular and I've detailed a few in some of my writing like the Megafauna bit. I'll do more of that in an upcoming article and shoot of stopping rifles. My point is, all conventions aside, what rifle just looks and feels right to you? I actually prefer lever actions to bolts too, for the same reasons mentioned above, for instance. I've yet to have more than a passing fling with a pump and really should explore it. Some semis, like the M14 although not symmetrical, hold a special place for me too.
The deeper I get into my hunting odyssey, the more I neglect my bolts despite them being the overwhelming majority in my cabinet. In fact I just today wrapped up buying a certain .450 Rigby I'm sure a few of us eyed and considered, so my bolt action interests are by no means dead, just being challenged. In the stopping rifles article I'm working on there will be a good comparison on a moving target I hope of big bore bolts, and doubles. I may be surprised by the result, and I'm keeping an open mind, but I'm getting off course.
What's your favourite alternative to bolts?
Angus
So, my No.1, and Merkel double have climbed to be my favourite rifles to handle, look at, and shoot. My little fascination with symmetrical rifles is more than an aesthetic thing, there are real reasons I prefer the double in particular and I've detailed a few in some of my writing like the Megafauna bit. I'll do more of that in an upcoming article and shoot of stopping rifles. My point is, all conventions aside, what rifle just looks and feels right to you? I actually prefer lever actions to bolts too, for the same reasons mentioned above, for instance. I've yet to have more than a passing fling with a pump and really should explore it. Some semis, like the M14 although not symmetrical, hold a special place for me too.
The deeper I get into my hunting odyssey, the more I neglect my bolts despite them being the overwhelming majority in my cabinet. In fact I just today wrapped up buying a certain .450 Rigby I'm sure a few of us eyed and considered, so my bolt action interests are by no means dead, just being challenged. In the stopping rifles article I'm working on there will be a good comparison on a moving target I hope of big bore bolts, and doubles. I may be surprised by the result, and I'm keeping an open mind, but I'm getting off course.
What's your favourite alternative to bolts?
Angus
