Bolt Action vs Semi Auto?

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Tytalus

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I'm considering by my first hunting gun, and someone mentioned to me a SA instead of a BA gun. I hadn't really considered it much, and thought I'd ask about people's experiences hunting with the two different actions. I am talking centerfire ammo, as someone asked below.

So my questions are for those that

1.) In the field, what is the difference between the two?

2.) How much harder is a SA to clean/maintain?

3.) What are some good SA hunting rifles for me to look up?

thanks. :)

And yes, I plan on shooting both types before buying, but don't have the $$ at the moment for two guns. I plan on getting a gun in 0.30-06 or .270, and I am a beginning shooter.
 
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Your best option is to buy one of each. Spend time with each one, shoot them, hunt with them, and you'll notice a liking for one over the other, or perhaps you'll like both and keep them. I know you are asking for answers, and I don't mean to sound like a smart arss, but the choice between the two is yours alone to make, like everyone else. You'll get many people telling you one is better than the other, but it's personal choice and one you need to make yourself.
 
Bolt actions are inherently more accurate than semi's.Semi's require more maintenance and if you over oil or use the wrong oil,it may bite you in the a** at the moment of truth.Go to a shop and shoulder some guns would be a good idea.A good compromise would be a pump or lever action.I'm basing my opinions on the assumption that you're talking centerfire rifles.Only my opinion though.I have a semi in the collection but it never sees the field.The type of terrain will come into play too.
 
For almost all hunting situations a good semi-auto like a browning BAR will be more than accurate enough to fill your tag...if you're trying to shoot tiny little groups on paper a bolt action on average will have the advantage. I've got both and hunt with both...I've never had a failure with my BAR in 300 win mag and it has accounted for a lot of moose over the years. I can't really say one is better than the other but, if I'm hunting where there is a good chance the game will be moving when taking the shot, I'd much rather have the BAR with me.
Have fun!
 
I think it is more of a question of philosophy; the logic behind a semi auto is in part that you can get off a quick second and / or third shot. I personally think a person's philosophy should be one of waiting for one good shot

cheers mooncoon
 
Are you new to hunting or do you have experience shooting? I never recommend semi's to new hunters plainly for the safety factor that after you shoot there is another round automatically chambered and new hunters(and some old) can be pretty exciteable. Just not a great gun to learn on IMO.
 
The bolt action designs are stronger, more reliable, and have a better accuracy potential. The semi autos seem to be more popular with the spray and pray crowd.

I think it is more of a question of philosophy; the logic behind a semi auto is in part that you can get off a quick second and / or third shot. I personally think a person's philosophy should be one of waiting for one good shot
Click to expand...

I agree 100%.
 
Bolt actions are safer, easier to operate, slightly more accurate, easier to clean, easier to keep functioning (reliability), easier to re-load for, easier to "tune" for accuracy, are available in many more "configurations" and caliber selections, and they will do anything a hunter needs in terms of relatively quick second shots. If a hunting rifle is the goal, a bolt action is a really good choice.
 
You'll be hard pressed to find a SA for the same price or accuracy potential as an entry level bolt action.

My .02
 
With practice, you can get pretty good speed out of a bolt too:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151261965174427
 
Holy Crap that guy can shoot!!! WOW.

I'd have to lean to the bolt action side too. Great accuracy for the price and I'd rather practice, get to know my rifle/ammo in different weather and yardage, and wait for a sure kill shot rather than depend on follow ups. Not that you can't shoot a bolt fast, just watch the guy in the video above.
 
While I've hunted with both (milsurps to boot) I'd have to say the Bolt is my preferred action, well, I also like my Remington Model 14 pump, but that has no bearing on this question. Bolt actions are generally lighter, easier to maintain/clean and more easy to troubleshoot on the fly. I was hunting last year with a fellow who uses Semi-Auto exclusively and he had a clear shot at a nice calf....and didn't get a shot off as he never pulled the cocking handle back far enough to pick up a round. Something you'll NEVER have happen with a Bolt since once quick glance down will tell you if you've picked up a round or not.
 
TheSteamingPile said:
While I've hunted with both (milsurps to boot) I'd have to say the Bolt is my preferred action, well, I also like my Remington Model 14 pump, but that has no bearing on this question. Bolt actions are generally lighter, easier to maintain/clean and more easy to troubleshoot on the fly. I was hunting last year with a fellow who uses Semi-Auto exclusively and he had a clear shot at a nice calf....and didn't get a shot off as he never pulled the cocking handle back far enough to pick up a round. Something you'll NEVER have happen with a Bolt since once quick glance down will tell you if you've picked up a round or not.
Click to expand...

Never? Never say "never".

It is quite possible, especially when you are excited or in a hurry, to short stroke a bolt action. Proper practice makes it very unlikely, but not "never".
 
Most of the time there is enough time to reload bolt action for a second shot and most of the time there is no need for this.
Bolt action all the way.
I think that repeater rifle puts you in different state of mind... "I still have a few shells if first won't work " so first seldom works.
Same with shotgun.
I've started my boys with single shot shotgun. This created first shot counts mentality.
 
It's just a mental thing, but I take my time and focus much more with a bolt action. Each shot requires that little bit more work. Makes me have to try that much harder.
And you figure, since Murphy and his law have to be such jerks, I prefer to have the most control over my rifle's loading. Of course it's going to be when you need to take that shot that you'll get a jam with your semi auto. But I think that's just my paranoia
 
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