Deer rifle: Bolt or Pump actions

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BryceMedeiros

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I've been on the lookout for a .270 rifle and had mixed reviews between bolt and pump action. I am a newb so looking for pros and cons unless of course it all depends on what I prefer? I plan on hunting deer down in Cranbrook area/around Alberta.
 
You actually think you will have only one rifle.Laugh2If you hunt in deep cover a lever action with iron or a red dot sight.Moderate to long range whatever you feel good with.
 
The pump action Remington has a slim profile making it easy to carry at the balance, or carry in a scabbard. It allows fast repeat shots without breaking the firing grip, a pump is the only manual action to do so. It usually has a good out of the box trigger, and provides good out of the box accuracy, often better than similarly priced bolt actions. It appeals to many who hunt in heavy cover, but need not be limited to that. These rifles are easily scoped, having no clearance issues with the scope bell.

The pump action rifle is not without its disadvantages though. The forend tends to be wobbly, and doesn't provide the stable platform that is enjoyed by bolt gun shooters. If shooting from a rest, or from a supported field position, the entire rifle must be lifted and moved in order to cycle the action, so while very fast from off hand, its slower for repeat shots from supported positions. The pump action rifle, has no allowance for a floorplate, the DBM is the only magazine choice, and spare magazines tend to be expensive, not Euro-rifle magazine expensive, but expensive enough. The front sling placement isn't as variable as the bolt action's, and the barrel band option won't suit those who use the sling as a shooting aid.
 
For a new shooter I would suggest starting with the bolt action. It is slower to cycle off hand than the pump action however it will help you to learn taking a good first shot instead of relying on rushed follow up shots. Once you get comfortable with the bolt action get a pump and a few levers :d
 
My compliments to Boomer.
One of the best non-partisan comments written showing honesty and integrity in answering the question asked.
I have been following Bryce's post in respect to a 270 Winchester and the comments in other posts pushing other calibers bordered on delusionary.
My Signature shows I am a bolt pusher.
 
Chambering a second round with a bolt will disrupt your position less if prone. Getting on target again and a second shot off might be easier with a bolt. Agreed. If you have your heart set on a 270, go for it. Good for you for doing lots of research.
 
In some areas of Sask the 270 pump gun had a nearly cult-like following at one time. Maybe it was the combination of guys who alternately hunted in the open or pushed bush, and had a Wingmaster at home in the closet?
 
Boomer said:
The pump action Remington has a slim profile making it easy to carry at the balance, or carry in a scabbard. It allows fast repeat shots without breaking the firing grip, a pump is the only manual action to do so. It usually has a good out of the box trigger, and provides good out of the box accuracy, often better than similarly priced bolt actions. It appeals to many who hunt in heavy cover, but need not be limited to that. These rifles are easily scoped, having no clearance issues with the scope bell.

The pump action rifle is not without its disadvantages though. The forend tends to be wobbly, and doesn't provide the stable platform that is enjoyed by bolt gun shooters. If shooting from a rest, or from a supported field position, the entire rifle must be lifted and moved in order to cycle the action, so while very fast from off hand, its slower for repeat shots from supported positions. The pump action rifle, has no allowance for a floorplate, the DBM is the only magazine choice, and spare magazines tend to be expensive, not Euro-rifle magazine expensive, but expensive enough. The front sling placement isn't as variable as the bolt action's, and the barrel band option won't suit those who use the sling as a shooting aid.
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Fantastic pro/con description for the pump rifle Boomer.

Changed my opinion a bit more on the plus side for pumps. Thanks.
 
I've owned and loaded for several pumps over the years. They were all very easy to load for and will accept hotter loads than expected. Small base dies have not ever been required in the ones I've owned. They handle very well, position a scope well for fast shooting and are far more reliable than a semi-auto. Used ones can be had off the EE for very reasonable prices. A smaller scope (1.5-5 or 2-7) in low mounts makes a lot of gains for handling as well.

The forend rattle is fixable.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/837449-Remington-760-7600-forend-rattle-fix

While I do like bolts a lot, I still do own a couple pumps and would fully recommend one for a new shooter.
 
woofer2609 said:
Chambering a second round with a bolt will disrupt your position less if prone. Getting on target again and a second shot off might be easier with a bolt.
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True if in the prone position, but getting on target and a second shot off will be a LOT fast if shooting from a hunting position. These are pure hunting rifles, not target rifles.
 
I have found that I seldom hunted in areas that I found a bolt a disadvantage, the pump I liked most was a 280 carbine. I now do not have a pump rifle as my last hunting was in open fields. As a hunting only gun, fit and feel will be more important than action.
 
I'm definitely leaning towards a bolt action. I've fired both before but preferred bolt action. It's going to be my first rifle as I just got my pal. Going to be shooting paper for a good while this season before meeting up with my friends for some hunting in Cranbrook area.
 
Yes I've heard there are grizzlies up in this region. I won't be hunting alone there and the people I'm going with have loved and hunted there their whole lives.
Still will be on my toes though.
 
SuperCub said:
I've owned and loaded for several pumps over the years. They were all very easy to load for and will accept hotter loads than expected. Small base dies have not ever been required in the ones I've owned. They handle very well, position a scope well for fast shooting and are far more reliable than a semi-auto. Used ones can be had off the EE for very reasonable prices. A smaller scope (1.5-5 or 2-7) in low mounts makes a lot of gains for handling as well.

The forend rattle is fixable.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/837449-Remington-760-7600-forend-rattle-fix

While I do like bolts a lot, I still do own a couple pumps and would fully recommend one for a new shooter.
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Still haven't been given access to EE yet. So ill probabky miss some current deals on there. But we'll have to wait and see when that happens I guess. None the less, I'm in the market for a .270 rifle. Whether I'm able to find it here or not.
 
LouF said:
You actually think you will have only one rifle.Laugh2If you hunt in deep cover a lever action with iron or a red dot sight.Moderate to long range whatever you feel good with.
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I'm aware I'll be owning more than 1 rifle šŸ˜…. But I'm on the hunt for a .270. I've shot both but leaning towards the bolt action.
 
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