Moose rifle?

triton

triton

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If you were going to choose a moose rifle in .308, what would it be? A pump action, bolt , or a lever? I have a lever and a semi, but want a third.
 
I use a semi auto auto because I have one, but if I was needing to get one I'd definitely get a bolt action. I most likely will replace it with one in the future.
 
I use a bolt action and a single shot Ruger #1 but that's what I like. Any of them will do the job so get what you are comfortable with or just what you want to have.
 
Bolt for sure. When you start crawling through swamps, deadfall, and overgrown cuts, the last thing you want to worry about is your rifle having an issue, the less moving parts, the less chance of issues. Having seen people having issues with semis, I'd never consider using one for hunting purposes, but that's just my experience.
 
There aren't really any downsides to choosing a bolt action. If it is actually something you want.

When you say pump I'm assuming you mean the Remington 7600, I have owned and loaded for more then a few. Accuracy was always good once I developed a load for it. It is a very reliable hunting rifle. I haven't played with any of the newer manufactured models but the old ones are a classic and dependable. As well as usually a reasonable price on the used market.
 
Rifle actions for moose are generally a personal preference thing. Any pump/bolt/lever gun or semi auto should offer enough accuracy to get rounds into a Moose's vitals. So go pick up a few from the counter and see what feels right to you?

If you require simplicity of function these would be my choices

1 bolt gun generally the most accurate for $, simplistic function
2 kind of a tie pump gun or lever gun...good accuracy and reliability but more chit could go wrong
3 semi auto gun lowest level of accuracy, more pricey, highest probability for something to screw up!

Enjoy your search for what is right for you!
 
Brian46 said:
lots of wives tales being posted here about modern semi automatics and how unreliable and inaccurate they are.
Click to expand...

I think a lot of the prejudice against semi auto's is based on the very early Remington 742 which was notoriously picky about ammo and cleanliness. Unfortunately the reputation was cemented and coupled with a lack of affordable semiauto's that is unlikely to change.
 
My brother picked up a brand new Benelli R1 in 30-06 that was totally useless, sent it back under warranty. It was inconsistent and didn't cycle the second shot frequently. The spent cases were not circular, but had a completely flat side on them. I know this isn't typical of semis, but it did cause my brother to only have one shot at a deer that he missed, then it stood there laughing at him at about 25 yards as he tried to un-jam the rifle. If it was a moose, we'd have been in tears.
 
I have always had a thing for pumps .shot a lot of deer with pumps for 12g to 308s ,thy just seem to work ,Dutch
 
You have already got a semi and a lever,..so the obvious would be a bolt,...but instead of .308 why not step up to a 30.06?
I know,..I know,..a 308 will cleanly kill a moose no problem, but the '06 will put a bit more sting in the heavier bullets.
OR,...you could pick up a 35 Whelen in a nice bolt.

If I were to build a moose gun I would pic up a BAR Mark 2 in 30.06 and have it rebored/rebarreled to 35 Whelen. Put 2 quick shots from a 35 Whelen through the ribs of a moose and he's not going too far.

Just a thought,......for what it's worth.
 
jables said:
Bolt for sure. When you start crawling through swamps, deadfall, and overgrown cuts, the last thing you want to worry about is your rifle having an issue, the less moving parts, the less chance of issues. Having seen people having issues with semis, I'd never consider using one for hunting purposes, but that's just my experience.
Click to expand...

there is some bolt actions with a lot of parts that i wont take in the swamp ....or anywhere else.
 
I think a featherweight M70 is a no brainer in this debate but it all depends on what you really want and how you hunt. Nothing wrong with a pump or semi, especially if you are in thick brush…..

BOLT - featherweight
SEMI - belgium BAR
PUMP - 760
LEVER - belgium BLR

Unless of course you have a really big budget, then I would go higher end bolt.

Have fun and report back on what you get. So many options and you have a great problem to have!
Steve
 
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