Opinions on semi auto hunting rifle?

Bolts are better at chambering ammo that isn't factory spec - say a shoulder isn't pushed back quite enough - a bolt will chamber it with a little more push - where a pump or semi might not work right.

It is easy to forget that everyone hunts differently - stand hunting is very different than doing drives with a good shooter or two waiting for running deer - in which case, a semi would be just wonderful. In the flatlands, accuracy at long range might eliminate many semis.

Back in the day, a lever could slip into the front of the bench-seat seat cover (remember those?) - and slide out so easily - I dream of a modern slim short semi rifle that could replace the old 30 30 - the AR has too many catchy places.

Let me dream for a minute - a .243 with a tube magazine that can be loaded and unloaded easily ( and ammo added to) - slim enough to wrap a gloved hand around for easy carry ( not like bolt actions) - semi auto with a top three-position safety - total length same as model 94 - combination of notch rear sight with peep sight alternative for long range. Hooded front sight. Super-bright LED light in front of tube mag. Maybe removable scope that stores in stock. Balance point of carry is not steel ( too cold on hand in hunting season.) Durable and trustworthy - stainless with black finish. Might have a retractable cord sling coming out of stock to clip to fore-end. Might have a ring at balance point to attach to belt or chest. Should hold five rounds at least ( plugged like shotgun?) plus another five in stock. It has to slip into a sock and out easily - no snags. Price point 2000$.
 
As above, if a brand new PAL holder show up at our camp with a modern sporting centerfire semi, people would be on high alert. A newbie with a self loading rifle can be trouble. One has to bear in mind, that a fella can get a PAL these days without ever having fired a gun. Being one of the organizers at a shotgun range, I've seem some pretty serious fails over the years with new PAL holders and self-loading guns.
 
wallz said:
Me, if you like the design, go for it. There are a lot of SKS that are used for hunting, with certain "nations", and we all know why they didn't make the ban list.
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Well, it was on the list when they pulled a sneaky, along with every semi auto centerfire that takes detachable mags. Dunno about the M1 Garand as well.

But they would all have been gone if gunnies in general hadn't put so much pressure on the other parties to say "no, this hasn't been voted on, this isn't the way to do it".

Charlie Angus and other MPs did draw attention to Native hunters but I'm extremely skeptical that we alone are the reason the SKS was not banned. Yet.
 
cosmic said:
As above, if a brand new PAL holder show up at our camp with a modern sporting centerfire semi, people would be on high alert. A newbie with a self loading rifle can be trouble. One has to bear in mind, that a fella can get a PAL these days without ever having fired a gun. Being one of the organizers at a shotgun range, I've seem some pretty serious fails over the years with new PAL holders and self-loading guns.
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You're not wrong, but my issue with this kind of thinking is if you consider one type of gun more or less safe than another it can lead to complacency with regards to the "more safe" option. I bet you've seen lots of fails with shotguns that weren't auto loaders too.
 
If I could hunt with an AR platform I would in a heart beat, especially since I could build uppers to suit my needs and accuracy requirements. A couple lowers and a bunch of uppers in different calibers sound perfect to me, I like having similar ergos in my bolt guns. If I can have a model of bolt gun in .22 or .223 and a .308 or whatever caliber I want to use I will buy both in a heartbeat, shoot the .22 or .223 predominately as a trainer and hunt with the 30cal etc etc. Same rifle and ergos, same or similar optic and I’m good to go.
 
Nothing wrong with someone choosing a semi auto for hunting it they choose. But I prefer a bolt action, I very rarely need a quick second shot but I guess it depends on the kind of hunting you do. I you are on point with others pushing bush it would be beneficial. Personally if it was me I would rather buy a quality straight pull bolt action than a semi auto for that purpose.
 
They have a lot of qualities besides just the fast follow up shot too, is the cool thing!


There might be (undoubtedly are) people out there who are unsafe with a semi auto, but I don't want them around me with a firearm, period. Not unless they are being closely mentored by someone who should be mentoring them...even then

Definitely not hunting
 
Suther said:
You're not wrong, but my issue with this kind of thinking is if you consider one type of gun more or less safe than another it can lead to complacency with regards to the "more safe" option. I bet you've seen lots of fails with shotguns that weren't auto loaders too.[/QUOTE/]
You'd have lost the bet. By nature, self loading guns are inherently more difficult to operate than other types, and require more attention from the operator. Yes, all guns require a regimen of safety. The question is whether the operator is capable of achieving that standard.
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cosmic said:
Suther said:
You're not wrong, but my issue with this kind of thinking is if you consider one type of gun more or less safe than another it can lead to complacency with regards to the "more safe" option. I bet you've seen lots of fails with shotguns that weren't auto loaders too.[/QUOTE/]
You'd have lost the bet. By nature, self loading guns are inherently more difficult to operate than other types, and require more attention from the operator. Yes, all guns require a regimen of safety. The question is whether the operator is capable of achieving that standard.
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They'd be violating:

- treat every gun as if it were loaded
- Don't touch the trigger unless you intend to shoot.

To hurt someone they'd have to violate both of those, as well as "don't point it at anything they don't want to destroy"

We're talking breaking just about all the fundamental rules of firearms safety here.

If someone is that unsafe with a firearm, they have issues. Speaking to Suther's point...I've seen it. I've definitely seen it, and not just with semi autos. I can't be alone here haha. This person should not be using firearms.
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Joel said:
cosmic said:
They'd be violating:

- treat every gun as if it were loaded
- Don't touch the trigger unless you intend to shoot.

To hurt someone they'd have to violate both of those, as well as "don't point it at anything they don't want to destroy"

We're talking breaking just about all the fundamental rules of firearms safety here.

If someone is that unsafe with a firearm, they have issues. Speaking to Suther's point...I've seen it. I've definitely seen it, and not just with semi autos. I can't be alone here haha. This person should not be using firearms.
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Only know myself, in my circles, the only firearm injuries (self inflicted) were with mishandling of handguns, and two others with muzzleloaders(one caplock, one modern)
All the long gun close calls, shotguns of all types.
At least three I can remember.
Strangely, only one instance unintended discharge of a bolt rifle, while moose hunting.
Seen bump fire only just twice in 30 years. Both persons more familiar with other target-hunting rifles.
Unintentional, with trigger finger memory.
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Hunter7 said:
Nothing wrong with someone choosing a semi auto for hunting it they choose. But I prefer a bolt action, I very rarely need a quick second shot but I guess it depends on the kind of hunting you do. I you are on point with others pushing bush it would be beneficial. Personally if it was me I would rather buy a quality straight pull bolt action than a semi auto for that purpose.
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Straight pull are in another ball park if you ask me. Almost as fast as some of the semi autos. I have a higher end straight pull 22, and that thing is amazing to shoot, and much prefer it over the 10/22, and its not just about the accuracy either.

I have actually turned to single shots as my latest niche. Just something about them falling blocks and stainless with a laminate stock, but this is about autos.

Like everything out there, one needs to learn and spend time with their firearm before heading out and using it, especially on a hunting trip out of a camp.
 
Joel said:
cosmic said:
They'd be violating:

- treat every gun as if it were loaded
- Don't touch the trigger unless you intend to shoot.

To hurt someone they'd have to violate both of those, as well as "don't point it at anything they don't want to destroy"

We're talking breaking just about all the fundamental rules of firearms safety here.

If someone is that unsafe with a firearm, they have issues. Speaking to Suther's point...I've seen it. I've definitely seen it, and not just with semi autos. I can't be alone here haha. This person should not be using firearms.
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Agree, if you are a new pal holder, even if you never shot a round you should know the basics of firearm handling safety! And if you don’t remember them… then you have a problem…
Semiautomatic do need a bit more attention all the time because after every shot there is a round immediately ready to fire, so you can’t forget about that! Easy at the range or around camp, but after shooting an animal down, in the excitement, one can forget that the rifle has an other round in battery. So for me I always push the safety on safe after every shots unless I take multiple consecutive shots! If I know I won’t need a following shot the mag is removed and the live chambered round extracted. Following this procedure should ensure no issue with a semiautomatic!

Semi are not more dangerous or harder to operate, there is just more steps to respect IMO.
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I went pig hunting once, and that's the only time I found myself wishing I had a semi-auto instead of a bolt gun. It really depends on what you're hunting and how you're doing it though I think. For me, not being able to chamber a round quietly is a pretty big drawback. Certainly nothing wrong with semi-auto hunting though.
 
DGY said:
Well I hunt with one some times… but it is not the type you are after, it is a browning BAR 30-06 made in Belgium and a great rifle! It fits me well and has nothing to do with the AR platforms and doesn’t look like a military rifle/black rifle! All that said it is a hunting rifle in a semiautomatic action! Blue steel and nice walnut !
There is a few other companies that makes great “hunting style” semiautomatic, but I don’t know anything about hem lol!
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Agreed. I have a MK I (30-06) and a MK III (308). MK III is lighter though I tend to prefer the MK I.
 
Bought a bar in 338 when was spending a lot of time working in bear country. Our foreman had one and I was impressed. Kept it handy, but I never had to use it. Had it in my hands a few times while I waited to see what a bear decided to do, but eventually they all took off. Couple of them stole my lunch though. - dan
 
Action has nothing do with choice of hunting rifle, if you would like to use a semi auto black rifle to hunt, why not. I think the bigger concern would be managing to mount a scope on it with just the upper rails (mounting rings to the handguard is a terrible idea) and if you are okay lugging the weight (near 10lbs) for a that hunting rifle through the woods? IF yes to both, 100% would support anybody to go hunting with semi auto/black tactical rifle. I know a local dude that occasionally takes the tavor 7 hunting if he's using .308 instead of his other cartridges, plenty accurate to get it done right the first shot.
 
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