Should I buy a bolt action?

[warrenb]

I own a few pumps and a semi speedmaster. But I have never owned a bolt action rifle. Some of threads lately have me wondering if I should buy a stevens 200 just to round off my gun owning experience a little more.

I am very happy with my pumps but do you think there is anything for me to gain by becoming aqainted with a bolt. OR do you think that I will only be dissapointed after having known the pleasure of a really good pump?

 

[heavyBullet]

Buy one of each pump, then bolt, semi, and do not forget a fun Lever action.

You mention a Stevens 200, you should have a look at a Marlin XL7, I think they are giving the Stevens a run for the money.

 

[Sluice]

pumps are good for most hunting situations.

A bolt would have an advantage as a varmint gun because of its generally superior accuaracy and they usually have better triggers than pumps or semi's although this is not always true. They are easier to reload for as they do not require small base dies that are often required for semis or pumps. Bolts usually come in a wider variety of calibers.

If you are looking to do something different than a bolt would be a good choice.

 

[Kilo Charlie]

A bolt rifle is a nice addition to the herd. They're not for everyone, but I like them. I currently own two, an A-Bolt and a Ruger 77.
Contrary to a lot of people's opinions, they are not the ideal action for every situation, but you'll never know how much you like them until you give them a good thorough tryout. Before I bought a good bolt rifle, I was a big autoloader and lever fan. I still like them, but for the last 15 or so years, my go-to rifle has been a bolt-action.