Like the title says- What action and why? Is it because of a first rifle, what dad use to shoot with, left or right handed, a comfort level, or some sort of evolution. I have asked some buddys the same question and get a lot of blank looks followed by "I dunno". There must be some thing that attracts people to the different actions. What is it???
Whats your favorite action and why??
- Thread starter Royzo
- Start date
A lever action that is as accurate as a bolt action would be my favorite. It really depends on the situation. Sometimes the simplicity and reliability of a single shot is better or sometimes a fast repeating semi auto or lever/pump etc is better if you're shooting a big whitetail with a hound hot on its heels.
Pure Energy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A river runs through it.
Mmmm.
Semi for ducks, though I have been using my Citiori the last couple years. Pump for deer and moose. If I could afford a model 88 lever in .308 I would use that instead. For dogging I would love one of those .44 magnum Ruger semi's.
Semi for ducks, though I have been using my Citiori the last couple years. Pump for deer and moose. If I could afford a model 88 lever in .308 I would use that instead. For dogging I would love one of those .44 magnum Ruger semi's.
I really like the model 70 bolt action the best because it does not matter if it gets full of snow and ice or mud and blood it never fails to feed, shoot and extract a spent case. The accuracy and reliability of a good model 70 is without question.
I had a model 94 freeze on me a few years back now in fairness to the 94 it was dirty and probably had to much oil mixed in with the dirt and that was my fault but the fact of the matter is it froze solid. I had to put it beside the wood stove for a bit when I got back to camp to thaw it out the point is my lever action let me down and I really enjoy carrying a model 94, no long gun on earth carrys like a winchester 94. I've also carried some nice ruger single shots over the years, for me they have a cool factor that's off the scale they got panache like no other, they make me feel like a champ but they are slightly slower to reload if it becomes necessary. Now as far as pumps and semi autos go there's nothing wrong with them but they just don't do it for me.
I had a model 94 freeze on me a few years back now in fairness to the 94 it was dirty and probably had to much oil mixed in with the dirt and that was my fault but the fact of the matter is it froze solid. I had to put it beside the wood stove for a bit when I got back to camp to thaw it out the point is my lever action let me down and I really enjoy carrying a model 94, no long gun on earth carrys like a winchester 94. I've also carried some nice ruger single shots over the years, for me they have a cool factor that's off the scale they got panache like no other, they make me feel like a champ but they are slightly slower to reload if it becomes necessary. Now as far as pumps and semi autos go there's nothing wrong with them but they just don't do it for me.
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The model 88 is a nice gun. The old doggers into camp use to use 44 rugers years ago, but they all switched to heavier guns in the last 20 years. The 44 is great if you have time to place your shot perfectly. Anyone that can take a vital shot on a running deer while dogging is a better man than me.
A falling block when I want to feel the intimacy of the process (although, less so, than with traditional archery gear)... levers for fun and nostalgia (a pre-64 94 accounted for my first truck full of deer), bolt action when I wanna hit something that ain't sucking on the muzzle, semi's if it quacks or honks... trombones for things that hop and nibble carrots or peck in the berries...
Semi, hands down. Because it's fast! Growing up shooting chicken-stealing predators, hunting in areas with neighbors; it was a childhood of "making every shot count" and "every shot is the most important you'll ever take." I've had enough "deliberate shooting" to last two lifetime's. Hell, my little sub2K, I can empty the mag before I even get it to shoulder 
Semi-auto is the current bad guy, in the anti's "divide and conquer" campaign. Make's me want it more than ever, now
Semi-auto is the current bad guy, in the anti's "divide and conquer" campaign. Make's me want it more than ever, now
- Location
- Southern Vancouver Island
If they are decently built, then they're all good.
For me it would have to be CRF M70. I'm not going to say its best shooting or smoothest or highest quality, but like a Mauser its difficult to get into a situation where you can't at least make it work without tools or parts.
I have used all the different actions but when I got my first pump in 1985 I was hooked. I found the pumps fit really well. They also fit the bill for my uncanny ability to snap quick shots with either left or right hand shooting. I still have lots of the other action types but my go to guns will likely always be one of my pumps. No semis for this guy.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
Handgun - Double action revolver
Shotgun - SxS double
Rifle - Bolt action
Shotgun - SxS double
Rifle - Bolt action
Pure Energy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A river runs through it.
Couple of guys at our camp have the old 88s. Real smooth short throw .308 lever. I was never a fan of lever actions until I shot those 88s. I still have my pre 64 model 94 in .30-30 but I hate how far you have to throw it to load and always chucking out loaded ammo to unload it. The 88 is a dream gun for lever action to me. Mag fed and short throw is awesome. The Ruger .44 mag is also a beauty gun for where I hunt. Most shots when dogging are within 25 to 50 yards if that. A reliable .44 mag would be sweet.
Semi, hands down. Because it's fast! Growing up shooting chicken-stealing predators, hunting in areas with neighbors; it was a childhood of "making every shot count" and "every shot is the most important you'll ever take." I've had enough "deliberate shooting" to last two lifetime's. Hell, my little sub2K, I can empty the mag before I even get it to shoulder
Semi-auto is the current bad guy, in the anti's "divide and conquer" campaign. Make's me want it more than ever, now
Haha same here!
I have 'em all, and like them all, but there's nothing like having a semi when there's lots to shoot at.
No operator error, always ready to go, less recoil and you don't have to move your hands or cheek-weld for the next shot.
I vote for semi
For me it's a toss up between the Marlin 1895 and the 1874 Sharps. A. Marlin that is properly polished is as slick as any and has never failed me. And the Sharps is simply a romance thing. I love the 1874 and anything that shoots a 458 bullet!
There is Nothing like "pumping" a fresh round in the chamber of a bolt action. Loading one full power .30 cal round at a time in the mag from the breech and cycling that bolt so fast in an uninterrupted Krchhhrklinggg! Something so wonderful about the solid feel of bolt gun ready to go and having to realign your sights from nothing after every shot. Sringloadedgasoperatedautoblowback no thank you ill do that myself!
