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a bolt action shotgun?

the loveable rat...the loveable rat... Member Posts: 969 ✭✭✭✭
edited January 2002 in Ask the Experts
what the heck is it for? are they some failed relic? slug gun? do the magazines work ok? would i be better off w/ a single shot break action?" thxs again...
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Comments

  • BullzeyeBullzeye Member Posts: 3,560
    edited November -1
    People like bolter shotguns for the same reason that the most accurate rifles are bolt action.If you want extreme long range clay or bird performance, you'll want a long-barrel 12 or 16 gauge bolt action.
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  • nordnord Member Posts: 6,106 ✭
    edited November -1
    I beg to differ...Shot doesn't care in the least whether it leaves from a bolt action, an auto, a single, or any other action. That's pretty much true for a slug, too!Bolts are cheap, reliable, and utilitarian... And they offer the chance to reload without dipping into one's pocket for another shell.The really good part of being afield with a BA is that if you arrive back at your vehicle and it has a flat tire... There's little harm in using it as a jack.
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  • rballirballi Member Posts: 770 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    For the most part they are just as inexpensive or more inexpensive than a single shot. I probably would rather use a bolt action shotgun to teach a youngster shooting. I'm pretty sure the bolt action SG's have a safety, single shots for the most part do not. I think that is important for a young or inexperienced shooter. Once the young one is ready for more than one shell, fill the mag. Most of the bolts I've seen don't go for more than $75. They were made for a reason, and somebody still buys them; I've seen new bolt actions for over $200.Roy
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I recall bolt action shotguns with box magazines jammed very often but those having tubular mags didnt. Those were in the paper shell days. Todays plastic hulls might feed a little better in the box mag.Before buying one I'd check this point out.
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    The big problem that I see with bolt action shotguns, at least the old ones, is the lack of locking lugs. The only thing holding the bolt shut during firing is the bolt handle engaging its cut in the receiver. If the handle gives way, someone gets an eye full of bolt.If the bolt has locking lugs, even one, no problem.I think the above is why Sears recalled theirs.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
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  • LazyHLazyH Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    does someone know which of the old bolt shotguns had the strongest actions? was thinking of building a slug gun from one. maybe shortening the barrel to remove the choke,mounting a scope and installing a good recoil pad to shoot cheap foster slugs.any thoughts?
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  • biganimalbiganimal Member Posts: 135 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    mossberg-tough-well built-inexpensive, never had one jam or mis fire
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  • kaboomkaboom Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    For a deer gun using slugs I don't see any reason a BA wouldn't work just as well as any other smoothbore shotgun. I got a Stevens BA 20 ga shotgun for my 10th birthday in 1947. It had a 2-shot box magazine but i don't remember it ever jamming with paper shells, and I shot it a lot. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it felt too clumsy and poorly balanced for wing-shooting quail and dove, so I later traded it in on a used 16 ga double which I positively loved. In my opinion a SxS double is still the best gun made for wingshooting. I don' have one at the moment, but I hope to remedy that situation soon.
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  • 11echo11echo Member Posts: 1,007 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I resently picked up a bolt action 410, with tube feed. I normally don't like bolt action shotguns ...not other reason than asthenics I guess. BUT at $25 the price is right. I'm glad I did! This thing is a shooter!!! When I go rabbit and bird hunting, for some reason I can't seem to miss! I normally pack around a 12ga., and do pretty well with it. But this 410 does a job. Maybe because it's lighter or I'm making sure the game is well within range, don't know. But if I'm want some meat (and I alone or with my son ...don't want to take the ribbing from the guys!*G*) I'll take the bolt action 410!!!
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  • grizzclawgrizzclaw Member Posts: 1,159 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a Mossberg 183D-A, 3 shots, full choke, nice weight, I love it. It has a blind magazine, you don't ever have to worry about loosing it. I've got an 11-87 that sits at home more than the Mossberg.
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