bolt or auto

JFAHEY

Is there an advantage in having a bolt action over a semi auto in terms of accuracy? I was hinting around at the rem. model 7400 semi auto(30-06) for a deer gun, but never owned a semi auto centerfire rifle before. I dont think I'll ever shoot over 200 yards. Thanks in advance for any info.

bugmantraap

The model 7400 should shoot to an 1 1/2 at 100 yds. Plenty good enough to kill a deer at 200.A bolt will get you the same or better down to 1/2 inch. But accuracy is relative.Many a deer has fallen to the old timers like the model s 94. 336 742 and 760 and the model 94 was a best a 3 inch gun at 75 yds. So if you want a semi-auto then by all means get it and hunt with confidence

11b6r

IN GENERAL, the bolt will have better accuracy than the semi- but for hunting, I go by "minute of whitetail". Some states prohibit autoloaders for deer hunting, otherwise, you should be fine. Most deer are actually taken at 100 yds or less. There are a few hunters that can reach out significantly byond that, but considering that you are probably not on a benchrest when shooting, 200 yards is a good upper limit, and as Trapper said, your autoloader should do you proud at that distance.

Fatstrat

IMO the principle advantage in terms of accuracy that a bolt action might have is subconcious.
W/a bolt action, your abiity for a quick follow up shot is diminished. Forcing you to take extra care in making the 1st shot count.
Very often,people w/semi auto rifles will take hurried/sloppy shots, w/the concious or subconcious knowledge that another chance is just a trigger pull away.
In this regard, much depends on one's own trigger discipline.

coledigger4

I prefer the bolt action. Personal reasons and observed reasons. The areas I hunt most offer normally a one-shot chance, occasionally two. For this reason I feel the ability to put a lot of lead in the air fast is not worth much. I would rather take the time for accurate shot placement. Back when I was doing a lot of guiding, we would get a lot of people that would show up with semiautos, the most common was the 30-06. I am not saying it is totally the gun but a lot of those people would end there hunting trip using my rifle. I would say for the closer shots the semi's did okay but, especially if antelope was on their list, longer shots were not so good. Granted I do think these hunters could have spent a LOT more time becoming familiar with their rifles and would have ended up being better shooters so all of the blame cannot be placed strictly on the firearm. My vote would have to go to the bolt action.

chumchum

If you want the Semi, go for it. I think you will be surprised how many far shots you really get. Of course that depends on the type of hunting you do. However, I can say honestly in the last 8 years I only had one shot at a long distance. The rest been 25-75 yards. Just about anything would have worked for me. Take a look at the newer model HK semi. I've seen them sell at pretty decent prices.

MBK

My 4 autos ( 2 - 742's and 2 Win 100s ) equal the accuracy of about 12 different bolt guns at 100 yards. Now, I do have a couple of varmint guns and a heavy 98 Mauser that outshoot the others, but those autos give a lot of fast repeat firepower. Today you can buy some hi tech lubes that make them shoot well in the very cold weather. And, they don't seem too heavy.

laogai

i concur with all the above comments.
a couple other issues: trigger pull and handling. both affect practical accuracy in hunting situations more than relative differences off a bench. bolts usually have significant advantage in both areas over autos, and are more reliable.

bugmantraap

All of the above post offer good advise.As stated above, the action you choose is a personal one. I have 8 bolt actions from 223 to 338 mag. One lever, a Marli 336SC in 35 rem. When I head for Vermont, the 35 goes with me. I have shot a ton of deer with the bolts but there is something about the way the marlin carries and handles that makes it a PERSONAL favorite of mine. I have owned several autos and have killed deer with them. It comes down to what you want to hunt with.In the northern areas where you live, It doesn't matter much. You will be shooting under 150yrds 99% of the time and any good white cailber in any action will get the job done. Be true to your gut and buy what you want.