Should You Choose Semi-Automatic or Bolt-Action for Hunting?

One of the age-old debates in hunting is semi-automatic vs. bolt-action rifles. Each has its pros and cons, and the two types of guns have their distinct differences. Therefore, some important details could help you decide which might be best for you. From a 30 06 rifle to a 22 semi-automatic, here are a few factors you should consider before buying your next hunting rifle.

What Are You Hunting?

The first significant step is to establish what you plan on hunting. Big game? Varmints? Something that moves quickly? Or is your target likely to stay reasonably still? The answers to these questions can help narrow down which type of gun you should choose. If you are hunting small game, like rabbits and squirrels, you will not want the same rifle as you would for a deer. If you are looking to bring home a bear or moose, a large-game rifle is essential to take down such massive animals. However, there are still other factors to consider, even within the category of game you want to hunt.

Accuracy vs. Speed

As mentioned, semi-automatics and bolt-action rifles have major differences. Some of the factors that play an important role in hunting are accuracy and speed. Generally, a bolt-action rifle is more accurate than a semi-automatic rifle, though not always. Meanwhile, the semi-automatic can make a follow-up shot much quicker. Therefore, if you need to take down a deer in a single shot, you want a bolt-action like a Remington 700 SPS Tactical. Bolt-action rifles tend to be heavier, which can also help with recoil. While follow-up shots can be fast with a semi-automatic rifle, it will still be easier to hit a moving rabbit with one shot using a bolt-action rifle.

What Ammo Do You Intend to Use?

While semi-automatic rifles are catching up to bolt-action rifles in terms of offering larger calibers, most semi-automatic rifles still have small calibers. Common calibers for semi-automatics include 556, 223, 300 Blackout, and even 308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. One favorite semi-automatic is the Ruger Mini 30, which uses a 762x39 round, but is small and maneuverable, perfect for hunting deer. Bolt-action rifles, meanwhile, often fire larger rounds, more suitable for big game, such as 30 06 and 270 Winchester.

Attachments and Modifications

Finally, consider whether you want attachments and modularity. A classic bolt-action rifle passed down from your grandpa will not have the same flexibility as an AR-style rifle that can add different grips, change out the stock, hold various magazines, or quickly add a bipod. Both semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles can have triggers changed and optics switched out, but semi-automatics win when it comes to the number of available modifications and accessories. While the bolt-action Remington 700 might have drop-in trigger options, you will likely need to take it to a gunsmith for customization.

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