I have been shooting my bolt guns more and more recently so I'm wondering if I should have just stuck with them rather than going with ar's. How many of you guys have been down this road and what made you decide to choose bolt or semi auto. I don't know if it's just rifle add or that I have found several bolt guns lately in the classifieds that I would love to have.
Rethinking all my ar's
- Thread starter Bradu
- Start date
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
They both have their place. Right now I'm thinking of selling a bolt gun to pay for another auto loader. It's just a vicious cycle.
They both have their place. Right now I'm thinking of selling a bolt gun to pay for another auto loader. It's just a vicious cycle.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
In the end, your safe should be full of the guns you love. I agonized over a bolt gun I had that I simply wasn't shooting enough to justify sitting in my safe. So I sold it and bought an LWRC and a Surgeon 591 repeater with the money. Life's too short not to have the rigs you really like. If that's all bolt guns or all ARs or some mixture of the two, make yourself happy.
In the end, your safe should be full of the guns you love. I agonized over a bolt gun I had that I simply wasn't shooting enough to justify sitting in my safe. So I sold it and bought an LWRC and a Surgeon 591 repeater with the money. Life's too short not to have the rigs you really like. If that's all bolt guns or all ARs or some mixture of the two, make yourself happy.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triggerhappy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's wrong with BOTH?</div></div>
Nothing, just been shooting my bolt guns more and considering selling a couple ar's to get another bolt gun built.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mscott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They both have their place. Right now I'm thinking of selling a bolt gun to pay for another auto loader. It's just a vicious cycle.</div></div>
That's kind of what I figured. I think what got me rethinking bolt guns is my KRG chassis for adjustability and having a detachable magazine.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triggerhappy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's wrong with BOTH?</div></div>
Nothing, just been shooting my bolt guns more and considering selling a couple ar's to get another bolt gun built.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mscott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They both have their place. Right now I'm thinking of selling a bolt gun to pay for another auto loader. It's just a vicious cycle.</div></div>
That's kind of what I figured. I think what got me rethinking bolt guns is my KRG chassis for adjustability and having a detachable magazine.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
I would keep an auto loader around if I were you. Agree with the others. Life IS short and you should own what you enjoy to shoot...but after you've fired bolt actions for awhile an auto is VERY new...and cool.
I would keep an auto loader around if I were you. Agree with the others. Life IS short and you should own what you enjoy to shoot...but after you've fired bolt actions for awhile an auto is VERY new...and cool.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
I've pondered this many a time....... I have a custom carbine that sees very little daylight but it will stay with me forever, same as a standard 20" A2 and now an 18" light precision AR I'm putting together for my wife. Used, shot, or what ever they will be keepers. No reason to let any of the three go anyplace.
The bolt guns seem to come and go over time. Although one will set with the ARs for the long haul (my wifes custom). The newest long-gun will be a crap shoot but time will tell. The .22s seem to never get sold either.
I don't have a problem setting on the ARs for some reason even if they don't come out very often.
But like said above, it's a vicious vicious cycle!
I've pondered this many a time....... I have a custom carbine that sees very little daylight but it will stay with me forever, same as a standard 20" A2 and now an 18" light precision AR I'm putting together for my wife. Used, shot, or what ever they will be keepers. No reason to let any of the three go anyplace.
The bolt guns seem to come and go over time. Although one will set with the ARs for the long haul (my wifes custom). The newest long-gun will be a crap shoot but time will tell. The .22s seem to never get sold either.
I don't have a problem setting on the ARs for some reason even if they don't come out very often.
But like said above, it's a vicious vicious cycle!
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
As has been said - it's a vicious cycle...if you can afford to, I'd keep the ARs and buy the bolt actions.
If it's a question of having to sell them to get the money to buy the bolt gun and they are better suited to the shooting you wnat to do or you think you'd get more enjoyment/use out of that, go for it.
Personaly I hate selling guns. I've got an Annie .22 that I really don't use as often as I should...took it to the dealer a while back fully intending to move it on....but just couldn't bring myself to leave it
As has been said - it's a vicious cycle...if you can afford to, I'd keep the ARs and buy the bolt actions.
If it's a question of having to sell them to get the money to buy the bolt gun and they are better suited to the shooting you wnat to do or you think you'd get more enjoyment/use out of that, go for it.
Personaly I hate selling guns. I've got an Annie .22 that I really don't use as often as I should...took it to the dealer a while back fully intending to move it on....but just couldn't bring myself to leave it
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
My take is to have both and enjoy using them for what they're good for. I guess it also depends what calibers we're talking about.
I ditched my 308 bolt gun (custom 700), because my 308 gas gun (Noveske N6 and JP LRP07) shot just about as well (for me), and at the same distances. The ARs are awesome for quick follow ups and medium distance shooting, but a bigger caliber bolt gun kicks the shit out of a 308 rifle, past 600 yards. I had this epiphany when myself and a group of friends went through a 2 week long rifle Course in Phoenix (GPS LLC, Warfighter) and my buddy was shooting a 300 Win Mag, and I was shooting a 308 bolt gun. I shot next to him and I was amazed at how flat his gun shot and how much less dope he had to dial in, at all ranges, compared to us shooting 308s.
I was also impressed by the energy the round had at far ranges. At 600 yards, when we connected with the steel using a 308, you just saw the splash of the bullet breaking up and deflecting down in front of the target, but you heard nothing. With the WinMag, you saw the hit, and you heard a resounding WHACK. And IIRC, he did it with about 2 minutes less of elevation.
So, after that, I figured a 308 bolt gun doesn't do much better than a 308 gas gun, past 300. But a sub-moa, or even better-quarter moa, 300 WinMag, or a 338 Lapua does a HELLUVA lot better.
So, I sold my 308 bolt rifle and I will have another bolt rifle built by my buddy at Hill Country Rifles, in 300 WinMag. They guarantee 1 moa, but he consistently builds 1/4 moa guns, using good components. I have never had a gas gun shoot better than half moa, and there are very few semi autos that shoot the magnum calibers, to begin with. Basic accuracy potential and magnum calibers are where I think bolt guns and semi-autos part ways. It seems to me that it is much easier to fine tune a bolt gun to a high degree of accuracy, over a semi-auto gun. The additional range, energy, flatter trajectory and better wind bucking abilities of the bigger calibers are a bonus and I think their selection would be a wise move.
Anywho, as far as semi-autos go, I sold my Noveske, and I have a slick sided LMT MWS on order. I ordered it in 308, but I am seriously considering buying a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel and seeing what it's like shooting that caliber past 300 yards. Maybe it will change my mind on long range semi auto shooting.
That's my take. YMMV
This didn't shoot much better than-
DSC00433 by CUSTOMGLOCKFAN, on Flickr
This:
IMG_0445 by CUSTOMGLOCKFAN, on Flickr
But THIS in 300 WinMag would be very different:Not my rifle,btw, belongs to my buddy J Garcia.
IMG_0171 by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people
My take is to have both and enjoy using them for what they're good for. I guess it also depends what calibers we're talking about.
I ditched my 308 bolt gun (custom 700), because my 308 gas gun (Noveske N6 and JP LRP07) shot just about as well (for me), and at the same distances. The ARs are awesome for quick follow ups and medium distance shooting, but a bigger caliber bolt gun kicks the shit out of a 308 rifle, past 600 yards. I had this epiphany when myself and a group of friends went through a 2 week long rifle Course in Phoenix (GPS LLC, Warfighter) and my buddy was shooting a 300 Win Mag, and I was shooting a 308 bolt gun. I shot next to him and I was amazed at how flat his gun shot and how much less dope he had to dial in, at all ranges, compared to us shooting 308s.
I was also impressed by the energy the round had at far ranges. At 600 yards, when we connected with the steel using a 308, you just saw the splash of the bullet breaking up and deflecting down in front of the target, but you heard nothing. With the WinMag, you saw the hit, and you heard a resounding WHACK. And IIRC, he did it with about 2 minutes less of elevation.
So, after that, I figured a 308 bolt gun doesn't do much better than a 308 gas gun, past 300. But a sub-moa, or even better-quarter moa, 300 WinMag, or a 338 Lapua does a HELLUVA lot better.
So, I sold my 308 bolt rifle and I will have another bolt rifle built by my buddy at Hill Country Rifles, in 300 WinMag. They guarantee 1 moa, but he consistently builds 1/4 moa guns, using good components. I have never had a gas gun shoot better than half moa, and there are very few semi autos that shoot the magnum calibers, to begin with. Basic accuracy potential and magnum calibers are where I think bolt guns and semi-autos part ways. It seems to me that it is much easier to fine tune a bolt gun to a high degree of accuracy, over a semi-auto gun. The additional range, energy, flatter trajectory and better wind bucking abilities of the bigger calibers are a bonus and I think their selection would be a wise move.
Anywho, as far as semi-autos go, I sold my Noveske, and I have a slick sided LMT MWS on order. I ordered it in 308, but I am seriously considering buying a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel and seeing what it's like shooting that caliber past 300 yards. Maybe it will change my mind on long range semi auto shooting.
That's my take. YMMV
This didn't shoot much better than-
DSC00433 by CUSTOMGLOCKFAN, on Flickr
This:
IMG_0445 by CUSTOMGLOCKFAN, on Flickr
But THIS in 300 WinMag would be very different:Not my rifle,btw, belongs to my buddy J Garcia.
IMG_0171 by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
I have replaced every gun I ever sold...... At a financial loss btw..... Lol
I have replaced every gun I ever sold...... At a financial loss btw..... Lol
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
I personally love both. I have way more semi's than bolts at this particular time but I'll always have at least two bolt guns. One magnum caliber and the other one will be my favorite cartridge of the moment.
I personally love both. I have way more semi's than bolts at this particular time but I'll always have at least two bolt guns. One magnum caliber and the other one will be my favorite cartridge of the moment.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
Traded my 700 in .308 for a pile of AR parts. I'm 100% content with my AR build but 110% want to do another bolt gun build. One of each is my plan...
Traded my 700 in .308 for a pile of AR parts. I'm 100% content with my AR build but 110% want to do another bolt gun build. One of each is my plan...
L
longguntoter
Guest
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bradu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been shooting my bolt guns more and more recently so I'm wondering if I should have just stuck with them rather than going with ar's. How many of you guys have been down this road and what made you decide to choose bolt or semi auto. I don't know if it's just rifle add or that I have found several bolt guns lately in the classifieds that I would love to have. </div></div>I went down that road and ended up with just the bolt guns. I had two AR's and an AK, but got rid of them and went with the low speed/high drag bolt guns. For me its not about being able to put lead down range like I used to. There are times that I will be at the range and only shoot ten to fifteen rounds in a couple of hours - something I could not do with the semi autos. JMHO.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bradu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been shooting my bolt guns more and more recently so I'm wondering if I should have just stuck with them rather than going with ar's. How many of you guys have been down this road and what made you decide to choose bolt or semi auto. I don't know if it's just rifle add or that I have found several bolt guns lately in the classifieds that I would love to have. </div></div>I went down that road and ended up with just the bolt guns. I had two AR's and an AK, but got rid of them and went with the low speed/high drag bolt guns. For me its not about being able to put lead down range like I used to. There are times that I will be at the range and only shoot ten to fifteen rounds in a couple of hours - something I could not do with the semi autos. JMHO.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
this does every bit as good as my bolt guns
just causes me to spend more money on ammo
that fucker is expensive to feed like it wants to be.
i have both and couldn't see getting rid of one or the other. honestly though if i had to chose i would have a gasser short action and a magnum bolt gun either 300 or 338
this does every bit as good as my bolt guns
just causes me to spend more money on ammo
i have both and couldn't see getting rid of one or the other. honestly though if i had to chose i would have a gasser short action and a magnum bolt gun either 300 or 338
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
I know exactly how you feel. I have my bolt gun, which is a budget build, that I know I can get CCB shots on target at 600 yards.
But I also have a Recce 16" build that can only get accurate CCB shots at 500 yards.
I am seriously Jonesing for a .243 Varmint with an 18" BBL.
The AR would have to go for me to afford that.
Lee.
I know exactly how you feel. I have my bolt gun, which is a budget build, that I know I can get CCB shots on target at 600 yards.
But I also have a Recce 16" build that can only get accurate CCB shots at 500 yards.
I am seriously Jonesing for a .243 Varmint with an 18" BBL.
The AR would have to go for me to afford that.
Lee.
L
longguntoter
Guest
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">this does every bit as good as my bolt guns
just causes me to spend more money on ammo
that fucker is expensive to feed like it wants to be.
i have both and couldn't see getting rid of one or the other. honestly though if i had to chose i would have a gasser short action and a magnum bolt gun either 300 or 338 </div></div>Don't get me wrong. I really miss my AR's at times, it just got so doggonned expensive at times.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">this does every bit as good as my bolt guns
just causes me to spend more money on ammo
i have both and couldn't see getting rid of one or the other. honestly though if i had to chose i would have a gasser short action and a magnum bolt gun either 300 or 338 </div></div>Don't get me wrong. I really miss my AR's at times, it just got so doggonned expensive at times.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
Whether bolt gun or semi-auto, they are just different tools for different jobs. No tool does all jobs well, hence different rifles, hammers, saws and so on. I try to acquire as many tools that will do as many different jobs as possible.
Some tools are so specialized that they only do one thing well, and everything else they do fairly poorly. I try to avoid those rifles, and tools.
I doubt that you would be happy with only bolt guns, or only semi-autos.
Whether bolt gun or semi-auto, they are just different tools for different jobs. No tool does all jobs well, hence different rifles, hammers, saws and so on. I try to acquire as many tools that will do as many different jobs as possible.
Some tools are so specialized that they only do one thing well, and everything else they do fairly poorly. I try to avoid those rifles, and tools.
I doubt that you would be happy with only bolt guns, or only semi-autos.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
I pondered the same problem years back when I replaced my bolt action 308 with a semi auto 308...I sold the bolt action, and after a few range trips, I never looked back, good luck
I pondered the same problem years back when I replaced my bolt action 308 with a semi auto 308...I sold the bolt action, and after a few range trips, I never looked back, good luck
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
keep the bolt save for the gas, they both have their place. if your thinking about selling your bolt for a gas dont your shooting bill will go up fast, if you hunt with a bolt then the gas will allow you to send that 2nd follow up very fast, and the 3rd, and the 4th till you out and its still running and your wallet is dry.
theirs the thoughts and answers i got when thinking about just owning one and that's just the tip. do your self a favor get both.
i personally have ar10, ar15, and various bolts. its worth the time just to save up. i will admit i sold a ar15 spr to but my ar10, but a 223 if affected by "acts of god" too much and never shot it much past 300 yrds for that reason. although i LOVED it . i saw the benefit for the sale to upgrade to the AR in 308 to be able to go farther, and it compares blasticly to my bolt for the 1st 500 yards will not any MOJIOR change. the "dope" is easy to compensate for between the 2
keep the bolt save for the gas, they both have their place. if your thinking about selling your bolt for a gas dont your shooting bill will go up fast, if you hunt with a bolt then the gas will allow you to send that 2nd follow up very fast, and the 3rd, and the 4th till you out and its still running and your wallet is dry.
theirs the thoughts and answers i got when thinking about just owning one and that's just the tip. do your self a favor get both.
i personally have ar10, ar15, and various bolts. its worth the time just to save up. i will admit i sold a ar15 spr to but my ar10, but a 223 if affected by "acts of god" too much and never shot it much past 300 yrds for that reason. although i LOVED it . i saw the benefit for the sale to upgrade to the AR in 308 to be able to go farther, and it compares blasticly to my bolt for the 1st 500 yards will not any MOJIOR change. the "dope" is easy to compensate for between the 2
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
For what I do, I pretty much use nothing but semi autos. Do I need them? No, but I sure like having them. I'll get a bolt gun when I want a rig dedicated to nothing but precision. Semis are just more versatile.
For what I do, I pretty much use nothing but semi autos. Do I need them? No, but I sure like having them. I'll get a bolt gun when I want a rig dedicated to nothing but precision. Semis are just more versatile.
Re: Rethinking all my ar's
I have been forcing myself to run the 6 Creed Gasser more and more in matches and parking the GAP 284 & Gap 7WSM. The Creed runs near identical data as the 300 win but has fast followups and no recoil.
While the gasser IS tougher to run consistent, from the prone I have been able to hold consistent .5-.75 moa, which is enough to win any match out there now. The problem is keeping proper form and follow through in the field conditions that the Directors are dreaming up. My theory is that if I can EVER get good enough to run the rifle to its potential consistently, I will have the benefits of the Gasser and Ballistics of a Magnum.
The rifle performed well at the Grind, I was satisfied with its performance and cleaned a couple stages, but a loose nut BEHIND the butt plate, killed 2 stages for me and sent me to the mid 20's.Again the operator is below the rifles capabilities!
I have been forcing myself to run the 6 Creed Gasser more and more in matches and parking the GAP 284 & Gap 7WSM. The Creed runs near identical data as the 300 win but has fast followups and no recoil.
While the gasser IS tougher to run consistent, from the prone I have been able to hold consistent .5-.75 moa, which is enough to win any match out there now. The problem is keeping proper form and follow through in the field conditions that the Directors are dreaming up. My theory is that if I can EVER get good enough to run the rifle to its potential consistently, I will have the benefits of the Gasser and Ballistics of a Magnum.
The rifle performed well at the Grind, I was satisfied with its performance and cleaned a couple stages, but a loose nut BEHIND the butt plate, killed 2 stages for me and sent me to the mid 20's.Again the operator is below the rifles capabilities!
