Why no bespoke autoloaders?

obx22

Troubleshooter
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 28, 2020
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N.C.
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With the current discussions of availability of custom bolt actions, this spawned a thought:
Since one of the big draws in premium REM.700SA bolt actions is the aftermarket support, why are there so few custom semiautos mfgs out there? You can build a Ruger 10/22 clone using zero Ruger parts, and still get phenomenal accuracy and reliability. Kidd is fielding awesome products and sponsoring talented competitors.
People have always said semi’s can’t compete for pure accuracy, yet anyone who has spent time behind one can definitely see the advantages of firing a rifle with instant follow-up and the fact you can shoot a condition, especially at longer distances. AR-15 parts have been adopted by many bolt action chassis, proof in the desirable nature of such modularity.
Dedicated rimfire AR conversion uppers are continuously being refined by the manufacturers, to the point you can tweak and tune many parts of the firing cycle.
Isn’t the rimfire world ready for full customs from a AR-15 platform?
 
Physics. Movement in cycling a semi auto. Loss of gas/pressure as well. All things being equal with quality and barrel, the semi auto inherently has more vibration and movement and inconsistency.

You can weight the pros/cons of using one. As mentioned speed vs utmost precision. I wouldn't take a bolt action to a 3gun match.
 
The slug leaves the 16” barrel before the bolt moves. This 23.5” barrel has the slug exit the same moment the bolt is opening.
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Of course different ammo, springs, and bolt weights will dramatically change this timing.