semiauto vs. bolt action? Hmmmm...

auto vs manual

Lots of pros and cons for both kinds. Semis (especially the newer designs) are generally as accurate as needed for big game hunting. Some have good triggers, some don't. Follow up shots are faster than anything else. Is this an overwhelming consideration? Personal choice, I guess. Everything can be plent fast, if you practice enough.

Although they are noisey to load initially, the sound of the action is hidden by the sound of the shot, for shots after the first. Is this important? Again, personal choice.

Semis have less felt recoil on the range. I have never felt the recoil when shooting at a deer. Afterwards, sometimes.

For me, for deer hunting, it is a wash. If the semi has a good trigger, is reliable, then fine with me.
 
Fair Comparison

Though I prefer to shoot and hunt with SA's, I admire you purists out there who prefer the added challenge of BA's. However, some of you are making an unfair comparison between the two types of actions by comparing top-notch BA shooters with hack SA shooters. Shooter training and discipline being equal, the SA unquestionably by nature allows for much faster repeated fire. Isn't that obvious, not only for hunters, but for soldiers as well? I can acknowledge your points on accuracy and triggers, though that gap is narrowing with the latest SA designs. Trigger groups can usually be removed and improved by a gunsmith for around $25.

One more point in response to posts from above: I can only speak for my 20-year old BAR and my dad's older Remington SA, but neither of those rifles have required me to let the bolt slam into battery for reliable fire, though you do have to feed the BAR from the magazine.

mountainmeterman
 
I love the Browning BAR, but i like the older version better the safari one is still made i think. that rifle is just somthing special i think.
 
I prefer full auto. .. Seriously I'd go with the bolt action. I think bolt action guns can be beautiful works of art and they are supremely accurate if well made.
 
I have always hunted with a bolt rifle. I have never had a problem. A good semi would make a nice addition though. Maby when I get old I will switch over. ;)
 
Make your first shot count and it doesn't matter if it is a semi-auto or bolt action rifle. You can shoot pretty fast with a bolt action rifle if you try. It is not like the animal is shooting back at you. Get whatever you like. I use a Model 700 Remington in 270. The concept of a double tap interests me though on things like elk, moose, or bear and in which case you need the semi-auto to accomplish that.
 
I have used a Browning Bar MK II Safari (30.06 of course) as my main deer rifle since 1997. I have taken several deer with it and it is one of those rifles that just feels good in my hands. The only down fall to it is the noise thing (chambering a round in the tree stand) and bad weather. Other than that its one heck of a deer rifle.
 
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