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6 Posts
If you look in the "semi" area, you see that I posted there, saying (just to stir some discussion) that I prefer semi's in rifles - because they seem much more convenient to the shooter.
Now, I have VERY VERY little rifle experience. A few shots recently on a Ruger 10-22 (in .22LR), and maybe 20 years ago, a few shots on some .3 caliber (probably .30-06) bolt action; don't even remember what kind of rifle that was. So the above statement is really not well founded.
So I would like to start a discussion here: What are the pro's and con's of bolt action versus lever action versus semi-automatic? This is for sport shooting (target shooting) and light hunting use, not for tactical or battlefield use. Does it make a big difference? Or should one instead find a rifle one really likes, judging for example by the fit or by the trigger feel, and go with whatever action it comes with? Are the answers different for different calibers (for example, it might be that for .17 HMR one should always go semi, whereas for large calibers one should always go bolt, just to make something up)?
Here are a few pro's and con's I can think off right off the bat:
Semis are more convenient. Just pull the trigger again. You can't forget to toggle the bolt first or pull the lever first.
Semis are less reliable, in particular in calibers where there is a wide variability in loads (such as .22): A semi that's designed and tuned for a middle-of-the-road cartridge might not work reliably with particular hot or soft loads.
Semis have more moving parts, meaning more work to clean, and more chance of something getting screwed up.
Semis can be shot faster, which might be an advantage for small fast-moving game, or if you know you missed partially on the first shot.
Bolts are more cumbersome than levers; you can operate a lever faster and more smoothly, without lowering the gun (I made that up, since I've never shot a lever gun, but it sounds plausible).
Bolt actions are more a "serious hunter" style. If you show up in a classy hunting party with a lever action, everyone will think you are a cowboy wannabee. If you show up to a costumed western cowboy event with an elegant English-style lever gun, everone will think you are a sissy with too much money.
Any other serious considerations?
Now, I have VERY VERY little rifle experience. A few shots recently on a Ruger 10-22 (in .22LR), and maybe 20 years ago, a few shots on some .3 caliber (probably .30-06) bolt action; don't even remember what kind of rifle that was. So the above statement is really not well founded.
So I would like to start a discussion here: What are the pro's and con's of bolt action versus lever action versus semi-automatic? This is for sport shooting (target shooting) and light hunting use, not for tactical or battlefield use. Does it make a big difference? Or should one instead find a rifle one really likes, judging for example by the fit or by the trigger feel, and go with whatever action it comes with? Are the answers different for different calibers (for example, it might be that for .17 HMR one should always go semi, whereas for large calibers one should always go bolt, just to make something up)?
Here are a few pro's and con's I can think off right off the bat:
Semis are more convenient. Just pull the trigger again. You can't forget to toggle the bolt first or pull the lever first.
Semis are less reliable, in particular in calibers where there is a wide variability in loads (such as .22): A semi that's designed and tuned for a middle-of-the-road cartridge might not work reliably with particular hot or soft loads.
Semis have more moving parts, meaning more work to clean, and more chance of something getting screwed up.
Semis can be shot faster, which might be an advantage for small fast-moving game, or if you know you missed partially on the first shot.
Bolts are more cumbersome than levers; you can operate a lever faster and more smoothly, without lowering the gun (I made that up, since I've never shot a lever gun, but it sounds plausible).
Bolt actions are more a "serious hunter" style. If you show up in a classy hunting party with a lever action, everyone will think you are a cowboy wannabee. If you show up to a costumed western cowboy event with an elegant English-style lever gun, everone will think you are a sissy with too much money.
Any other serious considerations?