View Full Version : Bolt action vs semi-auto
rubberneck
06-14-2004, 15:54
A range near me recently opened up a 1000 yard line for high power shooters. I am currently giving some consideration to buying a .308 but remember reading that a semi-auto will never match a bolt action for accuracy. So my question is how much of a difference between a high quality bolt action an a comperable semi-auto (assuming the same shooter, optics and ammo)?
Roguish Lawyer
06-14-2004, 15:55
It just hit me -- what ever happened to longrange?
NousDefionsDoc
06-14-2004, 16:06
Originally posted by rubberneck
A range near me recently opened up a 1000 yard line for high power shooters. I am currently giving some consideration to buying a .308 but remember reading that a semi-auto will never match a bolt action for accuracy. So my question is how much of a difference between a high quality bolt action an a comperable semi-auto (assuming the same shooter, optics and ammo)?
At the risk of making myself the village idiot - either type of weapon is likely to exceed the capabilitites of the shooter (not you personally) given that you choose quality and given your givens. I have shot both and have found that either will far exceed my capabilities as a shooter.
If you haven't already done so, I would suggest professional instruction. Such would seem to me to be much more a critical path item than the operating system.
Just 02 pesos from an amatuer.
Roguish Lawyer
06-14-2004, 16:14
Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
Just 02 pesos from an amatuer.
The only thing amateur about you is your spelling, unless we're talking about Colombia. LMAO
I tend to agree with NDD. AM has an open sighted FN FAL that I have always been able to hit anything that I could see with. This really pisses off some of the bolt rifle guys that I have shot with.
Team Sergeant
06-14-2004, 16:17
Well said NDD, when rubberneck wrote that I was thinking the same thing; most people cannot outshoot the capabilities of most well made semi auto’s on today’s market. And to add many of today’s semi autos are made with the professional shooter in mind therefore even tougher to outshoot by the average shooter.
If and when you feel you can out perform a well made semi auto then it might be time to take up a true sniper grade bolt gun.
TS
The Reaper
06-14-2004, 16:32
IMHO, a bolt gun will usually cut a semi-auto group in half, all other factors being equal.
A .308 is not a good choice for a 1000 yard gun.
You can get a bolt gun to shoot competitively for a LOT less money than a gas gun.
I have a .300 Win Mag bolt gun which has put 10 rounds into 4" at 1000 yards.
Show me the gas gun that will do that, or a gas gun which has won a 1000 yard match against bolt guns.
When you have to make a lot of fast, accurate shots, fairly close in, some gas guns (SR-25 or M1A NM) are king. You want to make a few, very accurate shots beyond 600 yards, the bolt is the way to go.
Just my .02, YMMV. LR1947 is the authority.
TR