Auto loaders and Accuracy?
10-14-2009, 01:35 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: West NE
Posts: 1,455
Generally, yes, they are less accurate than bolt actions. The actions are tighter and have smaller tolerances (in general) in bolt actions. Bolt actions are easier on the cartridges being loaded. And a bunch more. We can only say "generally" because there are some darn good shooting semi-autos out there.
10-14-2009, 03:11 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: West NE
Posts: 1,455
I'd always opt for the bolt. The 100s had a decent rep for accuracy, but they're old semi-autos. Bit harder to tell if you're going to get a good one or not. For hunting, there's not really any advantages of a semi-automatic rifle. If you want a classic, stylish semi-auto, then the win 100 is a good way to go. There's no guarantees you're going to get a tack driver. I would guess not, in comparison to a modern bolt gun.
My opinion: the safe choice for an accurate rifle would be a new bolt action. You can keep the price down via Stevens 200 or Savage 111.
My opinion: the safe choice for an accurate rifle would be a new bolt action. You can keep the price down via Stevens 200 or Savage 111.
10-14-2009, 05:56 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Western Nebraska
Posts: 3,393
My experience with autos is limited but as follows:
Win 100: shot one in .308 and it grouped roughly 2" but seemed to be fairly reliable
Rem 742: Shot one in .30-06 and one in .308. The .30-06 shot good groups and shot fairly reliable. The .308 was terrible!
Browning BAR: I shot a .30-06 and a .243 and both were reliable and accurate.
Not much of a record but my personsal battery today includes only one auto.....a .22 rimfire! There are quite a few Mauser, Remington, and Winchester rifles that have proved accurate and reliable.
Win 100: shot one in .308 and it grouped roughly 2" but seemed to be fairly reliable
Rem 742: Shot one in .30-06 and one in .308. The .30-06 shot good groups and shot fairly reliable. The .308 was terrible!
Browning BAR: I shot a .30-06 and a .243 and both were reliable and accurate.
Not much of a record but my personsal battery today includes only one auto.....a .22 rimfire! There are quite a few Mauser, Remington, and Winchester rifles that have proved accurate and reliable.
10-15-2009, 07:01 AM
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: From Texas but now reside in MS
Posts: 823
Yes, in general they are.. A couple of reasons for this is because Bolt actions are 1 piece stocks instead of 2 pieces and have a more rigid platform for the rifle.. Also bolt action triggers are or I should say can be lightened up to around 2-3 pounds safely, while autos have to have a little stronger pull on them to keep them from fireing off after the first shot.
10-15-2009, 02:29 PM
#7
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: IL
Posts: 6,575
my BAR in .270 shoots great! sub MOA...
a good bolt should shoot great, but personally starting to think any gun that's mass produced is just stamped out, tolerances are so large, good luck having it shoot well.
a good bolt should shoot great, but personally starting to think any gun that's mass produced is just stamped out, tolerances are so large, good luck having it shoot well.
