Bolt vs. other actions

shooter43 · January 19, 2011, 05:49 PM

Ive heard that the bolt is the best and surpasses all other actions. I know they are extremely accurate and powerful. I like levers but mainly they are for in the woods and not for long range shooting unlike the bolt. Anyway i just wanted to hear some thoughts about the bolt in general and why so many hunters choose them instead of levers or semi-autos.

jmr40 · January 19, 2011, 07:29 PM

When most folks think of bolt rifles they think of heavy long range hunting rifles. They can be that, but they make shorter lighter bolt guns that will weigh less scoped than your typical levergun made by Marlin or Winchester will weigh with no scope on it. Once you learn how to shoot them, you can shoot a bolt gun just as fast as a levergun chambered in a rifle caliber if repeat shots are needed.

I own more levers than any other type simply because I like them a lot. But I cannot think of anything a levergun does that my bolt guns do not do better.

I also believe that hunting is something we do for fun. You should use whatever gun you enjoy hunting with. I get a lot of enjoyment out of using my leverguns, but won't use them if I'm really serious about killing something. At any range, under any conditions

PawPaw · January 19, 2011, 07:37 PM

I own levers and bolts and single shots and autos.

It depends on what I'm use I might put the rifle to. I agree that bolt action rifles can be light and trim. All of my hunting bolts tip the scales at under 8 lbs with sling and scope. They don't have to be heavy. Because I'm a certified gun nut, I love them all.

In the past several years there has been a trend in the recreational rifle market to put at least one rifle in the 'first rifle" category. These are marketed at an extremely low price point and most of them are bolt action rifles. There is no arguing with the fact that a beginning hunter can choose from one of several pretty good rifles for under $500.00, and the majority of those models are bolt-action.

Rob3 · January 19, 2011, 07:55 PM

It really just matters where and what you will be hunting. In the thick woods where I live a heavy caliber bolt gun does not provide much advantage over other actions. Most people will tell you the lever action 30-30 has killed more deer in America than any other gun, though I don't know if it could be proven.

Slamfire · January 19, 2011, 07:58 PM

A M70 Featherweight with a Lyman 48 JWS is very light, quick, handy and powerful.

If you learn bolt manipulation you can fire a bolt extremely fast. Scopes get in the way, unless you are using a straight pull.

Prior to WW1 the real contest was between the great powerful single shots of the era and lever actions. The single shots took huge blackpowder cartridges and were more accurate. Levers gave more rounds.

Then bolt guns hit their pinnacle with the Mauser 98 and cartridges went to smokeless. Single shots died out for decades but levers hung on as niche rifles.

I don't want to slam lever actions. They are all American, Marlins are rugged and reliable, been used in the Artic to the Desert.

But front locking bolt actions are both stronger and stiffer than a lever action. Given the same weight, they can use more powerful cartridges. Being stiffer they have the potential of being more accurate.

Most leveractions will shoot inside the hold of 99% of people, so accuracy is really only an issue if you tote a 500 lb concrete bench and seat when you deer hunt.

And you bring sandbags for a rest.

pabuckslayer08 · January 19, 2011, 09:06 PM

Safer to use is my deal, its easy to use for a young newbie. They are also very accurate and a breeze to shoot

**44 AMP** · January 20, 2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

But I cannot think of anything a levergun does that my bolt guns do not do better.

I have not yet seen a bolt gun that will hold 9rnds of .357magnum, and is flat and light to carry.

Lever guns have their place, and a fine one it is. Bolt guns are more versatile, over all, but they have their drawbacks, as well. If you want to shoot the hottest stuff you can (in any caliber) the bolt gun is the way to go. The front locking action, and the powerful camming action of the bolt for extracting cases make it superior to levers when you push pressures to the firewall.

Some levers are made to handle some "modern" rounds, but most are still the same basic guns they were over 100 yrs ago, firing cartridges in that class. Or they are built for shooting pistol rounds.

I have a lever gun in .308 Win. Its a Browning. I also have Marlins in .357 mag, .30-30, and .45-70. A friend has a Winchester lever in .30-06. All very good rifles in good calibers. But you don't see lever guns in .300 Winchester Mag, or other similar cartridges. No market for them. For high end & long range shooting, the bolt gun rules.

Palmetto-Pride · January 20, 2011, 08:48 PM

Question:

Quote:

Anyway i just wanted to hear some thoughts about the bolt in general and why so many hunters choose them instead of levers or semi-autos.

Answer:

Quote:

I know they are extremely accurate

Look there you already had the answer........

NWCP · January 20, 2011, 09:01 PM

Bolt action rifles are inherently more accurate than lever guns and semi autos, however there are exceptions. I have a Browning SA22 that is a tack driver and an AR in .223 that holds its own against my bolt action .223. Bolt action rifles really do rule the roost when it comes to accurate hunting tools. My lever guns and semi autos are still a lot of fun to shoot and hunt with. They all get the job done providing you invest in a decent gun to begin with and do your part.

January 19, 2011, 05:49 PM	#1
shooter43 Member Join Date: January 17, 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 70	Bolt vs. other actions Ive heard that the bolt is the best and surpasses all other actions. I know they are extremely accurate and powerful. I like levers but mainly they are for in the woods and not for long range shooting unlike the bolt. Anyway i just wanted to hear some thoughts about the bolt in general and why so many hunters choose them instead of levers or semi-autos.

January 19, 2011, 07:37 PM	#3
PawPaw Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Central Louisiana Posts: 3,137	I own levers and bolts and single shots and autos. It depends on what I'm use I might put the rifle to. I agree that bolt action rifles can be light and trim. All of my hunting bolts tip the scales at under 8 lbs with sling and scope. They don't have to be heavy. Because I'm a certified gun nut, I love them all. In the past several years there has been a trend in the recreational rifle market to put at least one rifle in the 'first rifle" category. These are marketed at an extremely low price point and most of them are bolt action rifles. There is no arguing with the fact that a beginning hunter can choose from one of several pretty good rifles for under $500.00, and the majority of those models are bolt-action. __________________ Dennis Dezendorf http://pawpawshouse.blogspot.com

January 19, 2011, 07:58 PM	#5
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	A M70 Featherweight with a Lyman 48 JWS is very light, quick, handy and powerful. If you learn bolt manipulation you can fire a bolt extremely fast. Scopes get in the way, unless you are using a straight pull. Prior to WW1 the real contest was between the great powerful single shots of the era and lever actions. The single shots took huge blackpowder cartridges and were more accurate. Levers gave more rounds. Then bolt guns hit their pinnacle with the Mauser 98 and cartridges went to smokeless. Single shots died out for decades but levers hung on as niche rifles. I don't want to slam lever actions. They are all American, Marlins are rugged and reliable, been used in the Artic to the Desert. But front locking bolt actions are both stronger and stiffer than a lever action. Given the same weight, they can use more powerful cartridges. Being stiffer they have the potential of being more accurate. Most leveractions will shoot inside the hold of 99% of people, so accuracy is really only an issue if you tote a 500 lb concrete bench and seat when you deer hunt. And you bring sandbags for a rest. __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.

January 19, 2011, 07:29 PM	#2
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	When most folks think of bolt rifles they think of heavy long range hunting rifles. They can be that, but they make shorter lighter bolt guns that will weigh less scoped than your typical levergun made by Marlin or Winchester will weigh with no scope on it. Once you learn how to shoot them, you can shoot a bolt gun just as fast as a levergun chambered in a rifle caliber if repeat shots are needed. I own more levers than any other type simply because I like them a lot. But I cannot think of anything a levergun does that my bolt guns do not do better. I also believe that hunting is something we do for fun. You should use whatever gun you enjoy hunting with. I get a lot of enjoyment out of using my leverguns, but won't use them if I'm really serious about killing something. At any range, under any conditions

January 19, 2011, 07:55 PM	#4
Rob3 Registration in progress Join Date: January 2, 2011 Posts: 218	It really just matters where and what you will be hunting. In the thick woods where I live a heavy caliber bolt gun does not provide much advantage over other actions. Most people will tell you the lever action 30-30 has killed more deer in America than any other gun, though I don't know if it could be proven.

January 19, 2011, 09:06 PM	#6
pabuckslayer08 Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2010 Location: South Central Pa Posts: 692	Safer to use is my deal, its easy to use for a young newbie. They are also very accurate and a breeze to shoot

January 20, 2011, 09:01 PM	#9
NWCP Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 1,903	Bolt action rifles are inherently more accurate than lever guns and semi autos, however there are exceptions. I have a Browning SA22 that is a tack driver and an AR in .223 that holds its own against my bolt action .223. Bolt action rifles really do rule the roost when it comes to accurate hunting tools. My lever guns and semi autos are still a lot of fun to shoot and hunt with. They all get the job done providing you invest in a decent gun to begin with and do your part.