BOLT ACTION VS. SEMI-AUTO: WHICH MAKE THE BEST USED RIFLES?

Bolt-action and semi-auto used rifles are both excellent choices for a primary firearm, however, deciding which choice is best for you requires knowing something about the pros and cons of both types of weapons.

Bolt-Action Pros

• Dependability.  This is probably the single greatest advantage bolt-actions offer over semi-autos.  The mechanism of a bolt-action weapon is simple and extremely rugged.  Simply put, there’s not much that can go wrong.  Semi-autos, on the other hand, can be extremely vulnerable to failures to feed and other problems, though this varies depending on the model and condition of the weapon.
• Accuracy.  By even mentioning this topic we’re opening a giant can of worms, but as a general rule, bolt-actions are more accurate than semi autos.  There are, of course, plenty of exceptions to this rule, depending on variables like shooter skill, quality of scope, model of weapon, etc.
• Versatility.  Bolt-action rifles are available in virtually every caliber imaginable.    This is especially true with the big-bore magnum calibers like .375 H&H and .375 Remington Ultra-Mag.  For those who prefer a hard-to-find caliber, this alone may be enough reason to go with bolt-action new or used rifles. 

Bolt-Action Cons

• Recoil.  Anyone who has fired the same caliber with both a bolt-action and semi-auto knows first-hand
• Feel.  There’s a difference in how the shoulder feels afterwards; for some hunters, the mule-like kick of a bolt-action firing a high-powered round is simply too much. 
• Rate of fire.  You’re never going to achieve the rate of fire with a bolt-action that you will with a semi auto, unless you’re one of those rare prodigies that we all love to watch on YouTube.  The problem is similar to the single vs. double action dilemma with revolvers.  A really good cowboy action shooter can blast rounds out of an old-style six-gun faster than anyone with a double action could ever hope to.  For us mere mortals, though, our choice is to either go double-action/semi-auto or settle for a slower rate of fire.

Semi-Auto Pros

• Recoil.  The author found out about this advantage first-hand when he first shot a semi-auto shotgun as a teen.  The difference between its recoil and that of the single a barrel .12 gauge he was used to was amazing.  It was also much appreciated by his 15-year-old shoulder.  As the years go on that level of appreciation only grows. 
• Rate of fire.  Sometimes, you’ve got the time to line up the perfect shot before pulling the trigger.  Other times, the prey appears for a moment then vanishes, making a snap shot in the right direction the only option available.  When that happens, semi-autos carry the day.  Of course, bolt action fans will quibble with us about encouraging a “spray and pray” mentality.  At the end of the day, howerver, a rapid rate of fire can bring home supper when nothing else will. 

Semi-Auto Cons

• Range.  The semi-auto uses a tiny part of the spent round’s exhaust gasses to operate the blowback bolt.  This is necessary for the mechanism to work, however, it detracts from the bullet’s speed and distance.  This is one reason why bolt actions have long been the favored tools of professional snipers.
• Dependability.  As mentioned before, the degree to which this is a drawback depends on numerous factors.  Modern semi-autos, both the rifle and pistol varieties, are remarkably reliable.  Nonetheless, the nature of the mechanism makes semi-autos vulnerable to problems that bolt-action shooters will never experience.

Which is better?

The weapon of choice will vary from one shooter to the next.  In this post we’ve presented the facts so that you can decide for yourself.  One thing is for sure, though.  Dury’s carries the best used rifles available anywhere.  Each weapon we sell has been painstakingly tested and proven by our expert gunsmiths.  That’s why we can back every firearm we sell with a lifetime guarantee.  But don’t take our word for it.  Browse the selection here on our site and find out for yourself.