Posted on 08/18/2020 12:01:21 PM PDT by w1n1
What are the merits of these two major types of rifle actions?
There are many choices when it comes to selecting a long gun for multiple uses. Many of the questions and inquiries are from preppers, and survivalists that are gun users attempting to buy a firearm(s) that can yield effective results for many applications, including home defense, ranch, farm or homestead protection, as well as hunting for food and predator control. That is a pretty tall order for sure.
After much thought, counseling, and work in the gun related industry these past 40 plus years, the basic conclusion I have come to is that the rifle preference really boils down to personal choice. I mean, in terms of overall quality, reliability, functionality, and accuracy, there is not a significant difference between major makes of long guns now, whether a bolt action or a semi-auto.
While the caliber choice may be the first priority, that is no longer a huge issue either because the most popular choices in the .223/5.56 range (up to, say, the ever popular .308/7.62) are readily available in either platforms with numerous brand and feature choices to select.
It would be easy to recommend if all you could afford was one choice, then for sure, I would say the .308 would get the nod. It is fully capable with available factory ammo choices to perform work in protection and certainly for hunting and dispatching vermin regardless of the foot count. Read the rest of bolt or semi-auto rifles.
YES & YES.
Yours, TMN78247
.223 has no energy to penetrate even a helmet at 500 yards, the greatest misconception is thinking a .223 65 grain bullet ( even M885) is a battle round. Nothing compares in penetration to a .30 M2 AP round, or a 165 grain .30 cal projectile for long range accuracy. Look up the battle of Fallujah, our military panicked when they found Jihadi forces were penetrating our vests, helmets, and humvees with the “ antiquated” Russian 7.62 x54 steel cored ( not even AP rated) round....our puny 5.56 had no chance in defeating their .30....we solved that problem with M1 tanks, armored Humvees, air support, and .308 sniper counter fire.
Don’t get me wrong , an AR has its place, I gave mine to my 14 year old to “qualify” with. I practice up with the .30 Garand, AP and sometimes API to enlighten the .22 fans.....for long distance penetrating power, I loaded up USGI 165 grn .30 AP projectiles into my 1000 yard bolt 300 HH.....the projo screams at almost 3300 FPS....it penetrates rail road steel tracks, and so far 3 rail road ties ( and keeps going), can’t find a fourth railroad tie. When everyone is throwing spit balls, it is best to throw rocks.Try it, you will be enlightened.
I have lost a few firearms when my Alzheimers started acting up.
I hear this all of the time.
Why not simply use the AR as a bolt action then? One at a time?
Dunno what you are replying to.
I said nothing about the 5.56mm, nor will I. I was trained on and remain a 7.62mm rifle type.
Not sure what he would say. Probably that you should go with your preference. Which is true. If you’re shooting from a distance, obviously go for the bolt. Looking to clear a room, go for semi-auto.
Sorry for the miscommunication, I meant only to highlight the advantages of having a .308 or 30.06 ( .30 cal) with “ exotic” ammo when the vast majority of the public ( good and bad) are equipping themselves with the underpowered 5.56 AR’s. I realize cost maybe playing a factor in purchasing a .30 cal rifle semi, but that said, a 7.62x 54R Moisin Nagant bolt gun is still cheap, has cover removing and AP advantages, and surplus Russian AP is still available.
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