What's your favorite class of rifles - semi auto, bolt, lever action, single shot

[Sheepdog1968]

I'm not asking you to pick a limited set of rifles (you wallet does that for you) or just one type (I own three of the rifle classes listed in the poll).

Of the four general types which do you like best and why?

Please note, I'm also not asking you which type is the best.

For me, if you had asked me in my 20s I would have said semi-autos without a doubt. As I've gotten older, my views have changed. Of the three types in the pool, I like lever actions the best. I like the lines of a lever action. I like feel and sounds as I rack the lever. I like the tie in to times long past and reminds me of the times as a boy I played cowboys and indians. Also, I like the way the mechanical parts interact for shell extraction and then shell insertion, much in the same way I like how my Mossberg 500 pump loads shells. Taking the lever action out puts a smile on my face and makes me feel giddy like a kid all over again. There aren't many things in life that make me feel this way. The other notable exception would be going to a baseball game and getting there early with a friend to watch batting practice.

 

[prid93]

Personally, I like bolt actions. I'm honestly not sure why, but ever since I fired my first rifle (a .22lr bolt-action at boy scout camp lol) I've always loved the bolt action. Just something about taking a shot and working that bolt is satisfying to me.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

I like lever action, like how they balance, and I just like the familiar feel. I use some bolt actions, but they feel more like a tool. It seems harder to get as attached to them. But my absolute favorite is Remington pumps, any caliber.
I made an obscenely long shot on a forkhorn mulely, that I personally could not have made with any other gun.

It seems my choice, has angered some, I have a rem721 and 2 Krags, that wont talk to me now. What I of course meant to say it takes, a classic on the order of a Krag, Springfield, 98Mauser, or most beloved 721 in 06 to form a lasting bond.

 

[DM~]

Your right, there's only 4 types on the poll, and MY fav isn't there!!

DM

 

[WNTFW]

Split between Semi Auto & Bolt action guns. I would say dead even split.

Bolt guns leave the brass in the gun & I don't lose it. Easy to scope. Easy to clean.

Semi autos are a lot of fun in certain settings. Mainly NRA Service rifle. Guns with the 'M' designation!! (AR's included)

Other than that I don't care too much about action type. The gun is what it is and does what it does.

 

[Robert]

All of the above.

 

[Dimis]

i like all types for all different reasons but i do love a good bolt action so thats what i picked

 

[M1key]

I own more autos than any other type...

More funner I guess.

M

 

[Snowbandit]

I like the AR style automatics and have one special purpose bolt gun but, for general sporting use my preference also runs to the Remington pump rifles. Those get used for everything from small game (22 S,L,LR) to large (300 Savage & 30-06).

 

[Smaug]

Sheepdog, I like levers for the same reason you do.

 

[RugerBob]

Years ago it would have been the semi-autos. Back then (8-10 yrs ago) they were a little cheaper to feed. Last few years its been lever actions in 45LC, 38 and 45/70.

 

[Frogomatik]

where's the option for slide actions? I LOVE my Lightning

 

[leadaddict]

There is something about a bolt action that I really enjoy. Maybe it's the simplicity, or just the feel of it, or that my favorite gun is a bolt action rifle. So that's my vote.

 

[Col. Plink]

SLIDE! (not a choice in your poll)

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

If its not too late put pump on there, I bet we could catch up.

 

[BrocLuno]

Depends on the job at hand. I own more bolts, but they don't rule.

If I could only keep one rifle, it would be my Savage 99 in .308 - so that's a different sort of vote for favorite

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Moderator please help

Dear Moderator,
Due to popular request, could you please add one more poll column entitled "Pump/Slide action". I forgot this and those that have posted would like it. I can't find a way to change the poll optionss. Many thanks.

 

[451 Detonics]

I am in the same boat as Col. Townsend Whelen and as such bolt guns will generally group better than any other type with the possible exception of some single shots.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

My 1st deer rifle was a bolt gun but, I've come to adopt the lever action as my favorite deer rifle. The balance and compactness of most levers are what drew me. Althought this deer season, I am making my first foray into the world of "Modern Sporting Rifles", aka ARs. We'll see how the semi-auto works for me.

 

[snakeman]

you forgot slide actions (pump action)

 

[Ruger44mag]

I like lever guns they are cheap well balanced type brush gun. You can also rap of the rounds pretty quick.

 

[Smith357]

I like turn bolt repeaters with checkered walnut stocks, 3 position wing safeties, and blued sporter weight barrels. I like the graceful lines, the feel, the ergonomics, the reliability, and the accuracy these types of rifles.

 

[Patrick R]

My 2 AR 15s are my fav.

One for CMP & the other is a 24" varmit scoped bench gun.

I do own several bolt guns. They are fun as well.

 

[fiddleharp]

I'm lefthanded/left eye dominant, so my viewpoint will be different. The sad fact of life is that lefthanded shooters don't have nearly the options that righthanders enjoy.
Most of your favorite models and calibers are not available to us. So, many years ago when I was young, I pretty much settled on lever-action rifles out of necessity. I would have loved to own a lefthanded bolt-action .22 rifle with a tubular magazine.
But, alas! It looks like there is no such animal.
If life was fair and I could have any rifle I wanted, I would vote for bolts. But, in this poll I voted for levers because that's what I'm used to.

 

[Ronsch]

Yes..All. I have some of each.