I realize that if there was a "newbie" forum, that is where this question would go. I wanted to get a sniper rifle built, but I really want a semi auto as opposed to a bolt action. That being said, can someone tell me why a bolt action rifle is more accurate shot by shot than a semi-automatic?
A general accuracy question
- Thread starter Teknik
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It's really not for practical purposes.
It IS easier and most of all CHEAPER to get a bolt to shoot accurately, but these days it's not too hard to find a high quality semi-auto that will shoot accurately enough for all but the most stringent applications.
In general, accuracy is repeatability. Repeatability is simplified by fewer moving parts--bolts rifles don't have many moving parts compared to semi-autos. Also, because nothing has to contact the barrel forward of the receiver, the bolt rifle can be designed so that varying pressure or force on the handguard (forearm) is virtually irrelevant to the bullet's point of impact. Most semi-auto rifles are gas operated and must have a gas bleed somewhere on the barrel. That usually means that the forearm contact the barrel at the gas-block. Which means that sling pressure or upward pressure on the hand-guard may affect accuracy. None of these are showstoppers for the semi-auto. They can all be dealt with--for a price...
It IS easier and most of all CHEAPER to get a bolt to shoot accurately, but these days it's not too hard to find a high quality semi-auto that will shoot accurately enough for all but the most stringent applications.
In general, accuracy is repeatability. Repeatability is simplified by fewer moving parts--bolts rifles don't have many moving parts compared to semi-autos. Also, because nothing has to contact the barrel forward of the receiver, the bolt rifle can be designed so that varying pressure or force on the handguard (forearm) is virtually irrelevant to the bullet's point of impact. Most semi-auto rifles are gas operated and must have a gas bleed somewhere on the barrel. That usually means that the forearm contact the barrel at the gas-block. Which means that sling pressure or upward pressure on the hand-guard may affect accuracy. None of these are showstoppers for the semi-auto. They can all be dealt with--for a price...
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