bolt or semi-auto

[grtwhit5]

ive found two 30-06 rifles and one is bolt action and the other is semi-auto i cant decide which one is better. they hold the same amount of rounds and have the same scope. your thoughts?

 

[highorder]

Welcome to the forum!


What are the make and model of both rifles?

What do you want the rifle for?

Where do you plan on using this rifle?

 

[TX1911fan]

Typically, all things being equal, bolt actions are more accurate than semi-autos. Semi-autos generally have less recoil and will give you faster follow-up shots.

 

[KI.W.]

Bolt action is the best. You can to use all kind cartridges. The gun is very much aesier to clean.

 

[grtwhit5]

the bolt is a remington M700 and the semi is a remington M742
i would like to use it for hunting and/or targets

 

[Water-Man]

Good rifles! Have had them both. If I could have just one it would be the 700.

 

[highorder]

If I could have just one it would be the 700.

+1

The Remington semi-autos don't do anything for me in the looks or shootability department. They are also heavier and have many small parts.

 

[ranger335v]

Typical accuracy for 700 hunting rifles is about 1.5".
Typical accuracy for 740/760 series rifles is about 3".

Exceptions exist in both directions for both rifles but, in my experience, those are the typical group sizes. A 3" auto rifle is fine for most deer/bear hunters in field situations, especially in wooded, flat country.

 

[Tarvis]

I'd say the bolt for your first gun (assuming it is your first large caliber). You are gaining a quick follow up shot with the semi-auto but there aren't a whole lot of situations where you either shoot again in 1 second or less or your target is gone.