What is better for a beginner Bolt action or Semi Automatic action?

Question

Im 12 turning 13 and im going deer hunting this fall and my dad said i can pick whitch one i want but i want the better one so whitch one is better bolt action or semi automatic action?

Answer 1

Bolt gun.

If you accidentally pull the trigger again with the semi it goes off again. The bolt gun requires manipulation of the bolt to get ready to fire again.

Answer 2

bolt! this will teach you to focus and aim every shot properly . the tendency for a semi auto with a beginner is to just keep shooting and shooting until something is hit.

accuracy first, then consistency is the key my son.

Answer 3

Bolt Action..... You learn to hit the target the first time.....

Answer 4

they both have their advantages. It's just a personal preference.

Answer 5

Most of the people I know, when they see a deer hunter with an autoloader, begin to look for hiding places. I hope your dad was kidding about the firepower. You need to pick a good bolt gun, practice as much as you can, and wait for a good shot, rather than considering the possibility of a second shot. Single-shots and lever actions are also good choices. The most important thing when picking one out, though, is that it fits you well. You may want to look at some of the "youth" guns with the shorter stock that can be traded in as you grow.

Answer 6

Bolt gun and lots of range practice from field conditions like kneeling, sitting, prone etc.

Answer 7

Well that depends on what your hunting, and what type of gun your looking to get...

For the bigger calibers like .30cal and up, I like bolt action.

Because more than likely it will stop anything with one shot!

For anything under that I like semi auto, the recoil isn't as much on the littler calibers, so the semi is a better choice...

As a starter go with a semi .22cal rifle

good luck

Answer 8

bolt guns or lever actions. ( i know the lever gun was not an option for this question)   bolt action is a deliberate, concentrated act of shooting. you have to take time to aim, control your breathing, squeeze the trigger, manually manipulate the bolt to eject then load another shot. you learn how to shoot, aim, and be patient. and the bolt gun is pretty simple to clean. lever guns more or less the same. the only advantage bolt has over a lever is you can manipulate the bolt without taking your eye off of the target. historically, a bolt gun is more accurate than a semi.

semi's have alot of moving parts from the slide with the firing pin to the bolt that actuates from the gas port. bolts and levers do not, thereby less chance of a failure.

question for you--- have you thought about a single shot rifle such as a "ruger number 1" or a rifle like that?  one shot, one kill. the ultimate in hunting

Answer 9

a bolt action will teach u restraint from shooting wildly .because of restraint from wasting a shot you only have 1.don't waste it

Answer 10

Bolt action is a much better choice. The temptation to shoot repeatedly with a semiauto is just too much sometimes. But with a bolt or lever action, it makes you discipline yourself to make the first shot count. Take the gun to the range and practice until you can consistently shoot 3 shots in a circle the size of a Coke can. Then you are ready to go hunting. If you can put a bullet in a circle that size (on your first shot), you can drop a deer with one shot. Semiautomatic shotguns are a good choice, because you often need to reload quickly, but the principle in deer hunting is to take down the deer as quickly and cleanly as possible, so make sure you have a clear shot, take your time, and make the shot count.

Answer 11

For deer you rarely have an immediate second shot anyway, so the Semi auto will not give much of advantage, since any gun big enough to drop a whitetail will have to much recoil to stay on target.   By your own admission, you are "not that good" so you need lots of time at the shooting range.   Another good idea....a bb gun or an airsoft rifle can help you practice very economically.   Ammo ain't cheap.   Actually, for whitetail deer an excellent first gun is a .30-.30 winchester lever action.   I prefer the lever action 30-30's by Marlin myself, since if you want, you can mount a scope on one, and they will shoot accurately out to 150+yards/

Answer 12

Bolt guns are more generaly more accurate and trouble free.  You will find most hunters in semi open areas pick bolt guns over semi automatic.