Why use bolt action when u can use semi automatic

Question

how come snipers in the marines and army use the bolt action sniper rifle, when they can use semi automatic rifles like the M21 (basically M14 made into sniper)? the M21 is just as accurate as a M40 or M24, right? what is the point of getting a bolt action rifle, which only holds few rounds whereas the M21 holds like 10-20 rounds? is there an advantage to bolt action over semi auto?

Answer 1

Bolt action rifles were until very recently, much more accurate. What ol' Chesty says is correct. But, recently, a company built a semi-automatic .50 cal. rifle that uses the same cartridge as the M-2 .50 machine gun. The maximum range depends on the target, but head shots at 1000 meters are the norm. In the Vietnam war, Gunny Carlos Hathcock used an M-2 with a scope and recorded the longest shot until 2003. 1.42 miles, at a moving target! The reason the M-2 works so well is that it fires a bullet 10 times as heavy as an M-16, and at the same velocity. About 3200 feet per second. That makes it very stable in flight.

The other reason bolt action rifles are used is becuase after you fire 1 round, you go "off target" from muzzle rise, and you can't see for a second or so, becuase of the muzzle flash. Obviously, the other rounds you fire aren't going to be on target. And, snipers aim well enough that only one round is needed.

Answer 2

Bolt-action rifles have a harder punch than a typical semi-auto rifle. They also tend to be more accurate.

Answer 3

One shot, One kill as accurate and hidden as possible

Answer 4

Semi automatic weapons are prone to jamming, which can be a big problem in combat. Bolt action weapons usually never jam, and are easier to maintain.  Also if you're a good sniper you won't need to fire in rapid succession or need a lot of ammo. Snipers employ patience and precision.

Answer 5

SIMPLE:  ONE SHOT // ONE KILL!

M21 (690 yds) versus M40A1 (960 yds)... M40 wins...

The Max Effective range of the M40A1 is listed at 800 meters by a lot of sources, but the USMC says 1000yards (915 meters) and I would have to go with the USMC on this one, as we routinely shoot past 900 meters with our M24 SWS, and the M40A1 is every bit as accurate.

The USMC has replaced the aging M40A1's with the new M40A3's. A rifle that has been in the development stages for some time now. The M40A1's have served extremely well for many years (over 30). She'll be missed, but the A3 is a capable successor.

The Rock Island Arsenal converted 1,435 M14NM rifles to XM21 sniper rifles for initial fielding to Vietnam in 1969. The rifle originally had a hardwood stock, walnut impregnated with an epoxy, which was later replaced with a fiberglass stock. The XM21 was officially type classified M21 in 1975, though it had been informally called the M21 since December 1969.

It was the primary Army sniper rifle of the Vietnam war and remained standard until formally replaced by the bolt-action M24 Sniper Weapon System beginning in 1988. The M21 remained in use in the Army and other services long after the introduction of the M24. Maximum effective range of this weapon: 750 yards (690m)  

Answer 6

Stealth hunters are concealed and wish keep their cover secure while they pick off single targets.  Semi automatices give such concealment away.