AR or bolt-action for hunting

[Robin1]

I'm torn between grabbing an AR platform or sticking with a traditional bolt-action for next season. ARs offer quick follow-ups, but there's something about a bolt-action's simplicity and accuracy. What do you guys prefer? I am genuinely curious about everyone's take here

 

[RjHawk]

nothing wrong with using an AR for hunting , but for myself i stick with either bolt, lever or single shots , I really like using a T/C or a CVA , fun to use, lite weight to carry and I think it makes you a better shot knowing you better make that first one count

 

[Robin1]

Yeah I get that, light single-shots and break-actions force precision and make you a better shooter. I like bolt-actions for range and balance, but T/C or CVA are excellent trail choices. Do you hunt mostly deer?

 

[RjHawk]

yes, my knees are shot, so doing much walking for any kind of upland bird is pretty much a NO go

 

[Tabby]

If dealing with an AR Platform make sure it's not a 5.56 or 223 if you are going deer hunting. Those rounds are NOT deer rounds. Work good on coyotes but not on deer. Conversely, an AR-10 in 308 or even 6.5 Creepmore is a different story. I have a friend who hunts deer with an AR-10 in 308 and it's just as good as my Winchester Model 70 in 308 is. I much prefer a conventional hunting rifle, these days it's a Tikka T3x in 270 or a Remington 700 in 338 Win Mag shooting 180 gr Noslers.

 

[Gabe]

If you're hunting varmints or hogs, go AR for those fast follow-ups...and for that big, long-range deer, nothing beats the simple accuracy of a bolt-action. Either way, you'll be shooting straight

 

[critterpicker]

Last year I was torn between bolt or AR , I took the bolt. My 6.5 Grendel would probably have worked as well,but my favorite is my Encore. Who needs a follow up?

 

[white eagle]

Have had many ar's still have one for a truck gun
don't like em I will take a bolt any day of the week

 

[Tom L]

Aways been a simpler is better kind of guy. What can go wrong in the field with a bolt?

 

[Toyboy]

I'm old school. I'll take a bolt or lever over a a AR platform. Somehow to me anyway, the AR just don't fit my image of a hunting rifle.