AR or bolt-action for hunting

Robin1

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Joined
Sep 14, 2025
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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
 
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
 
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?
 
yes, my knees are shot, so doing much walking for any kind of upland bird is pretty much a NO go
 
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.
 
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
 

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