General Purpose Rifle... Bolt or AR?

[Dadandjames]

I have a couple ar’s and a few bolt guns. The ar’s are fun but don’t get brought to the range every time I go. I never go without a bolt gun. Both are awesome. Semi gives you a quicker follow up shot, but a bolt gun can be cycled surprisingly fast. There are plenty of sub $500 dollar bolt guns that can shoot real well but I can’t think of any semi-autos that can make the same claim unless you nearly double that price

 

[Old-Cat]

I build one last year and sold it. It’s was too darn heavy and clunky for the woods I hunt. I looked at replacing some parts w carbon fiber, my grip, stock and forearm; even going that route it was still not worth the weight and form restrictions.

I’m waiting on parts to finish my 308 bolt gun.

 

[Northern Shrike]

My Ruger SFAR weighs 8.67 lbs in 308 with a 2-7 scope on it. It would probably make a sweet rifle for one to do it all, but for my use (mostly hunting) I would probably choose a lighter all weather bolt rifle in .30-06 or 300 win mag. For what it’s worth I also like to carry a .22 pistol with me when I’m hunting for small game.

 

[BryanAustin]

I am most always old school. Never did take to the weekend warrior sniper wannabes!

Replica Redfield Accu-Range 3x-9x scope by Hi-Lux
2005 Remington Model 700 DM Mountain (light weight) 30-06.

Factory loads for 100 yard shots all day long. There is more to life than just 1/4" Groups!

PS: I know this is not my 44-40, so keep it quiet....I have a reputation to uphold!!

 

[DougG]

If I could only choose one, I would go with a bolt action.

 

[Formidilosus]

I am most always old school. Never did take to the weekend warrior sniper wannabes!

Didn’t take to the weekend warrior sniper wannabes….. Then posts a gun of a near functional clone of the original USMC M40 sniper rifle?

 

[Turkeytider]

Bolt .308

Ammo is pretty available for it and it will kill anything in CONUS IMHO.

This. Hard pressed to think of any functions/needs that one might encounter in North America that it couldn`t handle.

 

[BryanAustin]

Didn’t take to the weekend warrior sniper wannabes….. Then posts a gun of a near functional clone of the original USMC M40 sniper rifle?

you noticed...LOL

Now that the cat is out of the bag...



and of course, an original

 

[DangerRanger]

I personally have never found large frame ARs to really do it for me, heavy, way harder to shoot well because there is a 1 pound bolt moving constantly, more finicky in general.

Honestly when I think of a general purpose rifle around the farm a 14.5-16” 223 with a good lpvo covers almost any box I can think of

 

[eric1115]

One rifle for everything from home defense to rock chucks and coyotes to deer and elk would have to be a Mk12ish AR, or possibly an AR in 6mm ARC.