While I agree for the most part, I don't see where a bolt gun has much advantage other than aesthetics and nostalgia.

Nowadays it’s really more based on personal preference for your application and what you may want to lug around while hunting.

I own several ARs and I also own several bolt actions. I like both, but IMO, for the average hunter there is no advantage to the bolt action other than maybe lighter weight (Big maybe) and cost in some cases. I hunt with bolt action some weekends and I hunt with ARs some weekends, just depends on what I want to grab. I do grab the AR more often if it's only pigs that I'm after. I've given up on hunting with .223. Don't care for the results. I prefer my 6.5 Grendel AR. 6.5G does a great job on deer, pigs, coyotes, and raccoons. Oh, and a replacement trigger is a must in the AR.

Weight, ergonomics, (broadly) accuracy. Clunky and unwieldy. Ergonomics plays a role in accuracy also.

You can mess with an AR in an attempt to alleviate some or all of those, but it just creates a ripple effect regarding its other shortcomings.

A bolt gun is a better tool for almost all hunting applications. A wand compared to toting an AR around.

There are more inaccurate bolt guns out there than ARs. Both my ARs are sub .75 MOA; both weigh about the same as my bolt guns. Clunky? I guess. They are two pieces joined by two pins, after all, and some of the adjustable stocks have play. I don't buy the unwieldy part nor the ergonomics, unless you're (obviously) stretching the couple of extra inches in height to try turn your dislike into a valid point. An AR pistol grip is much more secure than most rifle stocks if you're having to hold the weapon in one hand, as you might at times when stalking in thick cover.

I find them clunky and unwieldy to carry unless one is carrying in the "ready" position at all times. Which is not really feasible/ideal while hunting. Magazine sticks out. Weight concentrated. Can alleviate some by across the shoulder back carry - but then accessibility not as good (the "ripple effect").

I find them more unsteady from any 'rested' position compared to a bolt rifle. Most hunting shots are taken from a rest. Arguably a wash from a freehand standpoint (though I feel bolt rifle still better).

IMO just some of the reasons you still don't see them much out west/up north elk, sheep, goat, etc. hunting....
IMO my dislike of them for most hunting vs. a bolt rifle is valid. I'm not averse to jumping on bandwagons if they are going somewhere.

Buddy just shot this stud on a Backcountry hunt last week. He said it was a poke.

Do you do your western hunting with them? Prefer them?

And, yes,stretch them out long enough on both ends and you almost have...... a bolt rifle.

I like this picture better

Here is my modern day backcountry sporting bow

It's blk, clunky, heavy, and unwieldy... but I love her

I have two for hunting at night (6.8 and 300 BO) and one in 5.56 that's my truck gun at the lease. I can't even tell you the last time I've shot the 5.56 for grins and giggles. I'll keep mine, but they don't get a ton of use.

An AR isn't an everyday kind of rifle, at least not for me, but having one or a dozen is a good thing. Sometimes the mood to just have a bit of fun strikes, and they're great for that. Some hunting situations are tailor-made for an AR too.

I've been telling my buds who don't have one, now's the time because they're never going to be cheaper than they are right now. No telling how long prices will remain bottomed out, and it might not be very long at all. If I thought for a minute I MIGHT want another one, I'd grab while the grabbin's good.