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Feb 7th, 2025
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 Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: TexasOutfitters]
#4135796
03/21/13 04:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#4135850
03/21/13 04:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,187
Misfire
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,187 |
"I wanna go fast" -Ricky Bobby
"Mind bottling isn't it?" -Chazz Michael Michaels
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Misfire]
#4135859
03/21/13 04:36 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,866
MeanGreen85
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,866 |
Heeeeeeere we go! 
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: MeanGreen85]
#4135869
03/21/13 04:40 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461 |
No...and folks say Savages are ugly, they can't touch the AR on fugliness
Interesting read hor-hayyy.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: MeanGreen85]
#4135875
03/21/13 04:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 218
Kyle Campbell
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 218 |
Just hunt with whatever personally suits you the best.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Kyle Campbell]
#4135877
03/21/13 04:44 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,782
passthru
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,782 |
Depends on the application.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: passthru]
#4135893
03/21/13 04:49 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,947
Curtis
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,947 |
Personally, I would rather hunt with the hunter that has modern bolt action rifle than the AR platform style. But that is just my preferrence. I have nothing against anyone owning an AR. I just don't like them for deer hunting, but to each his own I guess.
Double Arrow Bow Hunting www.doublearrowbowhunting.comBow hunters welcome! Whitetail-Axis-Blackbuck-Fallow-Barasingha-Scimitar Oryx Located in Gonzales County. Visit our Facebook page for current updates!
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Curtis]
#4136033
03/21/13 06:05 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,196
Mike Honcho
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,196 |
For what it's worth I personally believe a bolt action will inherently always be more accurate especially when your talking larger calibers, but I've seen my fair share of tight groups from ar's in 223 and 204 and 308 that will rival any custom. Granted they are expensive. The article when I wrote it was geared more to explain the black rifle and provide some insight into as many facets as I could remember, not really say one is better than the other. Ar vs bolt is apple to orange with the exception they are both tools of the trade.
“Two things that define an individual what you do when you have everything, and what you do when you have nothing."
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: passthru]
#4136053
03/21/13 06:16 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 612
Huntsmanda
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 612 |
Depends on the application.
"Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not." - Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: passthru]
#4136073
03/21/13 06:24 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,078
Vern1
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,078 |
Depends on the application. Perfect!! Love me some Remington 700 in .223 Wylde, 25-06, 22-250 and 7MM Mag for different things. Love me some 6.8x43 AR for pig hunting and moreso when I get more than one shot!
Cheers,
Vern1
Texans since The Old 300 in 1824
NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Vern1]
#4136192
03/21/13 07:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,687
Marc K
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,687 |
I'd have too say that it's a balanced article. So much of what we do is task specific and based on our own experience.
A Democracy is when two wolves and a lamb vote on the dinner menu. That is why this country was specifically not designed as a Democracy. We are a Constitutional Republic.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Vern1]
#4136195
03/21/13 07:19 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,600
Skylar Mac
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,600 |
I think it going to depend on what and where you are hunting.
Incidently if I were hunting pigs, I would definetely implement the M4.
But for larger game at varring ranges, I would be more comfortable with the consistency of my bolt gun.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Skylar Mac]
#4136216
03/21/13 07:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,397
Chuck McDonald
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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Posts: 4,397 |
I think it going to depend on what and where you are hunting.
Incidently if I were hunting pigs, I would definetely implement the M4.
But for larger game at varring ranges, I would be more comfortable with the consistency of my bolt gun. X2 although I am comfortable taking a whitetail with my 6.8 SPC, I feel alot more comfortable hunting deer size and larger with a bolt action. Now in regards to hogs and predators either my M4 or my 6.8 all day long.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Chuck McDonald]
#4136320
03/21/13 08:11 PM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 99
Squealteam
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 99 |
Growing up i used a remington 788 chambered in 223, i droped nearly every deer in their tracks, but i was shooting them in the neck, midway between the head n body. Its all about shot placement, not always about caliber size untill shooting bear, moose, elk and caribu.
It is a toss up of custom precision semi and a standard bolt action. As several said before, shoot whats comfortable to you and the application your gonna use it for. 1 shot, 1 kill, even if engaging more than 1 hog or deer or what ever, a clean kill is important, not slinging as much lead as possible and wounding and possibly never recovering the animal. So, no the ar platform or any semi-auto is not a better platform than a bolt action for ethical hunting
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Squealteam]
#4136481
03/21/13 09:20 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,196
Mike Honcho
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,196 |
Well to say an ar platform is unethical is a bit overkill I've shot some high dollar rigs in 308 that will run with my 5r 308 pound for pound at the distances I will shoot at. Would I trade my 5r for one of those not a chance but that's because it's preference not lack of accuracy or reliability.
“Two things that define an individual what you do when you have everything, and what you do when you have nothing."
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Mike Honcho]
#4136533
03/21/13 09:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,197
Chris42
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,197 |
The AR15 is the most modular, custumizable rifle out there. It can be made to fit anyone. It is as accurate as a bolt gun. A good one is reliable.
The limiting factor is always COL which is limited by magazine length. The WSSM's never took off, but caliber is way over-rated in hunting anyways. I've killed deer with the .223 remington. I think the 6.8spc would be perfect, but I don't plan on shooting Brown Bear at 800 yards either. My AR with a scope weighs around 8lbs and is very short. My Ruger M77 in 7mm RM weighs a tad more (bigger scope) and is about7" longer.
Oh yeah, I can shoot a few hundred rounds and still feel my shoulder.
First time I loaded up 20 rouns of 7mm RM, I shot 19, and I couldn't bring myself to fire that last round. My shoulder hurt.
The AR may not be "ideal" for everything, but it works great for most everything. I believe that caliber will never compensate for poor shooting. And that proper bullet selection and placement trump everything else.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Chris42]
#4136566
03/21/13 09:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 732
TexasOutfitters
OP
Tracker
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OP
Tracker
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 732 |
At a recent hunting event I was covering, many of the guys were sighting in their ARs. The first 3 had firing issues. Shell wouldn't eject, gas chamber issue, would only shoot certain shells, etc.
More time was spent working on ARs than firing at the target. And these were vets who know about weapons. Maybe the "customizable" feature that people like is also an area of concern if it's not built just right.
I don't own an AR, but I'm good with my .243 for whitetail, hogs, varmints.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Chris42]
#4136572
03/21/13 09:53 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 21,621
pegasaurus
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 21,621 |
Never seen anyone use an AR platform when hunting elephant but Police seem to like them when hunting people... 
Last edited by pegasaurus; 03/21/13 09:53 PM.
Funny thing about getting older:
Your eyesight starts getting weaker but your ability to
see through people's BS gets much better.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Chris42]
#4136580
03/21/13 09:58 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
The question was a general question covering all hunting so I gave a general answer.
MAYBE an AR is more useful when an entire sounder of hogs is encountered. I even doubt that since have more firepower to spray more bullets does not necessarily translate into accurate shooting.Having said that,I may acquire one just because it would certainly be alot of fun in that circumstance.
GENERALLY, the AR platform is not as accurate as the bolt action platform. No knowledgeable person can argue that-the AR platfrom is a battle rifle platform built to low tolerances so it will go bang under battlefield conditions. The platfrom can and now is being made more accurate but the platform itself was not designed for accuracy first.
Plus the AR platfrom is just clunky and unwieldy.Plain and simply it was not designed to be a hunting rifle. For the first 50 or so years of its existence no one even seriously claimed it was a good hunting platform-that is a very recent thing spurred on by the tacticool movement aided by some good marketing. In fact, outside of Texas (where hogs run rampant) almost no one even makes such claims today. Bring an AR to any serious hunting camp outside of Texas(and many in Texas) and the snickering behind your back will be deafening....
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: pegasaurus]
#4136585
03/21/13 09:59 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,196
Mike Honcho
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,196 |
What I feel makes ar's get the unreliable wrap is the amount of pieces vs a bolt action kind of like when glock guys argue that the glock is more reliable because less parts than a 1911, but ask bill wilson whether his 1911's are as reliable as glocks and I would venture he would say yes. Like anything you get what you pay for and the nut behind the screw makes a world of difference. It is true that you can get into a reliable bolt way cheaper than a reliable ar.
“Two things that define an individual what you do when you have everything, and what you do when you have nothing."
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#4136602
03/21/13 10:08 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 493
Otto
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 493 |
The question was a general question covering all hunting so I gave a general answer.
MAYBE an AR is more useful when an entire sounder of hogs is encountered. I even doubt that since have more firepower to spray more bullets does not necessarily translate into accurate shooting.Having said that,I may acquire one just because it would certainly be alot of fun in that circumstance.
GENERALLY, the AR platform is not as accurate as the bolt action platform. No knowledgeable person can argue that-the AR platfrom is a battle rifle platform built to low tolerances so it will go bang under battlefield conditions. The platfrom can and now is being made more accurate but the platform itself was not designed for accuracy first.
Plus the AR platfrom is just clunky and unwieldy.Plain and simply it was not designed to be a hunting rifle. For the first 50 or so years of its existence no one even seriously claimed it was a good hunting platform-that is a very recent thing spurred on by the tacticool movement aided by some good marketing. In fact, outside of Texas (where hogs run rampant) almost no one even makes such claims today. Bring an AR to any serious hunting camp outside of Texas(and many in Texas) and the snickering behind your back will be deafening....
Very well said. It's a fun platform to shoot and very modular but it's no way a hunting rifle or never intended to be. It's all about hype and marketing and a new breed of consumer ready and willing. I own couple and enjoy shooting them but I won't take one with me to an Antelope hunt in Wyoming plains or Elk hunting in New Mexico mountains.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: TexasOutfitters]
#4136663
03/21/13 10:37 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,687
Slow Drifter
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,687 |
I don't think an AR is "better" for hunting than a bolt-gun. I certainly see the attraction, though. It will certainly get the job done in the field, and if one can only have one rifle for whatever reason and wants to hunt and play the tactical games, it's the logical choice. If something goes wrong with it, it can be a number of things. If my bolt gun doesn't work, there's a good chance my arm's broke.
"I have no idea what WW-III will be fought with, but WW-IV will be fought with sticks and stones." A. Einstein 
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Slow Drifter]
#4136676
03/21/13 10:44 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461 |
My experience is they are bulky and there's not a real comfortable way to carry them.
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Re: Is the AR Platform better than Traditional Bolt Gun for Hunting?
[Re: Slow Drifter]
#4136804
03/21/13 11:57 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 632
Tim9880
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 632 |
If my bolt gun doesn't work, there's a good chance my arm's broke. HA!
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