Semi vs. Bolt accuracy

[kelleno]

Do you guys think a bolt action is more accurate than a semi-auto or vice versa or the same?

[hossdaniels]

I voted bolt, but I have a AR that is just as accurate as any of my bolt rifles. The only problem is that the semi costs twice as much. Dollar for dollar bolts will be more accurate, but if you spend the money you can get what you want.

[halcon]

Ditto what hoss said I have bolt and semi both that will shoot sub-moa .

[hometheaterman]

I think in general bolt actions are more accurate. However, you can have a custom semi auto or a really nice one that is just as accurate as most bolt actions. However, you are into big money there to get it where a $5-800 bolt action could be.

That being said if you are using it for hunting not a big enough difference to matter and I much much prefer semi auto's for both hunting and plinking but it's a personal preference. For the same price range in general the bolt action that costs the same as a semi auto the bolt action will probably be more accurate at least from what I've read, heard, and seen.

[stubblejumper]

On average,the bolt actions are more accurate,but some semi autos are more accurate than some bolt actions.

[cooper_m22]

The answer to this question is how much money you are willing to spend on a semi auto? It can take you all most 3 to 5 times as much money for a good shooting semi auto that it well a bolt action. And then in most cases the semi-auto still well not shoot as well as a good custom bolt action.
My vote Bolt action.

[blasted_saber]

Modern firearms? No difference

[driftrider]

Generally speaking, a bolt-action will be more accurate. However, the exception to the rule is the AR-15/AR-10 rifles. Is has been my experience that these rifles often are every bit as accurate as a bolt-action, some I've personally witnessed have been able to print groups that would make all but the finest custom varmint/benchrest bolt-guns envious. I think it has to do with the fact that the bolt in the AR locks to the barrel extension rather than the receiver, and that the moving parts of the gas system have little mass and are directly in line with the bore, which doesn't induce flexing/torque moments to the barrel as the action begins to cycle. Another factor that may contribute to the apparent lack of accuracy for many semi-autos is that the triggers tend to be heavy and creepy, even compared to the lawyer triggers on many stock bolt-actions. Much of this is an unavoidable consequence of semi-auto operation making a much more complicated trigger necessary. More moving parts means more parts that can contribute to poor trigger pull, which detracts from accuracy. Bolt-action triggers are very simple by comparison, and that simplicity allows the trigger to be more easily refined to a light and crisp trigger pull, which directly aids accurate shooting.

Mike

[kelleno]

Thanks for all the input guys, it has been a good help.

[wjyarkiell]

My M1A shoots as good if not better than some bolt actions that ive seen. But my dad has a bunch of 96 and 98 mausers that shoot as good as any gun out there. We also have several M1 Garands that can put em in there every time. but as much as an m1A costs i guess they should shoot really good.