on shot gun or rimfire id go auto loader. hard to find rimfires in any thing else and shot guns are lighter when they are auto loaders which I like. on deer or deer like game id take a bolt action. there is more selection on the gun and calibures and they are cheaper. if the recoil is a little harse there are thicker but stock pads available. thats the way I go. center fire-bolt action, rimfire, shot gun- auto loader.