Community
Black Powder Ask opinions of other hunters on new technology, gear, and the methods of blackpowder hunting.

Bolt Action VS. Break Action

Thread Tools
 
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:11 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 0
From: Rivesville, WV
Default Bolt Action VS. Break Action

I did not want to Hogg(pun intended) up another's post with this. So I wil try to explain my point in a separate thread.

In another thread I postd that a bolt action is inherently a more accurate action than a break action firearm.

This is not to say a break action is not strong enough. Or that a break action is not accurate enough to accomplish hunting accuracy. It is just simply a fact that a bolt action is inherently more accurate. I am not sure how anyone could think otherwise. It really is common knowledge in the shooting world.

I am not trying to say Knight rifles are better because they have a bolt. Or that Encore's or CVA's are inferior because of their design. All the rifles talked about here are definitely strong enough, and accurate enough for their intended purpose. I am only saying a bolt action will be a more accurate design.

Strength is one reason why. A one piece stock is definitely stronger than a two piece stock. No doubt about that. This is not to say that a two piece stock is not strong enough to do the job-because it is. But a two piece stock is definitely not as strong as a one piece stock.

Also the biggest problem the break action's have with accuracy is the fact that it has a two piece stock. Specifically the biggest problem is the forearm. Since the forearm is not solidly attached to the action it can cause alot of problems down the road. I could go on with the forearm problem, but I think you guys already know what those problems are. Tom.

Last edited by HEAD0001; 11-02-2011 at 10:14 AM.
HEAD0001 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:23 AM
  #2  
Semisane's Avatar
Boone & Crockett
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,918
Likes: 1
From: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Default

On the other hand, a drop breech like the Omega has the best of both worlds - a fully bedded one piece barrel & breech without the added length of a bolt housing.
Semisane is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:27 AM
  #3  
sabotloader's Avatar
Boone & Crockett
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 11,703
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Default

HEAD0001

I am locked... I do prefer the bolt action to the break action for many reasons.. not just the stock or even the hinge...

But as much as I hate to give Muley a lot of credit - i do think he and others have a very valid point - that for hunting accuracy - why would you need any thing else?

Even though my Omega is not a break action it is a very accurate rifle and a very good rifle.

My Triumph shoots lights out for hunting, it is lighter, and is a great gun.

But still, I just can not get a good feeling hunting with either of these rifles, as I do hunting with a bolt. I can lean it on a branch, press it up against a tree, lay it over my pack, or even on a solid surface such as a rock and not worryabout putting to much pressure on the forearm to cause a shift in POI, especially at longer ranges.

And my other big handi-cap is I really do not like the need to pull a hammer back to shoot. This is just a personal thing that I have never conquered, from days as a yougster using a 30-30 Winchester - through the Omega and the Triumph. The Knight Vision and or the Ruger #1 - those I could get use to... except the problems the forearms create for #1 users... and eventually the hinge joints.

Just my thoughts not meant to condem anyone elses thoughts... So thank gosh manufacturers give us options.
sabotloader is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:30 AM
  #4  
Banned
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 9,186
Likes: 0
From: Boncarbo,Colorado
Default

the omega stock " synthetic" is one one piece stock thats crap. Its all going to depend on many things whether the rifle is accurate or not.

Those cheap flexy stocks they put on the savage ML is one of the biggest complaints you hear about. Omegas again with their POI change when removing them from the stock isnt going to be accurate as its shifting around.

I always hear this same story but the same ending is, prove that a break action wears out to the point where accuracy is no more. Prove to me that a bolt action sweeps the accuracy of a break action.

It cant be done, especially the " break actions wear out" part.
MountainDevil54 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:31 AM
  #5  
sabotloader's Avatar
Boone & Crockett
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 11,703
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Default

Originally Posted by Semisane
On the other hand, a drop breech like the Omega has the best of both worlds - a fully bedded one piece barrel & breech without the added length of a bolt housing.
and why is the Omega or The CVA model that they copied from the Omega disappearing... I know that TC still offers a cut down version but it certainly is not the flag ship any longer

The Omega was a great gun - espescially if they could afford to put an adjustable trigger in it.
sabotloader is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:33 AM
  #6  
Semisane's Avatar
Boone & Crockett
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,918
Likes: 1
From: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Default

And my other big handi-cap is I really do not like the need to pull a hammer back to shoot.
Different strokes for different folks. There's something about c0cking a hammer to make a shot that just feels right to me.
Semisane is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:36 AM
  #7  
Thread Starter
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 0
From: Rivesville, WV
Default

Stock design is also very important. For example. I know alot of guys who have break action rifles. Including myself. And the biggest problem these rifles have(IMO) is maintaing their zero through time and different weather conditions. And alot of these problems are tied directly to the forearm of the break action rifles. And the fact that these forearms are attached directly to the barrel of the rifle. This is just not a system that is conducive to short and definitly not conducive to long term accuracy and repeatability.

I have seen it too many times.

I know I can greatly increase the accuracy of my break action rifles by how I place the rifle(forearm) on the front rest at the range. I normally bed my forearms solid. This adds alot of strength and consistency. More strength than trying to float them. Tom.
HEAD0001 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:40 AM
  #8  
Muley Hunter's Avatar
Giant Nontypical
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,557
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by sabotloader
HEAD0001



But as much as I hate to give Muley a lot of credit -
I'm never sure how to take this? I've read it many times in the past.


Here's something to think about. Would the forearm stock of a break action gun affect the accuracy of the barrel the same way a one piece stock would on a bolt gun?
Muley Hunter is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:42 AM
  #9  
Semisane's Avatar
Boone & Crockett
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,918
Likes: 1
From: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Default

I've read it many times in the past.
Well that ought to tell you something, you ornery old goat.
Semisane is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-2011 | 10:48 AM
  #10  
Muley Hunter's Avatar
Giant Nontypical
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,557
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default

Originally Posted by Semisane
Well that ought to tell you something, you ornery old goat.
Yeah! Nobody likes me.





Perfect! My plan is working.
Muley Hunter is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.