RE: Lever, Bolt, Pump, or Semi for deer.
 

Rem I never said anything negative about a semi, as a matter of fact if you reread my post you will see I own a semi and love it! In regards to the one shot deal, what I was emphasizing was that my Dad bought me my first gun and it was a single shot with the sole intention of making that first shot count. I never said that semi's caused people to take sloppy first shot I was quoting what my father had said in regards to people taking sloppy first shots. I will be honest with you, my dad was right. I have seen a lot of folks who learned to hunt with a semi that took some iffy first shots knowing that they could quickly rip off more rounds to finish the kill, but as you said, it is the individual that makes the bad shot and not the gun! I will be buying a single shot to teach my twins to shoot (hunt when ready). It may not be true for every one, but I feel due to the fact I learned to hunt with a single shot, I am a better hunter. I still have the mentality that the first shot MUST count, even though I automatically chamber another round after I shoot. I do use a semi for bird hunting as I said before and I do not knock any gun for its action type, I do not care what any one says, with the exception of a single shot all action types can jam, some jams are just easier to clear in one action versus the other. Jamming in any gun is caused by one of 4 things:

1. Design flaw
2. Improper cleaning
3. Worn parts
4. Ammo

I have owned several semis that I have never had a problem with. Why? I took care of them.

The Tazman

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RE: Lever, Bolt, Pump, or Semi for deer.
 

NNY243,
I guess it ain't that quick and easy a poll. In answer to you I would say it simply but the fog in the air needs to lift.
Hunters,
We have been down this road on many occasions, what starts out as a thread asking of your favorite gets cluttered with opinions of why they wouldn't use the other hunters preferrence rather than stick to an honest opinion of their personal favorite. I get downright sick and tired of seeing the biased opinions of inexperience trying to portray an air of superiority of their action of choice by talk that is obviosly coming out of their behind because that's where their head is at. Sorry to name names BUT there's a LOT of that type in the bolt crowd. I am not going to point a finger at the soul of anyone here but just the mouth that runs rampant without the brain engaged. Unless one is in a situation of extreme long range as the norm, there isn't enough difference in ANY action choice. AND AGAIN it is not limited to one action type for that long range application either. If you married a brunnette does that make all others sluts? Gimme a break! I have as many bolt actions as any other type combined in my arsenal but would get rid of them all just to be away from the biased views of some of those in that crowd.
With that said, there is good and bad, or should I say advantages and disadvantages in ANY action type. My personal pick, yeah I know the elitists don't even want to hear it, is picked for many reasons. Would I pick this action type over again if my model did not exist? NO! So it just doesn't boil down as easily as it may seem. It was picked for the lock time it has comparable to any bolt, the LACK of an exposed hammer, the fit, feel and pointability it has, the nostalgic warmth of using something others who have gone before me have felt, the advantages of a second follow up shot, the weight to carry IN HAND ALL DAY, and the fact that contrary to what 'others will say' it IS as accurate as any other type I have ever shot, proof being in the targets I have shot 1" bullseyes out of ALL DAY LONG with crude handloads and finally the quietness in that nothing clicks, rattles or sounds an unnatural tone like hollow plastic while quietly stalking prey in the woods.
The unique Model 99
An OVER 100 year old design copied but never surpassed, offered but declined to the military, there is only one other I would remotely consider and that would be the model 88. It is a little known fact that 99's can still be had but if I were to get a new one, it would be from the custom shop only.
I went from lever to pump to bolt and am glad to say I am returned to my roots. It's peaceful here away from the 'Kennel Ration' crowd of 'My gun's better than your gun'. What needs to be learned is, it is a matter of choice NOT superiority. Don't forget, my 99 is my sweetheart, say something bad about her and you've stepped over the line. I have not belittled your's please respect mine.

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RE: Lever, Bolt, Pump, or Semi for deer.
 

100% well said Drache!!

Rem 7400, I should have written "some" in place of "alot". My fault there.

I agree with you on the cleaning being the biggest culprit in semi-auto jamming. I've got a semi 20ga. It has never jammed, it's also well taken care of and cleaned regularly.

I hope that last comment about "biased and inaccurate comments" wasn't directed at me. I didn't degrade anyone's weapon of choice. Use a slingshot if you want...jsut get the job done ethically!

RE: Lever, Bolt, Pump, or Semi for deer.
 

I grew up in a family that owns only bolt actions (one exception was my grandfather's lever 35). Consequently, I heard nothing but how good bolts were. I inherited my grandfathers marlin and lo and behold killed some deer with it. Blasphamy!!

Just this year, I purchased a 7600 in 308. Mainly because I wanted to try something different and this rifle fits me very well. Maybe it is the biggest piece of junk but so what, its worth a try.

Others have said this but bullet placement is the key. The animal really doesn't care if you are shooting a bolt, lever, pump or semi. Shoot what you like.

RE: Lever, Bolt, Pump, or Semi for deer.
 

What is the deal!!? All I asked is What do you like best? I didn't ask "what do you think other people should use"? Do the moderators have to knock all "preference" questions off the board because they inevitably turn into "your preference denigrates my choice" arguments? People make choices. They have reasons for those choices. I participate in bulletin boards because I'm curious about other people's choices and reasons. That's why I ask questions like this. Perhaps the end of deer hunting season (for a lot of us) has made people testy.

RE: Lever, Bolt, Pump, or Semi for deer.
 

nny I know what you mean about some folks getting testy. Some folks feel about their guns like they feel about their car/truck. If it is not a XXXXXXXXXXX I won't drive it! I am not picky about guns, as long as they fit, shoot straight within the ranges I am shooting, make a clean kill, and are reliable, I will use them. the action to me is not what kills deer, the bullet and the hunter do!

The Tazman

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RE: Lever, Bolt, Pump, or Semi for deer.
 

I started with a pump shotgun and thought I would switch to a semi because they were more expensive they must be better, not for me. I switched back to a pump and I have three pump shotguns and love everyone of them. One for deer one for turkey and one for dove.