Semi-Auto Hunting Rifles

[sluggun]

I have been thinking about getting a hunting rifle to replace my old Marlin 336 and I was wondering about some of the offerings that are semi automatic. It seems like almost everything is bolt action. That makes sense from a reliability standpoint, but, I am still kind of thinking I want something for a faster follow up shot.

What are any opinions on the semi automatics currently on the market?

I really don't want something that looks too "assault rifle". Not that it is so important to me, but, governments have a tendency to want to put yet more regulations on such things.

I am thinking about the Remington 750 in 30-06.

[tikka250]

Although it may be a little on the "tactical" side i used my norinco m14 for mule does this year and it worked like a charm. On the non tactical end of things a browning BAR might be worth looking into.

[Ronji]

I have owned a Remington Model 4 in 270 win. I have owned it since '85.
It has a 4x Bausch and Lomb scope on it since day one.
I cannot begin to count how many deer, moose, elk, wolf, cougar, coyotes it has taken down since I bought it.
I have owned approximately 40 other rifles of different makes and calibers.
This is my go to gun. It has never let me down, never jammed, and it has taken down animals ranged out to 611 yards.
People say they are inaccurate, I say screw em' Proof is in my deep freeze or hanging on my walls.
Best advise is to keep her clean, and do not run any overly "hot" hand loads as the brass will fail on the rims.

[Homesteader]

The all time best semi auto hunting rifle is a Remington 7600 Pump

The BAR's are ok, but most are on the heavy side, accuracy can range from good, to worse. Do you love cleaning overly complicated guns? Do you reload, if so, you'll very likely need small base dies to ensure function. If you absolutely have to have a semi, I'd go BAR, or Benelli. The 7600 is better then both, and has the Fudd factor in spades. Also probably wont be on the Liberals list of hatred.

The 7600 triggers, can be tuned pretty nice as well, try tuning a semi's trigger.

Oh ps, if you still can't tell what I think, get a 7600.

[elkhunter11]

If you are thinking about the follow up shot before you shoot, you are not overly confident that you can get the job done with the first shot. As for bolt actions, you might be surprised at how quickly a person can get an aimed second shot away. Just keep the rifle shouldered and cycle the bolt as you recover from the recoil.

I have had little experience with Remington semi autos, but it was all negative, either the accuracy was very poor, or they were unreliable. I did own a Browning BAR Mark II in 7mmremmag, and it cycled fine right up until I wanted a follow up shot on a moose in freezing rain. The person that I sold it to had a similar experience, and he also sold it.

[sns2]

I also had a Browning Bar in 30-06. I didn't get rid of it because it was too reliable or accurate. Enough said.

Get a good bolt action and you will never regret it.

[260 Rem]

I'm on board with recommending the Rem pump as they are very fast and reasonably accurate. My brother used one for years and often fired a warning shot

[ForwardBias]

Bolts are a nice light weight reliable hunting tool.

[couleefolk]

[QUOTE=elkhunter11;3220297]If you are thinking about the follow up shot before you shoot, you are not overly confident that you can get the job done with the first shot.

I have to agree with this. There are way to many folks that get to trigger happy when they know they have more shots. I also don't believe that more fired rounds is an acceptable solution to using the right caliber for the task at hand. As someone mentioned about shooting a pack of wolves, this may be your ticket in such a case. Bottom line is each to their own.

[bubba300]

I have had 3 BAR's all functioned and shot great,they are a little bit heavier but I liked them. I have a Winchester M100 now in 308 and it is a great rifle to. I really prefer a good bolt action for hunting big game but the semi's are fun for coyotes .

[Prairiewolf]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

If you are thinking about the follow up shot before you shoot, you are not overly confident that you can get the job done with the first shot. As for bolt actions, you might be surprised at how quickly a person can get an aimed second shot away. Just keep the rifle shouldered and cycle the bolt as you recover from the recoil.

I have had little experience with Remington semi autos, but it was all negative, either the accuracy was very poor, or they were unreliable. I did own a Browning BAR Mark II in 7mmremmag, and it cycled fine right up until I wanted a follow up shot on a moose in freezing rain. The person that I sold it to had a similar experience, and he also sold it.

This is very good advice that should be read a few times.

The key point is shooting accurately, both on the first shot and the followup, if required. I honestly don't think you'd be any faster on a second shot with a semi auto once you've factored in recoil recovery, as elkhunter11 points out. You'll be more accurate on the first shot with a bolt action anyways.

[Bergerboy]

Norinco M14/M305 rifle. The one I shot worked good and 308 Win will do the trick.

[Stustage]

Originally Posted by Homesteader

The all time best semi auto hunting rifle is a Remington 7600 Pump

The BAR's are ok, but most are on the heavy side, accuracy can range from good, to worse. Do you love cleaning overly complicated guns? Do you reload, if so, you'll very likely need small base dies to ensure function. If you absolutely have to have a semi, I'd go BAR, or Benelli. The 7600 is better then both, and has the Fudd factor in spades. Also probably wont be on the Liberals list of hatred.

The 7600 triggers, can be tuned pretty nice as well, try tuning a semi's trigger.

Oh ps, if you still can't tell what I think, get a 7600.

since when is a pump action semiauto?

ok so semi: browning bar, sks, m1a, norinco m305 (in boyds stock), maybe a bcl 102 but it is a "black rifle" there are a bunch of "tacticool"

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by Stustage

since when is a pump action semiauto?

ok so semi: browning bar, sks, m1a, norinco m305 (in boyds stock), maybe a bcl 102 but it is a "black rifle" there are a bunch of "tacticool"

You're abilities to decerne a satirical reply elude you.

All that aside.

My suggestion would be.

Skip the semi, go get a 76/7600 or a BLR, maybe even a gently used 99, or 88 as well. Or you could up your practice and confidence and just buy a nice Ruger #1, and be done with it.

Did I mention Prophet River still has some .275 Rigby #1's left

[DiabeticKripple]

I will be using my BCL 102 this season for Deer if it shows up in time.

[Joholio]

Before I sold it to Mike from Canmore, I had a BAR .243 with a VX1. Awesome consistent accuracy and never jammed. A bit heavy though as mentioned.

[Slash8]

I used to own a Browning BAR in .270 WIN. it was a Belgian to. It was a good rifle, I look back now and wish I hadn't sold it. A wee bit on the heavy side but I liked it. Bought it when I was 23. I thought wow, this will be cool if I ever need a follow up shot. All I ever shot with it was deer and it only ever took one shot to seal the deal. Another nice feature of it was it had a detachable magazine which was nice. Accuracy was pretty good. I could hit an 8" plate out to 300 meters with 130 gr pills which was good enough for me mind you the longest shot I ever put the smack down on anything with it was about 150 give or a take a yard or two. All but that one were under 100.

[sapsk]

I think the best semi auto rifles are military designs. Reliability is unmatched, but they are never light and not for everyone.
I've used a Norinco M14 on deer since 1999 and never missed a deer with it. I've missed my share, but not with that rifle, just lucky a couple times and it is a straight shooter.
I certainly didn't choose it expecting to get multiple shots off and to be honest I don't think a Lee Enfield cycles much slower in the right hands.
The traditional scoped bolt action hunting rifle just bores me which is why I'm in the woods with an M14, assorted Lever guns, shotguns or a muzzle loader.

Just my semi auto hunting experience.

[1Heavyhitr]

Originally Posted by sluggun

I have been thinking about getting a hunting rifle to replace my old Marlin 336 and I was wondering about some of the offerings that are semi automatic. It seems like almost everything is bolt action. That makes sense from a reliability standpoint, but, I am still kind of thinking I want something for a faster follow up shot.

What are any opinions on the semi automatics currently on the market?

I really don't want something that looks too "assault rifle". Not that it is so important to me, but, governments have a tendency to want to put yet more regulations on such things.

I am thinking about the Remington 750 in 30-06.

.... Why would you need a fast follow-up shot?! Don't you know everything drops instantly the first time you shoot it?! Well... It does if you're shooting A bolt action!


......


The Benelli R1 is a nice rig. You can't get it in 270 win but you can get it in 30-06.. IMO it's less complicated and easier to clean compared to the Browning BAR. I've never had any issues with it being outside all day at -20°C. G96 Will be your best friend in that regard - Just don't leave it soaking wet when you put it back together. Can't really complain about the accuracy, I think it Looks and feels great.

[sluggun]

Thanks for all the feedback. I have heard a lot of good things about the Benelli (even if it does look a little strange).

Perhaps I will have to reevaluate my thinking on bolt action rifles.

[catnthehat]

I've never shot a Benneli , but know lots of guys that used the older Browning BAR's and loved them,
Accurate rifles
Cat

[Bergerboy]

I have had some experience with some Remington 742's. They seemed to had parts that would wear and cause function issues at a fairly low round count. Accuracy and handling was decent though.

[lindenite]

SKS!!!!
(Just kidding)

[260 Rem]

Just back from a bit of practice with my bush carry deer semi. M1 30 Carbine loaded with 110 gr soft points. No need for follow-up shots but one is in the pipe in short order. 2 MOA red dot for quick acquisition. About 5.5 lbs all in.

[hunterdan44]

I hunt with a Browning BAR in ,300 win mag for @17 years and I've taken many deer n bear with it. Rain , snow, sleet and cold never a problem.


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[Diesel_wiesel]

exactly why would you need more then one shot??
if you practice at the range enough
one shot is all you truly need, anything else is just for people who don't have confidence in their shooting skills IMHO
get a B78 browning or a Ruger number one

[hunterdan44]

Originally Posted by Diesel_wiesel

exactly why would you need more then one shot??

if you practice at the range enough

one shot is all you truly need, anything else is just for people who don't have confidence in their shooting skills IMHO

get a B78 browning or a Ruger number one

How many bullets do you take afield? One? Most of my game has been one shot kills but not all.


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[6.5 shooter]

Buy a single shot and learn how to hunt and shoot......

[Throttle_monkey1]

OP if you like semis, buy one. I have killed game with semis and bolt guns. Ignore these one shot, one kill halfwits. Buy the gun you like and practice with it until you are proficient.

[gtr]

Originally Posted by 6.5 shooter

Buy a single shot and learn how to hunt and shoot......

Most people with semi auto's, learned that decades go. You?