bolt vs semi

Semi - don't have to have all the motion that goes into ejecting/charging. Critters locate us the same way we locate them..movement, sound and seeing..well and many can smell better than we do. Not much you can do about the sound of a shot but you don't have to move fiddling around with a bolt gun..my story..well, I do have and use both..probably a personal preference that changes from hunt to hunt.
 
Unfortunately in my state(Pa) IIRC semi's aren't allowed.. So I have to run with a bolt action, and make my shots count as best I can, or go with a shotgun..

A couple of years ago I took my single shot 22 hornet out for a hunt and limited in about 45 mins..
 
Another vote for the Ruger 10/22.I have a stainless with laminated stock.I have a 3 by 9 by 40 scope on it. I use it for Squirrels and partridge. I stalk slow through the woods and concentrate on head shots.I use to hunt with a shotgun but since I started hunting with a 22 rifle or my Ruger single six 22 my woodsman ship skills have really improved.
 
Hey buddy, this is the 4th thread about which gun to get. Just go get a semi .22. You will have a great time . 550 bullets are cheap, you can shoot all week with a box.
 
I prefer a good bolt action. My favorite two are my Seiko Finnfire with Burris compact 3x9, and Cooper/Anschutz(Cooper stocked 57 action) with a Leopold 4x12. If i want to carry a light rifle I'll carry my Anschutz with 64 action.

For long range head shots a great trigger is needed, and none of the lower/medium priced bolt actions will have one.
If you don't want to spend alot, a 10/22 with a trigger job and target barrel swap will be your best bet IMO.
 
Ruger's 10/22 is nice. If it isn't nice enough in factory trim, there are tons of aftermarket barrels, sights, triggers and stocks.

Oh, and another vote for single shot .22 Hornets. Nothin says "make that shot" to the hunter like using a single shot.

If you get a semi-auto, don't become a promiscuous brushpopper sort of rifleman. (Yeah, I know, I know. It hadda be said once.)
 
i'd use archery gear myself.

a 40lb bow with some varmint buster heads would do the job.
 
sambo. said:
i'd use archery gear myself.

a 40lb bow with some varmint buster heads would do the job.
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You would need to be at a very close range to head shot(the only way to not ruin meat) with a Bow. Have you ever head shot one with a bow?
 
Ken44 said:
You would need to be at a very close range to head shot(the only way to not ruin meat) with a Bow. Have you ever head shot one with a bow?
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not a squirrel, as i'm an Australian and we don't have 'em here. i've plugged a few cats and pigs.

in any case, i know i can consistently hit a golf ball at 20m with a bow.

besides, getting in close is what archery hunting is all about :)
 
sambo. said:
in any case, i know i can consistently hit a golf ball at 20m with a bow.
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Thats really great bow shooting sambo!
I never got near that good... hitting a pie pan consistenly at 40 yards was about as good as I got.
I do have a friend that is very good with a bow. He still shoots almost everyday of the year.
 
In my experience it is of little difference when squirrel hunting. At the ranges one usually hunts squirrels the difference in accuracy between a good bolt action and a good semi is negligible. If you have shot at a squirrel the movement of working a bolt is little more a give away then the gun shot. as for rate of fire, when a squirrel bolts it tends not to go far before it become still relying on camouflage, this lessens the need for a quick second shot. One can also watch wear the squirrel goes then shoot it when it stands still again. I have not seen squirrels in the wild, in a group so big that i need a high rate of fire. this is based on my experience hunting in north and south Ga, thing may very in other part of the country.

all that being said, a bolt action is a great first gun because it's rate of fire reinforces careful aimed fire vs. volume fire. As an adult I prefer a semi because it is more fun to plink with. The 10/22 is a grate semi 22, I have a old marlin that I am also fond of, but I have heard the are some feed problems with the new ones, but I have no first hand knowledge.
 
I use a bolt Remington 721t, a Ruger Mannlicher stocked 10/22, and a Marlin 39 Golden Mountie for squirrels. Each will make honest 50 yard kill shots.
 
dont forget the Henry Lever option, mines a squirrel killin machine. Also have a Savage Bolt action and a 10-22.
 
i have an old 1970 something Marlin semi .22. its been a great gun. dad bought it new and now i use it. i love the 10-22's s well.
 
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