Author Topic: Bolt Gun or BAR (Read 522 times)

ourabmen · « **on:** January 08, 2004, 01:50:37 PM »

Hello and thanks in advance for your input. For all of the bolt action or die crowd, I appologize for this question. So here it is, I have found a Tikka Whitetail Hunter in 30-06 and was set to buy it. However I went into my local gun shop, and the gent showed me a Browning BAR. I have to admit I was intrigued. I have never owned a semi auto hunting rifle, and have always had bolt action rifles. While in the service years ago I got my fair dose of auto loaders. So what are the negatives about a rifle like the BAR vs. the Tikka.

Again thanks for your input, infinite patience, and your wisdom regarding these maters.

Sincerely,

OUrabmen

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #1 on:** January 08, 2004, 03:13:49 PM »

Only 2 BAR drawbacks that I can think of right away---otherwise sweet rifles.

1.You can't use the higher pressure than standard loads---no Light Magnuns---Fed High Energy---and whatever Winchester is calling theirs.

2.Condensation from a shot in cold weather might cause the action to freeze up.

Thought of another--3. Reloads might not chamber properly---no camming action like a bolt action.

wareagleguy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 08, 2004, 03:41:46 PM »

I have a BAR and a TIKKA. Love both. The BAR is a fine rifle and the TIKKA is very good shooter. I think of each rifle having a different purpose. I hunt mostly with my bolt guns but I grab that BAR when I stalk hunt. I can peel off several shots with the BAR.

I don't know what Omaha is talking about not using magnum or hot loads. I have used light magnums and haven't had any problems. I looked in my documentation and didn't see anything telling me not to use hot loads.

Eagle Eye · « **Reply #3 on:** January 08, 2004, 04:41:14 PM »

The beef I had with my BAR was the weight...I don't like heavy rifles unless they are big magnums. Very cold weather also proved a problem for it.

retiree · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2004, 07:43:19 PM »

ANOTHER item to consider is that (especially in mass produced factory rifles), auto rifles are NOT AS ACCURATE as bolt action ones. Oh!, I know the BAR can be had with a BOSS. But so can the A-Bolt and Winchesters and these will, ON THE AVERAGE, outshoot the BAR. It depends on how good a shot you are and how far a shot you would like to take, as to whether this matters to you. I have TARGET model semi-autos and TARGET grade bolt actions, and over the years I have had MANY. The bolt will always win!

Dogshooter · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2004, 03:37:24 PM »

I have always used Bolts and Single shots exclusively up until the last year or so. I bought a BAR in 270 last fall on a whim and was very impressed with it's accuracy with factory ammo. I got 4 shot groups of just over 1" at 100 yards. Almost as good as my bolts. As for the problems mentioned above about jamming in cold weather......I Killed my elk with it this year. I hunt the late cow hunt in Wyoming and it was below zero. I shot a very large lead cow at about 200 yards. WShe stopped at the first shot but did not fall so I immediately followed up with a second shot and then a third. She fell in her tracks. Upon reaching her, I found three holes about an inch apart. The off side ribs had a hole the size of your fist. If I didn't have any jams at -4 degrees, I don't think you will have any problem either. Just make sure you clean it thoroughly before you take it into a cold climate. As for weight.....It weigs less than my A-Bolt Medallion.

ms · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2004, 04:09:19 PM »

OMAHA is right about no high energy load for auto loader's. Go to federal web sight. :wink: