Do I really need a bolt gun?

**Rated21R** · 10-12-10, 10:19

Lately I can't seem to stop browsing for a bolt gun. I have been looking at Savage, Remington, etc. as well as optics and mounts and all that jazz. I live in Utah and should be here for about another year unless Uncle Sam wants me to move earlier than that. Right now it looks as if I am heading to Florida next but that is subject to change too. I have hunted in the past (with older .270) and would love to get back into it. I think I would also enjoy having a bolt gun to take to the range some days. I also just noticed that I can get 0% interest and no payments for 12 months on a Leupold Mark 4 from Cabelas. All these signs...

**HuttoAg96** · 10-12-10, 10:36

I use my marlin bolt .308 for deer hunting. I COULD use my AR to shoot a deer, but to me it doesn't make sense to shoot a deer with a smaller bullet on the lower end of what is acceptable when I can bust him with a big one that leaves a bigger hole and a bigger blood trail. Edit - the concept of the quicker, more humane kill plays in here as well.

If I was going to buy a bolt gun over again, I might get something slightly smaller like a .243 that kicks a bit less than the .308.

**austinN4** · 10-12-10, 10:43

Originally Posted by Rated21R

Do I really need a bolt gun?

Need? I doubt it. Want? That is up to you, but it sounds like you do.

**coyote hunter** · 10-13-10, 10:11

.223 is legal in my state for deer, but not the best choice. If you have the oppertunity to buy a bolt rifle I would say go for it.

As far as cartridge, You can’t go wrong with a 30-06, with all the modern loads you can take down anything in North America. They make reduced factory loads if you don't want to deal with recoil. Versatile and abundant.

Need is based on your personal situation. If you want to hunt, a bolt gun is probably the way to go.

My thoughts, take 'em as you will.

**ehcarl2983** · 10-13-10, 10:27

I don't want to start a whole .223 and deer hunting debate here but...

If you're looking for a hunting rifle, it all depends on where you'll be hunting, and on what type of terrain/vegetation. Where I live, the North Georgia area, the terrain and vegetation do not offer you clear shots at distance. On top of that the deer in my region are smaller than say those in Wisconsin or Iowa. I am 100% confident in shooting a deer with a .223 in this area where most shots will be 60 yds and in.

If you have the chance to hunt area's with longer field's of view I definitely see the case for a larger bullet.

I get the bolt gun fever from time to time now too

it's just down on my list of priorities right now so it'll have to wait. Good luck with your decision!

**jwfuhrman** · 10-13-10, 11:00

I was in the same boat as you when trying to decide if I wanted a bolt gun or not.

Then I shot a Fclass match and then a "Sniper challenge" type match.... week later bought my Rem700 SPS Varmint and a 6.5-20x50 Fullfield II on a Badger 20MOA base and Badger rings..... and now am lookin into stocks and DBM's