Switching from bolt to gas

[MJY65]

As I've become more familiar with AR style carbines, I'm really starting to like the ergonomics and features. That brings me to a point where I'm considering switching from bolt actions to AR style precision rifles. I haven't won the lottery, so keeping everything isn't an option. I'd need to trade my bolts to fund the ARs. I'd be interested in the experience of those who have made the switch. Are you happy with the move? Has anyone switched back because they weren't pleased? I understand that the bolt action may hold a slight edge in accuracy. I guess my goals are more along the lines of consistent 1 MOA hits on steel targets out to 500-600 rather than single hole groups at 100.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

For starters there is no way I'd give up my best bolt gun in place of a semi-auto. They always have their place and purpose. I have and shoot both, and wouldn't give up either for the other.

Starting into shooting ARs for precision isn't hard, but keep in mind they require you to be spot on with the fundamentals, particularly trigger control and follow through. Proper position is also critical for utilizing the semi for what it's best for: rapid follow-up shots. Snap in and dry fire practice definitely helps.

I would suggest starting off with a quality AR15 frame setup first. 5.56 with match ammunition is more than capable of 1moa out to 600yds, and will also help sharpen your wind calling skills while adjusting to the multiple recoil pulses that comes with an AR-xx. You can go to the large frame ARs in a 6/6.5mm setup if you want serious distance and downrange performance along with the better BCs associated with those calibers and velocities, but keep in mind it is MUCH more expensive and harder to get started when staying on a tight budget.

 

[MJY65]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

My present bolt guns are nothing special. Remington 700 VSSF .223 and .308. I wouldn't be giving up a custom rig.

Mike

 

[DT1]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

Almost any properly built big AR platform rifle will meet your accuracy requirements of 1 MOA to 600yds

The biggest difference between bolt and gas rifles, as mentioned by Redmanss, is management of the multiple recoil pulses of the gas gun. It definitely takes practice and it is much more pronounced on an AR-10 vs AR-15 due to the higher mass bolt slamming back and forth.

If ergonomics are what is attracting you to the AR platform, you can get a stock for your bolt rifle that will approximate the feel. I've got one of the JP Enterprises chassis systems and it feels just like an AR-10.

 

[broke_again]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

Get a Mcree chassis for your bolt actions. Then save for a semi-auto. You will regret selling your bolt actions.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

save your coins, keep your bolts and get a semi latter.

 

[MJY65]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

I've actually looked at the JP chassis as a pretty neat option. I guess I wasn't sure that the VSSF actions/barrels I have are worthy of a $1000 stock upgrade. I'm definitely open to suggestions.

Mike

 

[gyz77]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

I have some awesome custom bolt guns, 300wm and 308 made by Robar sr90's and an AWC in 556. All in AICS. Love them. That being said thy are no comparison to my SR25 EMC. Super accurate, 20rd mags. Lightweight as I've added the URX3 rail and very quick. I practice with it!! That's The most important thing!! You have to shoot!! With that said i would never sell the bolt guns but my go to SHTF gun is my SR25. Just my 2 cents!!

 

[sardiniagunner]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

I havent had any top shelf bolt guns just normal stuff like you. I saved and sold for a 7.62 obr and am very happy with it. Hits on 30% steel idpa targets @ 600 are pretty easy. And the ability to watch your splash and immediately follow up with a good shot without working a bolt is a huge advantage in my book.

I have friends running dpms .308s and they shoot good too (Generally sub moa). You could start with one of those for around $1000 and be killing steel and building skill without breaking the bank.

My 2 cents

 

[mkollman74]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

If I had to choose just one long gun to keep in my safe, it would be my 18" OBR. Lucky for me I don't have to choose. Right now I am building a .260 on a Badger action in a Sentinel stock. Barrel will be a 24" AMU contour Obermeyer. It will (no doubt) be a sweet shooter. I love my bolt guns. My heart is with bolt guns. They just seem so... pure...

BUT, the practical side of my brain would dictate that if I had only one long gun, my OBR would be it. Plenty of accuracy and so much more versatile and quick (at least for me). You do have to be 100% spot on with your fundamentals when you shoot any gasser, but practice should take care of that.

Were I you, I would sell my bolt stuff and play with a nice semi-auto. Only you can determine if you like the platform or not. Give it time though, it does not necessarily come naturally. If you find you don't like the gasser, sell it and build the bolt gun of your dreams...

 

[rc512002]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

I have both it's a different type of shooting for me all I can say I would not choose one over the other I would just save up.

 

[kujo929]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

Im in the process of the same thing but it will also be a LE sniper rifle. I was lucky enough to get to shoot several types at a recent class an have ordered a JP. The OBR shot awesome also but the JP has some features the other brands don't have yet.

The comment about fundamentals being key is spot on though. The semi's are not nearly as forgiving as the bolt guns. And they seem to eat up ammo a whole lot faster

 

[MJY65]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

I've also been looking at the JP LRP-07. I'm just stuck trying to decide between the JP and LMT. Given the potential political climate as the year goes on, I don't think I want to save/wait much longer. The 700s may need to go.

 

[dk17hmr]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

I have several AR15s and most are 1moa capable at 600 yards and thats about as far as I shoot them. When I want to go further I get one of my bolt guns out.

I love my AR's and use them from predator, varmint, and big game hunting more than any of my other platforms. But when the shooting is going to be 600 plus I reach for my bolt actions.

 

[kujo929]

Re: Switching from bolt to gas

I know a few guys running the LMT's and they are happy with their choice. I don't know if their is really a bad choice in the high end 308 AR market, just differences.