Bolt action or AR 15 for new varmit rifle?
- Thread starter Deerhntr71
- Start date
sneakypete
Veteran member
MtnBuck
Member
For me it depends on the target and distance. Stuff to about PD size to 200-225 ish max, I may try an AR next time I get a new varmint shooting toy. My buddy used one on PD's to about 200 and had a ball, most were 75-150 yard shots. Would be good to have when multiple coyotes come in too.
Smaller targets like sage rats, I want a bolt action for the best accuracy possible, and the same if I am stretching things much past 200 or so. So far all my varmint guns are bolts, except for .22 LR. My favorite is a CZ527 in 221 Rem Fireball. That single set trigger has become my fav on a varmint rifle. Once set, it breaks somewhere between a whisper and a breath, or about 15 oz., I love that thing.
May get another CZ527 for the single set trigger, but a Howa mini-action has been calling my name too. Both are high quality mini actions, which I like for varmint rounds.
Smaller targets like sage rats, I want a bolt action for the best accuracy possible, and the same if I am stretching things much past 200 or so. So far all my varmint guns are bolts, except for .22 LR. My favorite is a CZ527 in 221 Rem Fireball. That single set trigger has become my fav on a varmint rifle. Once set, it breaks somewhere between a whisper and a breath, or about 15 oz., I love that thing.
May get another CZ527 for the single set trigger, but a Howa mini-action has been calling my name too. Both are high quality mini actions, which I like for varmint rounds.
I love my AR for varmint hunting. I've killed many coyote up to about 300 yards and a few bobcat. I use Hornady V-max 55 grain when I'm specifically predator hunting. No foxes near where I live. Plus it's a lot of fun and inexpensive to shoot. I've also killed many hogs with it past 200 yards. My AR has a 20 inch barrel, so I'd say it's more accurate than a lot of AR's. But I rarely get multiple shot opportunities at predators. Large groups of hogs are a blast with it, but hopefully you don't have a hog problem where you live.
NE69
Active Member
I would have said bolt a couple years ago. Now, with the super accurate ar's, I think you need both.
Horsenhike
Very Active Member
Matter of money. Takes way less cash to get an MOA bolt gun these days, but a well built AR is a thing of beauty.
If predators are on the table and shots are generally 250yds or less I'd go AR. It's capable further but starts to drop more and need more time to range and set up a shot. Predators don't always allow that. I'd also go with at least a 20" barrel to keep velocity up. If shots are often past that, I'd go with a bolt gun in 22-250. It has a longer MPBR range and seems to hit hard. 243 is another favorite but I've wrecked a bobcat shooting a bigger varmint bullet from the 243 too.
If you reload you can split the difference like I will once they get the bugs worked out. I will get another upper for my predator AR in 22 Nosler. Having one in 204 Ruger for cats and close to mid-range sets, and one in 22 Nosler for wide open or windy I'll be pretty well set.
If you reload you can split the difference like I will once they get the bugs worked out. I will get another upper for my predator AR in 22 Nosler. Having one in 204 Ruger for cats and close to mid-range sets, and one in 22 Nosler for wide open or windy I'll be pretty well set.
Hilltop
Veteran member
Most of the serious predator guys I know are carrying a bolt in 22-250 or 22 swift and a 3.5" 12 gauge with coyote loads. AR's have come a long ways and I think every guy should have one... just not my choice for dogs due to range limitations.
RICMIC
Veteran member
The latest "Guns & Ammo" mag has a review on the new Savage ARs. Savage seems to have figured out how to make an accurate rife for a reasonable price, and their new ARs can reach MOA for 1K or less.
Horsenhike
Very Active Member
Weight and comfort figure in there as well. For me an accurate AR will be heavier, and for sure less comfortable to carry around.
I used a DPMS Prairie Panther this season quite a bit. It's a lighter AR that still gets under MOA easily with loads it likes now. I say now because I did have the barrel lapped to get this accuracy. I really like the feel of the gun and the MO brush camo. I don't like that it needed help to get under 1.25-1.5 MOA. I'm using a 2.5-10x scope now and feel it could do better with a finer reticle scope with 14x or 16x on the top end.
The custom 204 AR is heavier, it has a 22" HBAR contour barrel. It shoots great but is more to pack.
I have an Eberlestock X3 with the hip belt removed. The scabbard works great for AR rifles and the pack carries the giant Praire Blaster 3 FoxPro I won.
The custom 204 AR is heavier, it has a 22" HBAR contour barrel. It shoots great but is more to pack.
I have an Eberlestock X3 with the hip belt removed. The scabbard works great for AR rifles and the pack carries the giant Praire Blaster 3 FoxPro I won.
HuskyMusky
Veteran member
The correct answer is obviously both! ha ha.
I had a .243 bolt before getting an AR in 5.56/223...
really depends what you're looking to do IMO.
I like the idea of the AR with the chance more than 1 yote comes in at a time... and just fun plinker to have too.
I had a .243 bolt before getting an AR in 5.56/223...
really depends what you're looking to do IMO.
I like the idea of the AR with the chance more than 1 yote comes in at a time... and just fun plinker to have too.
lostriverproductions
Active Member
If you don't have an AR I would go with that. You can build one for less then the over priced name brands out there. Also fast way to have different options in calibers. build you a 24" 223 for varmints, then get you a 6.8 or 6.5 grendal upper, push on two pins and you swap out uppers and your good to go. I have 4 AR's that all have their purpose, and way more rifles that have theirs. I like the versatility that you have with an AR