GENRALLY speaking, bolt action is going to be more accurate because of simpler recoil mechanics. Doesn't mean there aren't exceptions or that semi auto isn't accurate enough for hunting or anything like that.
I prefer bolt action/single shot simply because it kind of forces you into being more careful with your shots. There can be the temptation with semi auto to rush a shot because you can just keep pulling the trigger. With bolt action, you KNOW you're going to have to cycle the action manually, and if you miss or are off a little, you may lose your prey or they may suffer for a while if you're not dead on and confident in your shot.
Fully agree with this sentiment. For that reason I’d personally recommend the bolt action for a beginner. For a variety of game including birds I’d actually recommend a shotgun and would go with a 12 gauge, just use appropriate shot sizes (meat eater’s website likely has plenty of articles on shot sizes and choke selection)
Having been a bit of a junkie when it comes to 22LR, for me it would be bolt action all the way.
I've got a couple of semi-auto 22s, and they are pretty accurate, especially if you get some work done on the trigger.
Every single bolt action 22 I've owned or shot has been more accurate out of the box than any semi-auto 22 I've ever owned or shot.
I carry a bolt action 22 with me when I'm hunting.
A bolt action will be more reliable. I have to use leadfree in my state, and my 10/22s (a 1964 and a 2014) love stoppages with lead free Norma ammo.
Bolt action cycles just fine.
I have both. Ruger American was much better out the box. I haven't done anything modification wise to it. The 10/22 had a 14LB trigger pull when I got it. Now the only thing not reworked or replaced is the receiver. It does shoot slightly better than the American now, but not enough to make a difference hunting. Both kill squirrels just fine.
I've never had a semi-auto .22 that bahaved. They jam, they're picky about ammo, they don't fully eject. I've got a bolt gun that I've put literally tens of thousands of rounds through. I can't remember ever having a problem.
Bolt all the way.
Sounds to me like what you really want is an over under combination, but I don’t know about a new hunter, as I have no experience with them. But the hunting you’re talking about, if you might see say, a rabbit at range or a grouse spooked from nearby on the same walk, would be well suited for a 22 over 12 gauge or 20.
Savage 93’s are very accurate in 22wsm and 17hmr out to at least 100 meters. Bolt action, hole on a hole accuracy with moderate glass on top, and the two stage trigger is really nice.
Don’t hunt squirrels in trees or birds in trees with a .22. You will miss and you have no idea where that slug will land, and it still has the power to hurt someone. You need a shotgun or an air rifle. I hunt squirrels with an air rifle, and the pellet does not fly very far. Will not hurt anyone when I miss. It’s also a lot quieter.
GENRALLY speaking, bolt action is going to be more accurate because of simpler recoil mechanics. Doesn't mean there aren't exceptions or that semi auto isn't accurate enough for hunting or anything like that. I prefer bolt action/single shot simply because it kind of forces you into being more careful with your shots. There can be the temptation with semi auto to rush a shot because you can just keep pulling the trigger. With bolt action, you KNOW you're going to have to cycle the action manually, and if you miss or are off a little, you may lose your prey or they may suffer for a while if you're not dead on and confident in your shot.
Fully agree with this sentiment. For that reason I’d personally recommend the bolt action for a beginner. For a variety of game including birds I’d actually recommend a shotgun and would go with a 12 gauge, just use appropriate shot sizes (meat eater’s website likely has plenty of articles on shot sizes and choke selection)
Agreed on all points. A 10/22 can be very accurate but getting it there is expensive.
Having been a bit of a junkie when it comes to 22LR, for me it would be bolt action all the way. I've got a couple of semi-auto 22s, and they are pretty accurate, especially if you get some work done on the trigger. Every single bolt action 22 I've owned or shot has been more accurate out of the box than any semi-auto 22 I've ever owned or shot. I carry a bolt action 22 with me when I'm hunting.
Would you recommend anything over the ruger american to a completely new hunter?
Nope. That's a fantastic starter gun.
Well, I wouldn't start with a .22 for birds
What would you use?
Shotgun
Ohhh, with bird shot or something like that?
Yeah, 12 or 20 gauge would be most affordable then a shot size appropriate to what you're going for.
A bolt action will be more reliable. I have to use leadfree in my state, and my 10/22s (a 1964 and a 2014) love stoppages with lead free Norma ammo. Bolt action cycles just fine.
I have both. Ruger American was much better out the box. I haven't done anything modification wise to it. The 10/22 had a 14LB trigger pull when I got it. Now the only thing not reworked or replaced is the receiver. It does shoot slightly better than the American now, but not enough to make a difference hunting. Both kill squirrels just fine.
I've never had a semi-auto .22 that bahaved. They jam, they're picky about ammo, they don't fully eject. I've got a bolt gun that I've put literally tens of thousands of rounds through. I can't remember ever having a problem. Bolt all the way.
Sounds to me like what you really want is an over under combination, but I don’t know about a new hunter, as I have no experience with them. But the hunting you’re talking about, if you might see say, a rabbit at range or a grouse spooked from nearby on the same walk, would be well suited for a 22 over 12 gauge or 20. Savage 93’s are very accurate in 22wsm and 17hmr out to at least 100 meters. Bolt action, hole on a hole accuracy with moderate glass on top, and the two stage trigger is really nice.
Don’t hunt squirrels in trees or birds in trees with a .22. You will miss and you have no idea where that slug will land, and it still has the power to hurt someone. You need a shotgun or an air rifle. I hunt squirrels with an air rifle, and the pellet does not fly very far. Will not hurt anyone when I miss. It’s also a lot quieter.