Should You Use a Bolt-Action Shotgun to Hunt?
From the 16th-century single-shot black powder "fowling pieces" to today's magazine-fed rapid-fire shotguns, the scattergun remains a favorite among experienced and novice hunters alike.
While most hunters are familiar with the pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns, the bolt action shotgun seems like an iconic throwback to a long-forgotten era.
Should you use it to hunt? Keep reading to learn more about bolt-action shotguns and if they're ideal for hunting!
Understanding How Bolt-Action Shotguns Work
Mossberg created the first bolt-action shotgun in 1932. The model G4 was a single-shot, bolt-action shotgun chambered for .410 bore.
Bolt-action shotguns work by manually cycling the bolt with an attached handle. However, technically, all shotguns have a bolt, excluding break-action shotguns, like over/under and side-by-side shotguns.
Specific to "bolt action" shotguns, the bolt blocks the barrel chamber's rear opening while the cartridge propellant burns. Once the round is fired, the bolt moves back to eject the spent cartridge and forward to load a new cartridge.
Compare that action to other types of shotguns. A pump-action shotgun's bolt is cycled by sliding the forestock backward to eject the round and then forward to load a new round, locking the bolt in place. A semi-automatic uses gas from the fired cartridge to cycle the bolt.
What Are the Advantages of Bolt Action Shotguns for Hunting?
The bolt-action shotgun's fewer moving parts translates to improved accuracy, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
Many hunters prefer the bolt action for good reasons, including:
- Accuracy: Bolt-action shotguns are often more accurate thanks to their solid lock-up and rigid design. In contrast, the bolt on a semi-auto will typically begin to move shortly before the shot leaves the barrel, creating inconsistent pressures and velocities.
- Reliability: Fewer moving parts translate to less wear and tear. Mitigating the risk of mechanical failure makes bolt-action shotguns highly reliable in the field.
- Simplicity: Bolt-action shotguns can be field stripped in seconds, making them easier to clean and maintain. A bolt's minimalist design also makes it simpler to troubleshoot problems in the field.
- Power: Since the bolt is locked during the firing process and can't be pushed back by the gas, all gas from the cartridge is used to propel the wad or slug through the barrel.
As you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to choose a bolt-action, depending on the game you hunt!
When Should You Use a Bolt-Action?
While not as popular as other shotguns, the bolt-action has been a dependable hunting firearm for nearly 100 years.
When could you consider this shotgun for your hunt? The bolt action is ideal for several situations, including:
- Hunting Big Game: Since many modern bolt-action shotguns can handle magnum buckshot loads, they are effective weapons for deer and other large game where rifle hunting is prohibited.
- Slug Hunting: Some modern bolt-action shotguns have rifled barrels to improve accuracy at longer distances (up to 150 yards), making them ideal for slug and sabot rounds
- Hunting in Heavy Cover: A bolt-action shotgun's simplicity and overall reliability give it a distinct advantage when traversing dense, rugged terrain. Branches have a knack for catching semi-auto bolt handles and pump-action forestocks and moving the bolt slightly out of the battery, preventing them from firing.
If you've never tried it before, consider a bolt-action shotgun for your next whitetail hunt.
Limitations to Consider
While it has many positive aspects, as with any firearm or bow, there are limitations to consider with the bolt-action shotgun.
Before you decide to hunt with a bolt-action shotgun, you should have a clear understanding of the weapon's shortcomings.
Slow Rate of Fire
The bolt-action's slower reload time compared to a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun means follow-up shots will not be a realistic option in the field. So, if you need to fire off multiple rounds quickly, this shotgun isn't ideal.
Minimal Capacity
Many older bolt-action shotguns are single-shots, which limits their effectiveness in the field. Fortunately, some modern models have magazines that hold two rounds, making them comparable to the capacity of pump and semi-auto hunting shotguns.
Lack of Versatility
Slower reloading and fewer rounds make the bolt-action shotgun less desirable for small game and bird hunting, where rapid and multiple shots are often necessary. While it certainly has its place in hunting, it's not as "multi-use" as other firearms.
Comparing Bolt Action to Other Shotguns
Knowing how a bolt-action shotgun stacks up against pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns will help you make the right choice for your next hunting trip.
Pump-Action Shotguns
These firearms are highly versatile for a variety of hunting scenarios. The felt recoil is similar to that of a bolt action, but the rate of fire is faster.
Accuracy will be similar when using birdshot, but the bolt-action's locked bolt gives it a slight edge in accuracy when using slugs.
Semi-Automatic Shotguns
Hunters favor semi-automatic shotguns for their rapid rate of fire and less felt recoil. However, semi-autos can be finicky in the field. They will malfunction on certain ammo types and may not cycle if not properly maintained.
Practical Tips for Using Bolt Action Shotguns
Here are some valuable tips to ensure your bolt-action shotgun performs effectively and reliably in the field.
Choose the Right Ammunition
Always match your ammo to the specs stamped on the barrel and game you're hunting.
Use slugs or buckshot for large game and birdshot for upland and waterfowl hunts. Follow your state's regulations for legal shot size and lead restrictions.
Maintain Your Shotgun
Properly maintaining your bolt-action shotgun ensures its reliability in the field.
Field strip and clean your shotgun per the manufacturer's instructions. Pay close attention to the chamber and bolt, as this is where debris and carbon deposits can build up.
Practice Your Shots
Developing accuracy and proficiency with handling your shotgun takes time.
Spend time at the range patterning your bolt-action shotgun to learn how different ammunition works at various ranges. Then, try your hand at sporting clays since they can closely mimic game movement patterns.
Also, practice different shooting positions to build muscle memory and confidence.
How to Stay Safe When Using Your Shotgun
Safety is paramount when taking the field with a loaded weapon. When handling your bolt-action shotgun, always follow these four firearm safety rules.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Identify your target and know what is in front of, behind, and around it.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sight or front bead is on the target.
No matter which firearm you use, safety must be a priority for every hunt.
Learn More About Firearm Safety With ilearntohunt
Despite their limitations, bolt-action shotguns offer a blend of simplicity, accuracy, and reliability that makes them ideal for hunters. By understanding the bolt-action's strengths and the hunting scenarios it excels in, you can confidently take your bolt-action shotgun to the field and have a successful hunt.
Remember: Improving your weapon handling, safety, and outdoor skills as a hunter never ends. We want every hunter to return safely from every hunt and enjoy more successful harvests! That's why we offer online, interactive hunter safety courses in a game-like format to help hunters learn (and apply) hunting safety essentials every time they are in the field.
Whether you're considering a bolt action shotgun, another firearm, or a bow for your next hunt, a course through ilearntohunt helps you stay safe and protect others when hunting. Our courses also meet state requirements for hunter education.
So, before your next hunt, choose the course for your state to get the training you need to become a more skilled and effective hunter.
