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What are the pros and cons
Does the AR-15 make a good varmint gun?
- Thread starter Mark M
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Eric300
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I used to have a Remington VSF in .223 (bolt-action) that I used for varmint (coyote) hunting. After a few seasons I decided that I needed a semi-auto due to the advantage of quicker follow-up shots if needed, and although seldom, shots at multiple moving targets.
So, my first (and only) consideration was something in an AR style since I'm very familiar with the manual of arms and maintenance of that particular weapon system. But I didn't want an all-black 'military looking' rifle and I didn't want a carbine length (16" barrel).
This was around the mid-2000's right around the time that ARs were starting to be referred to as an 'MSR' (Modern Sporting Rifle).
After researching what companies like RRA, Bushmaster, Armalite, DPMS, etc., had to offer I ended up buying a Remington R15 VTR Predator rifle in .223 (which was actually made for Remington by Bushmaster). It was one of the few ARs at that time that was offered with a factory camo job. I still use it, and it's been a great, perfectly operating, very accurate rifle. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued but can still be found on websites like Gun Broker.
I did a few 'upgrades'. The stock trigger was replaced with a Timney 3.5# Skeletonized Single-Stage cassette style. And for personal preference I replaced the stock, pistol grip, and trigger guard. Topped it off with a Nikon M223 scope on the M223 one-piece mount.
Without being nit-picky I really can't think of any 'Cons' that would cause me to shy away from or using a semi-auto or AR style rifle for varmint/coyote hunting, just as long as the person operating it knows what he/she is doing.
So, my first (and only) consideration was something in an AR style since I'm very familiar with the manual of arms and maintenance of that particular weapon system. But I didn't want an all-black 'military looking' rifle and I didn't want a carbine length (16" barrel).
This was around the mid-2000's right around the time that ARs were starting to be referred to as an 'MSR' (Modern Sporting Rifle).
After researching what companies like RRA, Bushmaster, Armalite, DPMS, etc., had to offer I ended up buying a Remington R15 VTR Predator rifle in .223 (which was actually made for Remington by Bushmaster). It was one of the few ARs at that time that was offered with a factory camo job. I still use it, and it's been a great, perfectly operating, very accurate rifle. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued but can still be found on websites like Gun Broker.
I did a few 'upgrades'. The stock trigger was replaced with a Timney 3.5# Skeletonized Single-Stage cassette style. And for personal preference I replaced the stock, pistol grip, and trigger guard. Topped it off with a Nikon M223 scope on the M223 one-piece mount.
Without being nit-picky I really can't think of any 'Cons' that would cause me to shy away from or using a semi-auto or AR style rifle for varmint/coyote hunting, just as long as the person operating it knows what he/she is doing.
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I'd say an AR style rifle would be perfect for varmints. in 223/ 5.56 format, there's a wide variety of bullet weights, shapes for varied uses.
If you hand load, the variety of weights increases. If desiring a larger size projectile, an AR in 7.62 X 39 would be another option.
While bullet weight is less variable in this caliber, in the AR format, this caliber is / ( can be ) surprisingly accurate, in my experience.
If you desire using a suppressor, there are 300 Blackout uppers / rifles available that are very popular.
As my experience with AR style rifles has increased, I've become increasingly favorable toward this format.
If you hand load, the variety of weights increases. If desiring a larger size projectile, an AR in 7.62 X 39 would be another option.
While bullet weight is less variable in this caliber, in the AR format, this caliber is / ( can be ) surprisingly accurate, in my experience.
If you desire using a suppressor, there are 300 Blackout uppers / rifles available that are very popular.
As my experience with AR style rifles has increased, I've become increasingly favorable toward this format.
Rotty
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I have been predator hunting for over 20 years and have used both bolts and semis.
I prefer an ar15.
1.i prefer the ergonomics
2. Faster flow up shots without having to lose sight picture.
3. Easier to accessorize.
A Bolt gun takes more work to set up with a rail to mount on a tripod, and to add an aftermarket i.r.
Biggest 2 perks (other than ergonomics which is a preference) of a bolt gun are a slightly better accuracy and reliability.
In terms of accuracy, my ar's will all shoot moa or better, most shoot about half moa, but a good bolt gun with good ammo can do better.
Anything mechanical can fail, most modern ar15's if maintained are pretty reliable, but there is less to go wrong with a bolt gun.
I prefer an ar15.
1.i prefer the ergonomics
2. Faster flow up shots without having to lose sight picture.
3. Easier to accessorize.
A Bolt gun takes more work to set up with a rail to mount on a tripod, and to add an aftermarket i.r.
Biggest 2 perks (other than ergonomics which is a preference) of a bolt gun are a slightly better accuracy and reliability.
In terms of accuracy, my ar's will all shoot moa or better, most shoot about half moa, but a good bolt gun with good ammo can do better.
Anything mechanical can fail, most modern ar15's if maintained are pretty reliable, but there is less to go wrong with a bolt gun.
