Bolt Action Rifles vs. AR-Style Rifles: Which is Really More Accurate?

Bolt Action Rifles vs. AR-Style Rifles: Which is Really More Accurate?

In the diverse world of firearms, one debate continues to spark interest among shooters of all types: Are bolt action rifles inherently more accurate than AR-style rifles? This question has long been a topic of discussion among hunters, competitive shooters, and military personnel alike. But the answer isn't as simple as it might seem. While both platforms offer their own distinct advantages, the ultimate question of accuracy comes down to several critical factors, including barrel design, shooting mechanics, and intended use.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the accuracy of bolt action rifles versus AR-style rifles (ArmaLite Rifle platforms), examining how each performs under various conditions. We’ll also highlight some specific models that showcase the strengths and weaknesses of each platform.

1. Understanding the Mechanics: Bolt Action vs. AR-Style Rifles

To truly understand why many believe bolt action rifles to be more accurate than AR-style rifles, it's important to first break down the mechanical differences between the two.

Bolt Action Rifles
A bolt action rifle operates by manually opening and closing the action with a handle, which cocks the firing mechanism and loads the next round. This manual process creates fewer moving parts during the firing process, resulting in reduced vibrations and more consistent shot placement. Popular models like the Remington 700 or the Savage 110 are known for their precision and reliability, making them a favorite among long-range hunters and precision shooters.

AR-Style Rifles
AR-style rifles, on the other hand, utilize a gas-operated, semi-automatic system. When a round is fired, the gas from the propellant is used to cycle the action, ejecting the spent case and chambering a new round. This process introduces additional moving parts, including the bolt carrier group, which can theoretically affect accuracy. The Daniel Defense DDM4 and Smith & Wesson M&P15 are popular AR models renowned for their versatility in both tactical and sporting applications.

2. Precision Shooting: Why Bolt Action Rifles Have an Edge

When it comes to precision shooting—especially at long distances—bolt action rifles tend to have the upper hand. This is primarily due to two factors: mechanical simplicity and the solid lock-up provided by the bolt action.

• Fewer Moving Parts: Bolt action rifles feature fewer moving components than their AR-style counterparts, meaning there is less that can go wrong during the firing process. Fewer moving parts lead to reduced vibration and disturbance at the moment the round leaves the barrel, allowing for more consistent shot placement.
• Tighter Lock-Up: In a bolt action rifle, the shooter manually closes the bolt into the chamber, creating a tighter and more secure lock-up compared to the semi-automatic cycling of an AR-style rifle. This tighter lock-up helps ensure that the round is seated in the same position for each shot, further improving accuracy.

For shooters focused on extreme precision, bolt action rifles like the Bergara B-14 HMR or the Tikka T3x TAC A1 offer an unmatched level of control and reliability, making them favorites for long-range competitions.

3. AR-Style Rifles: The Case for Versatility and Speed

While bolt action rifles may have the edge in raw accuracy, AR-style rifles offer versatility and rapid follow-up shots, making them a preferred choice for many shooters.

• Semi-Automatic Advantage: AR-style rifles are designed to fire multiple rounds quickly without the need to manually operate a bolt between each shot. This semi-automatic capability makes them ideal for tactical situations, competitive shooting, or even hunting where follow-up shots may be necessary. The Aero Precision M4E1 and Bravo Company Manufacturing (BCM) RECCE-16 are excellent examples of AR-style rifles that maintain a balance between accuracy and firepower.
• Modular Design: One of the defining features of the AR platform is its modularity. Shooters can easily swap out barrels, stocks, optics, and triggers to optimize their rifle for specific tasks. Want to improve accuracy? You can outfit your AR with a match-grade barrel and a precision trigger system. For example, Geissele offers high-quality triggers that can dramatically improve your AR’s accuracy, while Wilson Combat produces match-grade barrels that offer pinpoint precision.
• Close-to-Mid-Range Precision: While ARs may not be the first choice for ultra-long-range shooting, they can still be highly accurate at close to mid-range distances (100 to 400 yards). With the right build and ammunition, an AR-style rifle like the Ruger AR-556 can hold its own against many bolt action rifles in practical accuracy, especially in real-world scenarios where rapid engagement and multiple targets are a factor.

4. Barrel Length and Design: How They Affect Accuracy

Another key consideration in the bolt action vs. AR accuracy debate is barrel length and design. Generally, longer barrels provide greater accuracy due to the increased velocity and stability of the bullet as it travels down the barrel.

• Bolt Action Rifle Barrels: Many precision bolt action rifles come with long, heavy barrels—often 24 inches or more. The additional weight and length contribute to accuracy by reducing barrel whip and allowing the bullet to achieve higher velocity. Rifles like the Ruger Precision Rifle and Christensen Arms MPR take full advantage of long barrels and heavy contours to maintain sub-MOA accuracy even at extended ranges.
• AR-Style Rifle Barrels: ARs typically come with shorter barrels, especially in carbine-length configurations (16 inches), though longer barrels are available for precision-oriented builds. A precision AR with an 18- or 20-inch barrel, such as the LMT MWS or LaRue Tactical OBR, can reach impressive accuracy levels, but it may still fall short of bolt action rifles at extreme ranges due to inherent design limitations like barrel harmonics and gas system interference.

5. Ammunition: The Silent Factor in Accuracy

Regardless of the platform, ammunition plays a critical role in accuracy. While bolt action rifles are generally more forgiving when it comes to ammunition quality, AR-style rifles often require higher-grade ammo to achieve peak accuracy.

• Match-Grade Ammunition: Bolt action rifles frequently see better results with factory or hand-loaded match-grade ammunition, like Hornady Match or Federal Gold Medal rounds. These rounds are specifically designed for precision and consistency, making them ideal for long-range target shooting.
• AR Ammunition: For AR-style rifles, the type of ammunition can drastically impact accuracy. Heavier bullets, such as 69-grain or 77-grain, are often used for long-range shooting with ARs, especially in a 1:7 or 1:8 twist rate barrel. Black Hills Ammunition and Federal Premium Tactical are commonly used brands among AR shooters seeking to push the platform to its limits.

6. Practical Accuracy: Real-World Scenarios

In controlled environments like a benchrest competition, a bolt action rifle is likely to outperform an AR in terms of pure accuracy. However, in practical, real-world scenarios, the gap between the two platforms narrows.

For example, when hunting, the versatility and quick follow-up shots of an AR may outweigh the minute accuracy advantage of a bolt action rifle. Likewise, in tactical or self-defense situations, the speed and adaptability of an AR can be crucial, and accuracy at extended ranges may not be as critical.

7. So, Which is More Accurate?

Ultimately, the question of whether bolt action rifles are more accurate than AR-style rifles boils down to the intended use and shooting environment. For precision shooting at long distances, bolt action rifles generally hold the edge due to their mechanical simplicity, tighter lock-up, and reduced moving parts. However, AR-style rifles offer impressive accuracy within their design limitations and excel in situations where speed and versatility are paramount.

For the average shooter, the difference in accuracy between a high-quality bolt action rifle and a precision-built AR may be negligible, particularly at typical shooting distances (under 500 yards). The key is choosing the right tool for the job, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, and tailoring your setup to meet your specific shooting needs.

Both bolt action rifles and AR-style rifles have their place in the world of firearms, and both can offer outstanding accuracy when used correctly. Whether you're a long-range marksman or a tactical shooter, the right rifle for you depends on your needs and the situations you find yourself in.

Shop for Bolt Action and AR-Style Rifles at Brownells.com.