Thread: First rifle - .22 Bolt vs Semi questions

Originally Posted by Sh3eep

Yeah, planning on heading to NZHA once my license arrives, hopefully it's not too far away. But if you are ever heading out to the range, I would be able to try this under supervision so would be interested in doing this

I'll drop you a line, hopefully might head out one evening next week, have some load development to do.

From the above, looks like you’re sorted. But just to remove any possible lingering doubt, bolt action.

A lot of people that learn using a semi, get a bad habit of starting to line up their second shot before squeezing the trigger on their first shot.

With a semi, if you want to remove a round from the chamber, it’s much harder than with a bolt action. Not hard once you get the hang of it, but a challenge for beginners, you need to pull the bolt back, hold it back against spring pressure, remove the extracted/look in the grass for the ejected round, and push the top round below the bolt as it slides forward so it doesn’t skim a new one from the mag and chamber it ( putting you back at square one ).
With a bolt action, it’s the same, but the bolt won’t be trying to do things you haven’t asked for.

With a bolt action, if you want to hunt with an empty chamber, you can chamber a round much more quietly when the time comes, compared to a semi.

Bolt actions are much easier to clean, semis get powder residue all through the action, and it’s harder to put a patch down the barrel.


I have a semi and a bolt action. I started with the bolt, the semi came 18 years later. I use the semi more often these days, but if it’s still more dispensable for me, than the bolt action.

I started with semi and continued as I was more interested in mass eradication of rabbits. I do own bolts.pumps and levers
If you want to practice precision buy a bolt. If you want to shoot 6 rabbits in quick time get a 10/22. Preferably an older one.

Don’t be shy on spending a bit to get a good rifle. If your keen on shooting and hunting you will use it for the rest of your life. I’m 60 now and still compete in rimfire shoots almost weekly and good gear makes it more enjoyable.


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Old 22s still shoot well too,my Brno model 2 was made in 1963 and still shoots sub moa..2-7 or 3-9 scope is all you ever need on a 22,I have a 10/22 as well which shoots almost as well,more fun than the bolt gun though..burn through a lot of ammo with the semi.

I will put in a plug for those older ones to - yes my 76 Brno mod 2 was a tack holer - the only downside with them is if you want to suppress you need a slip on or dang it cut the barrel back behind the front sight as its sweated on - another is the Remingtons of the sixties and seventies - the bolt action 541 S is a classic and very collectable - the semi auto and pump Remington's from those years are also very good rifles to have - they generally all shoot well - and a genuine Winchester 9422 is collectable but fetch big money now

Originally Posted by Sh3eep

Hi all,

I’m looking at getting my first rifle in .22LR to learn the basics and build confidence. I’m debating between a semi-auto HAMMERLI TAC R1 .22 and a bolt-action Citadel Trakr .22 (18”).

Besides the obvious style and action differences, are there any notable pros and cons between these two options? I’ll mainly be using it for target shooting/hunting rabbits.

Appreciate any advice from those with experience.

@Sh3eep Having looked at the prices for those two you mentioned, if that is about your budget a decent 2nd hand or possibly new CZ / Brno would be in the same price range and well worth looking at.

While it may not be what you are after, I know of an old school Norinco with a wooden stoc for sale soon (As soon as I have time to take it to the range and make sure its one of the better ones...) It has had a bit of (shall we say...) Experience...and could do with a tidy up, but if it shoots as wel as my old one then it will serve you well and the condition will be reflected with the price.

As you have probably picked up, Bolt action would be the best option to start with. You will probably want more later, that is almost a given, but the Norinco I have I got in the early 90s and it still shoots as well as anything else I have ever used, and I have had some really nice ones.

Another vote for bolt action. I own both but it always seems to be the bolt actions that come out. Nothing more annoying if your semi doesnt cycle properly as some of them can be fussy with ammo.

Originally Posted by timattalon

@Sh3eep Having looked at the prices for those two you mentioned, if that is about your budget a decent 2nd hand or possibly new CZ / Brno would be in the same price range and well worth looking at.

While it may not be what you are after, I know of an old school Norinco with a wooden stoc for sale soon (As soon as I have time to take it to the range and make sure its one of the better ones...) It has had a bit of (shall we say...) Experience...and could do with a tidy up, but if it shoots as wel as my old one then it will serve you well and the condition will be reflected with the price.

As you have probably picked up, Bolt action would be the best option to start with. You will probably want more later, that is almost a given, but the Norinco I have I got in the early 90s and it still shoots as well as anything else I have ever used, and I have had some really nice ones.

This could be a good option if you care more about function than form. The Norinco JW15's are kind of a copy of the Brno, not as refined, but can shoot just as well (can be a little hit and miss as to accuracy, but more hit than miss!). The advantage of buying a 2nd hand one here is that in my experience forum members are pretty honest as to what you are getting, no nasty surprises. If Tim says its a shooter, it will be.

Another tick for the CZrinco. I've one here that won't be sold now. Agricultural feel in the action, bolt etc, but is getting better and better with use. Yes I've changed out the mag for a CZ/BRNO one and got a scope worth twice that of rifle, but the more you use it, the more you understand and trust it's capabilities. Get a nice one for show if thats important, but don't overlook the cheapy that you're not afraid to take out in all weathers, scratch and ding. Most accuracy is time behind the butt and lead down the range

Yeah, if you can save a few $$ while still getting a good rifle, put the extra into the optics, won't be regretted.

well many on here are pushing the norincos but for real results at targets you cannot beat pedigree barrel trigger and good optics - and then range time - is a norinco really going to be a target rifle or just a reasonably accurate ( well some of them ) hunting rifle - I would sooner see him go second hand anshutz sako or similar go on guys spend his money

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

well many on here are pushing the norincos but for real results at targets you cannot beat pedigree barrel trigger and good optics - and then range time - is a norinco really going to be a target rifle or just a reasonably accurate ( well some of them ) hunting rifle - I would sooner see him go second hand anshutz sako or similar go on guys spend his money

It's because it's in the same price range as the Citadel Trakr, that the OP has tabled as what he is looking at. Mine shoots well, I know of others that don't. It's luck of the dice buying new, but 2nd hand means you get to see the lie of the dice before putting money down.

@Sh3eep

I had a quick look at those Citadel Trakr. One thing to avoid, if you do buy one of these, is the package deal. The scope/rings/suppressor that come with a package deal will not necessarily be of good quality. It might seem convenient, but that convenience is all you will get, and it will be momentary.

You would be better off to choose a scope and suppressor that you like, rather than be confined to that which someone else has chosen for you.

and scopes on package deals all to often models they cant sell - there was a nice 22 on here recently Wairarapa I think Brno