Culture, Commentary & Rant - Bolt guns are Obsolete

Published on June 2, 2018
Duration: 22:42

This video features InRangeTV's Ian McCollum and Karl Kasarda critically analyzing the combat effectiveness of bolt-action rifles in modern scenarios. They argue that while historically significant and valuable for marksmanship training, bolt-action firearms are largely obsolete for general infantry use due to the overwhelming advantage provided by semi-automatic platforms. The discussion highlights the technological plateaus in firearms development, emphasizing the M1 Garand as a pivotal shift and the inherent limitations of bolt actions under stress and against dynamic targets.

Quick Summary

InRangeTV experts argue that bolt-action rifles are obsolete for modern combat due to their slow follow-up shot capability. While valuable for marksmanship training, semi-automatic firearms like the M1 Garand offer a significant advantage in rate of fire and ease of use under stress, fundamentally changing battlefield dynamics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Vintage Rifles in Modern Matches
  2. 01:10The M1 Garand and the Semi-Auto Leap
  3. 02:00Technological Plateaus in Firearms History
  4. 04:57Debunking the Bolt Gun Combat Fantasy
  5. 06:24Follow-up Shots Under Stress
  6. 08:15The Full-Power Cartridge Debate
  7. 11:10Conclusion: Historical Tools vs. Modern Utility

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bolt-action rifles still relevant for combat?

According to InRangeTV experts, bolt-action rifles are largely considered obsolete for general infantry combat. While valuable for marksmanship training and historical appreciation, their slow follow-up shot capability and operational difficulty under stress make them significantly outclassed by modern semi-automatic firearms.

What made the M1 Garand a significant advancement over bolt-action rifles?

The M1 Garand represented a major technological plateau by introducing reliable semi-automatic fire for infantry. This fundamentally changed combat dynamics, providing a massive force multiplier through faster follow-up shots and sustained fire compared to the manual operation of bolt-action rifles.

Why are follow-up shots crucial in combat scenarios?

Under stress and against moving targets, the ability to make rapid, accurate follow-up shots is critical. Semi-automatic firearms excel at this, allowing for a continuous stream of fire, whereas the manual bolt-action process inherently slows down target engagement and increases the chance of a target moving or returning fire.

Should modern military forces use full-power rifle cartridges?

InRangeTV experts argue against a return to full-power cartridges like 7.62x51mm (.308 Winchester) for general infantry use. They contend that the increased weight and recoil of these rounds diminish soldier survivability and effectiveness compared to intermediate cartridges, which offer a better balance of performance and manageability.

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