Semi-automatic rifles have gained a bad reputation in some circles - mainly through ignorance - but autos have a valid place in the hunting world, and are much faster and easier to use than other types of rifles. I spent my first twenty years of deer hunting using a semi-auto, and in doing so I learned just how good and dependable an automatic deer rifle can be. The reduced recoil helps, too!
This little gem tops my list because I used it almost exclusively as my deer hunting rifle for about two decades. Although this model is no longer being manufactured, I just had to include it because of my long and pleasant history with this rifle. With its handy carbine length and the hard-hitting 44 Rem Mag cartridge, this is an excellent gun for brush use at ranges out to 100 yards or so.
Remington semi-autos are probably the most popular big game rifles of their kind. Long the most affordable auto deer rifle, they have held their ground through various Models such as the 74, 740, and 742. While I'm not a big fan of Remington autoloaders, a lot of hunters are, and they have taken a lot of game over the years. The Model 7400 is available in calibers from 243 through 30-06.
Since its introduction in 1967, the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) has set the standard for autoloading centerfire hunting rifles. Known for excellent accuracy and dependability, the BAR also lives up to Browning's reputation for high quality and usability. For decades, it was the only commercial auto chambered for magnum cartridges. The BAR is available in calibers from 243 through 338 Win Mag.
When Ruger discontinued the Model 44 in 1986, it left a vacuum in the rifle world. No rifle compared with the Model 44 Carbine as a fast, hard-hitting brush gun. Fourteen years later, Ruger again produced a semi-auto carbine in 44 Rem Mag, though of an entirely new design. Similar in looks and size, the action is different and not as scope-friendly, but it will hit 'em just as hard.
The Benelli R1 semi-automatic rifle was introduced in 2003. Obviously it doesn't yet have much a reputation of any kind, but Benelli is a respected name, well-known for their excellent autoloading shotguns. Initial reviews of this odd-looking rifle sound promising. The R1 is available in 30-06 and 300 Win Mag.
