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Why did bolt-action rifles remain common for hunting after World War II?

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Semiautomatic pistol — small arm Glock .40-calibre semiautomatic pistol.

Following World War II, bolt-action rifles remained the most common choice for hunting due to their inherent design advantages. These rifles are highly efficient, reliable, and relatively easy to both manufacture and maintain.1

Most bolt-action rifles utilized for this purpose are equipped with box magazines, which allow for quick reloading after each shot, providing a balance of speed and accuracy that hunters value. While semiautomatic rifles gained popularity for hunting in the United States after the war, bolt-action designs have persisted as the standard because they offer a proven, durable platform that is widely available and effective in the field. Additionally, in some countries, the use of semiautomatic rifles for hunting is prohibited by law, further cementing the status of the bolt-action rifle as the primary tool for the sport.1