So I am saving to buy a rifle. I have had my sights dead set on a Savage .308 blued, walnut, left handed. Until I read about the Browning a bolt micro. I saw a left handed one on gunbroker and really like the idea of it. I.E it looks good on paper. I am only 5'4" so a smaller rifle is preffered and being walnut and blued makes me very happy. I had been considering a Savage youth model leftie but they don't come in blued walnut. So who has an a bolt and what do you think? Is it worth the extra money over the savage?
Browning a bolt opinions
- Thread starter Dambugg
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Snakum
Member
I don't own either, but among friends who have bought A-Bolts or who have worked up loads for others' none would shoot worth crap. Even with handloads the best anyone ever got out of one was the rare 2" group. With factory loads that doubled for every one of them. I've heard the X-Bolt is a whole different can o' worms, but I honestly haven't heard of or seen an A-Bolt that will group even to decent hunting accuracy with factory ammo.
While even the cheapest Savage/Stevens is likely going to shoot 1" with good factory ammo right off the shelf, and there are aftermarket products galore to change barrels, calibers (bolt heads and barrels), tactical and varmint stocks, etc. And they're very nicely priced, too. You could always cut down a model 14 leftie. I've seen a couple of those at GanderPriceland. Not too bad, really. I like a lefty bolt, myself (like working the bolt with my non-firing hand) and almost bought it in .308.
While even the cheapest Savage/Stevens is likely going to shoot 1" with good factory ammo right off the shelf, and there are aftermarket products galore to change barrels, calibers (bolt heads and barrels), tactical and varmint stocks, etc. And they're very nicely priced, too. You could always cut down a model 14 leftie. I've seen a couple of those at GanderPriceland. Not too bad, really. I like a lefty bolt, myself (like working the bolt with my non-firing hand) and almost bought it in .308.
What I have experienced with my A-bolt (.243) and others who have A-bolts, and what I have read about A-bolts reputation over the years is exactly the opposite of Snakum's statement (no offense intended
). My understanding has always been that A-bolts have excellent accuracy out of the box. My A-bolt has excellent accuracy, with loads 58gr up to 100gr it shoots MOA to sub-MOA. I have no experience with the micro version, however.
). My understanding has always been that A-bolts have excellent accuracy out of the box. My A-bolt has excellent accuracy, with loads 58gr up to 100gr it shoots MOA to sub-MOA. I have no experience with the micro version, however.
DeepSouth
Random Guy
I own an A Bolt and it shoots much better than I can, I have never even heard of a inaccurate A Bolt from anyone who owns one. I would put the extra cash into the Browning.
I have no experience with a Savage.
I have no experience with a Savage.
dubbleA
Member
Having both I would opt for the Browning over the Savage. Mine is a micro medalion in 22-250 with 20 " bbl and handles and shoots wonderfully.
hometheaterman
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I think your friends must have all gotten bad ones either that or they can't shoot very well. The A Bolts are known for having amazing accuracy right out of the box. I wouldn't hesitate to get one.
I really like Browning but Savage is also one of my favorite manufacturers. They also make amazing rifles at great prices. Usually they are cheaper than Brownings. Just depends on what you want. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
The only thing I think I'd stay away from is Remington unless you find an older one made quite a few years ago. I wouldn't want a new one of any kind. I wouldn't pass up a deal on an older model 700 though as they are also good guns.
JimKirk
Member
Of the five people that I know personally that own Browning A-Bolts, say that their A-Bolts are very accurate. Make that six because I have a 25/06 A-Bolt that is very accurate, light and just plain good handling.
Jimmy K
Jimmy K
Hopefully I can find a dealer that has an a bolt so I can play around with it. Hometheatreman, I just sold my Rem 700 SPS in .308 because I was not happy with it. So this rifle will be replacing it. Thanks again for all the info guys as I said before I really hope to handle an A bolt micro so I can judge the feel. I love the feel of the savage 11's and 110's I've handled, but having a blued/walnut gun that's built for short guys like me makes me salivate.
Uncle Mike
Member
?????
The A-Bolts do pretty good in the accuracy department. If you can get by the euro look, you'll be pleased with it more than likely.
Uncle mike, the a bolt that I am looking at is the a bolt MICRO. It is a 20" barrel and Browning advertises this version as being designed for smaller people. I.E women, teenagers and me at 5'4". I can find no one else that currently produces a youth model left handed with a blued action and walnut stock. I could cut down a regular stock but it would not have the short trigger relief.
Olympus
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I don't see as much of a Euro look in the A-Bolt as I do in the newer X-Bolt. But I shoot an A-Bolt in .270 and my old man shoots the same caliber in an A-Bolt Medallion. It's both our "go-to" guns. We both have great success and accurracy results with ours.
Snakum
Member
Like I said, I don't own either one (Savage or Browning), but I'm generally a Browning/Winchester fan (I own two Winnies). All I know is what I saw and was told. Could be they had the rare lemon from Browning. Both were .243 if I remember correctly.
Uncle Mike
Member
okeee dokey.... I didn't know what you meant.
The A-Bolt will do good for you. Not my cup of tea, being imported and all, but they shoot fairly well, so tells the clientele.
The one I had for sometime shot....good, if fed the right ammunition, but nowhere close to the Savages, or old Remingtons that it shared responsibility with.
Now, they sit quietly, while the custom and poor boy (semi) custom stuff get all the play!
K-Dirt
Member
I have an A-bolt and love it. The only gun I have that out-shoots it is my Savage.
Leaky Waders
Member
I have an a-bolt with some pics posted in this thread
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=32361
I think you can't go wrong with the a-bolt or the Savage. But, take a look at the new model 70's too - they are pretty sweet.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=32361
I think you can't go wrong with the a-bolt or the Savage. But, take a look at the new model 70's too - they are pretty sweet.
Maverick223
Member
I had a A-bolt II and it was a fantastic rifle, easily holding MOA with factory loaded cartridges (I never loaded for it), would still have it if I didn't choose such a horrific chambering (.270WSM). FWIW, I am not a big fan of the new X-Bolt as they don't seem to fit me or my taste as well as the A-Bolt.
double bogey
Member
My best friend has a stainless "greywolf" a-bolt in 300 win mag with BOSS, shoots 1/2" at 100 yds. I have a stainless synthethic in 300 win mag without a boss and shoots 1.25" at 100 yds. Both with hornady factory ammo. Both came with 34 oz. triggers. Mine has a floated barrel, I need to experiment with some pressure on it and I bet I can get it below 1". These rifles are 10 years old, for 300's we think they are fairly accurate.
I have both A-Bolts and Savages (I'm lefty too) and either will do well. The Micros do win in the looks department. Beautiful rifles! Savage has one advantage that I really like and that is the ability to quickly and easily swap barrels/calibers.
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