Kjay
Member
Looking at my first bolt action rifle buy. The A-Bolt caught my attention. Any opinions? Thanks!
Browning A-Bolt - Opinions?
- Thread starter Kjay
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Brass Balls
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- Oct 24, 2003
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I have a pair of Browning A-Bolt stainless stalkers with the BOSS system. One is chambered for .300 win mag and the other for .270. They both are topped with Leupold variable power scopes and I think that they both are terrific hunting rifles.
I'm a lefty so I've got to admit that the first thing that attracted me to the A-Bolts is that they are available for leftys. That's what got my foot in the door then I found they are well made with good hunting triggers and will shoot 3/4" at 100 yards once I get the BOSS dialed in for a particular load.
Speaking of the BOSS this is a great invention to improve accuracy and is particularly useful for those, like myself, that don't reload. With a regular rifle one reloads or tries different rounds to find one that groups well from their rifle. With the BOSS you buy the rounds that you like then dial in the BOSS to suit that round. This is really practical for the .300 because I switch between three different loads with this rifle. I've recorded the BOSS settings for each load now I just dial that number in when I switch ammo.
I'm a lefty so I've got to admit that the first thing that attracted me to the A-Bolts is that they are available for leftys. That's what got my foot in the door then I found they are well made with good hunting triggers and will shoot 3/4" at 100 yards once I get the BOSS dialed in for a particular load.
Speaking of the BOSS this is a great invention to improve accuracy and is particularly useful for those, like myself, that don't reload. With a regular rifle one reloads or tries different rounds to find one that groups well from their rifle. With the BOSS you buy the rounds that you like then dial in the BOSS to suit that round. This is really practical for the .300 because I switch between three different loads with this rifle. I've recorded the BOSS settings for each load now I just dial that number in when I switch ammo.
achadwick
Member
I really like my A-Bolt Stainless Stalker in .30-06. It's light weight, has a very smooth action, and has a great trigger. However, I reload and I'm not so thrilled with the BOSS that came on the rifle. See my other post a few minutes ago....
I've got an A-Bolt Composite Stalker in .30-06, and I like it a lot. Very smooth and accurate, with a great trigger.
But I've also got a synthetic Rem 700 ADL, which is equally smooth and accurate (though the trigger is not quite as good), and it cost $200 less than the Browning at a close-out sale.
My impression is that both models have received a small amount of criticism for real or imagined shortcomings, as has virtually every other model, but that both will almost certainly serve you very well for many years. Personally, I'm ambivalent about which one I'd select on a given day--I like them both.
So, my point is that I have no problem recommending the Browning, but if money is an issue, which it usually is, I'd also suggest looking at the Rem ADL.
But I've also got a synthetic Rem 700 ADL, which is equally smooth and accurate (though the trigger is not quite as good), and it cost $200 less than the Browning at a close-out sale.
My impression is that both models have received a small amount of criticism for real or imagined shortcomings, as has virtually every other model, but that both will almost certainly serve you very well for many years. Personally, I'm ambivalent about which one I'd select on a given day--I like them both.
So, my point is that I have no problem recommending the Browning, but if money is an issue, which it usually is, I'd also suggest looking at the Rem ADL.
Mine is the SS A-bolt II composite stalker in .338 with BOSS. I like the BOSS because I do not reload at this time and with the BOSS I can easily achieve sub MOA and use the factory ammo of my choice. I did get the CR (conventional recoil) tube for the boss which eliminates the brake but leaves the BOSS system intact - it was too loud with the brake for unprotected ears in the field. Smooth, short bolt throw (60deg). I would like to see one in the new short action cartridges.
Fatelvis
Member
I had an A-bolt hunter in 308. Well worth the money.
I had an A-Bolt Stainless Stalker in 375 H&H. (Now there's a round to plink with.) Gun was smooth, reliable, and accurate. Mine had the BOSS/muzzle brake as well. No complaints. A very nice rifle. I thought that with it's stainless/synthetic/Boss appearance it lacked some of the macho appeal of some other dangerous game rifles, but that's just me. Couldn't beat it for the money. Only reason I got rid of it was that I'd go out and shoot maybe 50 rounds at a time with it and ended up with what I was afraid would be a permanent flinch. The gun went away and eventually so did the flinch.
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