Browning A-Bolt

[9thchild]

Pulled out my dad's 30-06 from storage and would like to know more about it. Plan on taking it to the range asap to see how it shoots. I know it is an "A-Bolt" but there are no other identifying marks besides the serial number. I believe it was purchased some time in the mid to late 90s.

I know Brownings are quality, but just how nice is this rifle? It is in excellent condition and seems to be functioning properly. How much could it be worth?

Any information about these rifles would be appreciated.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Made in Japan by Miroku. Probably worth about $500-$600

 

[powder]

You will not be disappointed. There are a few differeing levels of grade on the A-Bolts-it appears that you may have one of the high grade Medallions. Get a current gun "Blue book" for accurate valuation. I just buy the A-bolts, I do NOT sell them.

 

[Al Thompson]

I've seen quite a few fired and they all seem to shoot well. Looks like you've got your long range rifle category filled.

What brand is that scope?

 

[bergmen]

That appears to be a "Hunter" grade rather than "Medallion". I have an A-Bolt II Medallion and it is by far the most accurate rifle I own (.300 WSM and three hole groups that can be covered by a quarter).

Here is a picture of a Medallion grade:

Dan

 

[9thchild]

Not quite yet Al. My Dad let me take it home to clean and shoot, but it is still his. However, I also pulled out my grandfather's Ithaca M-37 12 Gauge and he's letting me keep that one!

I can't tell any difference between the picture of the medallion and whatever rifle I have. I'm pretty sure the medallions are more like $1K instead of $500-$600 and I highly doubt my grandpa dropped a grand on a hunting rifle (it was originally his). Therefore it probably is the hunter model.

Is there any way I can use the serial number to figure out exactly what it is?

 

[bergmen]

Medallions have rosewood endcaps at the end of the forestock and pistol grip and the stock and blued metal have a high gloss finish. They also have engraving on the receiver and the word "Medallion" inscribed on the left surface of the receiver.

Hunters have a matte (or semi-gloss) finished stock and matte finished blued metal.

The differences are in appearance only, function is identical.

Dan

 

[Texaszach]

My a bolt looks similar but has the matte finish action/barrel with the high gloss stock.
It is definitely the beaut of my gun cabinet.

 

[Al Thompson]

Gotcha.

My Dad let me take it home to clean and shoot, but it is still his.

Hopefully for many more years.

 

[9thchild]

Indeed Al.

Thanks Dan, definitely not a Medallion but I am still stoked.

 

[adelbridge]

I have three and consider the A-Bolt to be the best production gun made. I have had Kimbers, Tikka's 700's 70's and for the money the A-bolt wins hands down. It looks like yours is the first gen.

 

[9thchild]

The scope is a Bushnell Sportview, Al. Is that any good?

 

[Kachok]

No issues with my A-bolt, but it is not as refined as some of my other rifles either. The bolt feels like it is rubbing the whole way down, cycling the bolt hardly drops brass out of the action, and the firing pin feels much slower then my other rifles. My Browning is the lightest and shortest of all my rifles so it has earned it's place in my gun safe even if it lacks the refinement of my Finnish or American made rifles. Not my first recommendation in bolt guns, but not one that advise people against either.