Cheapest bolt-action rifle

[1948CJ2A]

I'm not normally one to try and pickup a legitimate bolt-action hunting rifle on a budget for less than $500-600. But I came across a deal I couldn't pass up.

The rifle: 1988 Browning A-bolt chambered in 308 Winchester; wood stock; bolt missing; installed browning scope bases.

Price for the rifle as described: $100

Parts:

• Used Replacement bolt - $67
• Used Redfield 4x scope - $79
• Leather sling & swivels - $35
• Used Scope rings - $20
• Headspacing - free

Total investment (less ammo): $301

Total project time (approx): 18 months

If your patient and you keep an eye out, you can come across deals like this and add another cool rifle to your collection without spending much $.

Here's a pic less the scope, rings, and sling.

 

[Ar180shooter]

I'd have it headspaced to be sure that it's safe to fire.

Other than that, great find. I just bought an A-Bolt. I paid more for it than you did though, lol!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

What did you pay for that stock?

 

[allaroundhunter]

I'd have it headspaced to be sure that it's safe to fire.

He never said that he didn't have it done, he just said that it didn't cost him anything actually get it done.

Vern,

The stock came with the gun for the original $200 price tag.

 

[Reloadron]

Cool, very cool. So by being frugal and exercising patience you got yourself a real nice rifle that will serve you well and provide much enjoyment. Best wishes with that rifle.

So I have a question. Over a good number of years enjoying shooting and guns in general I have seen a good number of bolt guns missing the bolts. Ever wonder where all those bolts have gone?

Ron

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Ah, I mis-interpreted his post -- I thought the stock was one of the missing items.

In any case, that's a great buy.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

So I have a question. Over a good number of years enjoying shooting and guns in general I have seen a good number of bolt guns missing the bolts. Ever wonder where all those bolts have gone?

Hmmmm . . .

The Infantry School at Fort Benning has a massive library with thousands of volumes of British military books. One interesting fact that is on the Northwest Frontier of India, the British lost a lot of rifles -- which were then used against them. So they adopted the practice of removing the bolts at night (except for the troops on guard) and burying them and sleeping over them.

One book -- written by a professional private -- discussed a certain habit the British developed there. In extreme cold, it was hard to get up and answer the call of nature, so some troops simply didn't get up. This was called "Doing a Benny."

I suspect many a Tommy did a Benny and rusted his bolt.

 

[1948CJ2A]

So I have a question. Over a good number of years enjoying shooting and guns in general I have seen a good number of bolt guns missing the bolts. Ever wonder where all those bolts have gone?

The guy I bought it from he picked it up from an elderly woman who's husband had recently passed. It was his rifle. We assume he took it out to clean the rifle or something similar and never got around to putting it back together, but who knows.

 

[reddrumtoo]

One thing that's responsible for rifles with missing bolts is the practice of home owners to remove the bolts & hide them separately from the rifles when they were going on vacation or other trip. The theory being that a burglar wouldn't take an incomplete gun because it wouldn't sell as easily or hock at a pawn shop. Then they would die or develop alzeimers & wouldn't remember where the bolt/bolts were.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

It is a well-known fact that the number one cause of Alzheimers is removing the bolt from your rifle and hiding it.

 

[John3921]

In the late 80's I flew home for an elk hunting trip with my dad and my brother. Of course the airlines managed to loose my rifle. As it turned out, there was a crew working the Salt Lake airport grabbing guns and gear. I really wish I'd have pulled the bolt and stuffed it another piece of luggage. At least the (insert really bad word here) would have had to work for it.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

This is off topic -- but has it occurred to anyone if people can take things out of checked baggage and smuggle them out of the secure area, they can smuggle things into the secure area and put them in the checked baggage?

 

[Armed 24/7]

Vern,
PM me about that. I have some experience in that field.

 

[jmorris]

This is off topic -- but has it occurred to anyone if people can take things out of checked baggage and smuggle them out of the secure area, they can smuggle things into the secure area and put them in the checked baggage?

At the local airport here baggage claim (and check for that matter) are not secure areas, just walk in off the street.