Tell Me About the Browning A-Bolt

[TenDriver]

I found a food looking A bolt today for less than $500. How are these rifles? I had been toying with selling my 270 for a .30-06 but had dropped the idea til I found this Browning.

Is there anything A Bolt specific I should look for?

 

[bergmen]

Browning A-Bolts are outstanding rifles, extremely well made, accurate and down right purdy.

I have owned an A-Bolt II Medallion for about ten years now and it is easily the most accurate rifle I own (.300 WSM).

If this rifle is in good condition you could do a lot worse.

Dan

 

[greyling22]

I like them. A lot. short throw, smooth action, ergonomic knob, classy lines. It's my favorite action. As far as shooting goes I don't know that they are particularly noteworthy for being accurate or inaccurate. Certainly good enough for deer, maybe not for benchrest competitions.

 

[rbernie]

Very accurate, very light, very well finished, and wonderful in every way except one - the stock doesn't fit me (I need a straight comb and decent drop for offhand shooting) and there isn't much support for them in the aftermarket stock industry.

 

[TBH]

I debated on responding to this.
I had a 300 win mag stainless stalker a bolt. After several years the accuracy went to hell. After much trial and error, I found the stock was soft. If I used a bipod, I would have one POI and group size. If I used sand bags or some other rest the POI and group size would change. 8" @200 yds.
I contacted Browning and explained my issue. Was told to send it in. All I wanted was a new stock. Willing to pay some or all. After several weeks I called. Was told it was all set and ready to ship back. Two more weeks later I called and was told couldn't be fixed. Must be a barrel issue. When I asked them to re barrel, I was told they only deal in barreled actions. I had to fight to get my rifle back.:banghead:
So as much as I love the looks of their Micro Medallions and lever actions, I don't do Browning.
I am not trying to bash, just relate my experience. Good luck with your decision.

 

[watachie]

Browning A Bolt 270wsm

My Browning A Bolt 270wsm is possibly the best allround rifle I've ever owned.
Accuracy check. Feel check. Looks check. Durable check. Can't think of anything bad to say!

 

[beatledog7]

My safe holds two very nice A-Bolt Medallions from the 80s, in 7mm Rem Mag and .257 Roberts. Both wear Bushnell Elite copes and are very accurate. Beautiful wood, deep, glossy bluing. Great rifles!

 

[Tomcat47]

What can you say about an A- Bolt.....

Fathers give the Browning A-Bolt talk way before the Birds and the Bees talk! .....

They are just that important!

 

[adelbridge]

I have a stainless stalker 7mm rem mag BOSS. I love the gun and it shoots quarter sized three shot groups. Damn near perfect adjustable factory trigger. If you are paying under $500 and the gun is in good shape I would say buy it. They are pricey to buy new retail and you can get equal performance for less money from other brands but they do go up in value if maintained through the years.

 

[texgunner]

I have an A-bolt in .243 Winchester. With Federal Premium 85 grain bullets it'll give me three shot groups I can cover with my thumbnail.

 

[TenDriver]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like I need to work a deal.

 

[soloban]

Get it! Great rifle.

 

[TenDriver]

Get it! Great rifle.

Getting it is predicated on me selling my .270. Can't have both, and can't take the chance I'll still have the 270 when the credit card bill comes due.

I'd love to have it though!

 

[DANNY-L]

An all around good looking accurate rifle. Of the 3 I have my 284win gets the most use. My 270win gets out at times also but my 280 medallion is to pretty to take out much,had it out 1 time in the last 14yrs and it shoots crazy accurate. They all do.

 

[CB900F]

Fella's;

The Browning A-bolt is a class act. Stay away from the X-bolt though. Take a good look at the thickness of the wood on an X-bolt's stock in the area of the magazine well. I've seen thicker veneer!

TBH, I've been told by more than one gunsmith that the Browning barrels have an industrial-grade threadlock goo in the action/barrel junction. There's a good chance of stripping the threads if you try to pull the barrel. But other than that, they're a very nice gun. And available in left hand too.

900F

 

[SwampWolf]

In addition to the fact that the A-bolt is a fine bolt-action rifle in every respect, I've always thought that the unique magazine design is a real plus. A detachable clip that allows you to carry a spare in your pocket, yet it can not be inadvertently released and lost. Additionally, you can still load it from the breech if you're so inclined.

 

[9thchild]

My dad has one in .30-06 that I shoot very often. It is amazingly accurate. Just a cheap scope that I don't even know how to use but if I do my part with trigger and breath control she is money every time. It kicks like an absolute mule. I would gladly do 60 rounds out of a Mosin, even the carbines, before doing 20 out of the A-Bolt. A butt pad would probably go a long way.

There are some cons though. To me it seems pretty chunky. Perhaps that is the scope choice, but I've wondered if a polymer stock might lighten it up a bit. I often hear people talk about how pretty they are, but I fancy it a rather bland rifle aesthetically speaking. Whenever it becomes mine I'll probably upgrade the stock or refinish it.

Overall it is an excellent rifle made by a highly respected company. I don't think you could go wrong if the price is right.