Author Topic: hey guy what do u think about the browning a-bolt (Read 1443 times)

j.trevor123 · « **on:** January 16, 2004, 04:53:39 PM »

Hey guys, i love the way the a-bolt feels in my hands, and like the way it works. But tell me how it shoots and what u think about it??? tnks

wareagleguy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2004, 08:16:58 PM »

J,
I have many and love them all. Here is a list of my Brownings

Abolt - 7-08
Abolt II - 7 mag
Abolt II - 270 WSM
BAR - 308
BLR - 22

I'ts hard to beat a Abolt. Many folks don't care for them but everyone I know loves them. Also look at the TIKKA. You can get one that will shoot just as good if not a little better for about $100.00 less. Go with what feels good to you.

hkg3k · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2004, 04:26:42 AM »

ABolts are quality, solid, accurate guns in my experience. If you like the way the gun fits, then it sounds like you've found your rifle. What use and caliber?

Gregory · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2004, 01:40:06 PM »

I have an ABolt in 25/06 and love it. I'd like to trade my Ruger MkII 300 Win for an Abolt. You'll get used to a 300 Win Mag if you can shoot a 30/06.

PAINLESS · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2004, 03:40:31 AM »

i will list my a-bolt II rifles

300wm composite stalker with boss

love this gun shoots great, not a huge fan of the boss but really helps recoil. topped with leupold 6.5x20x50mm

270wsm composite stalker

this gun is the most accurate of the bunch it regularly out shoots me.
topped with leupold 4.5x14x50mm lr1 30 mm tube

22-250 abolt varmint stalker

this gun is awesome it shoots great and feels great. i put a richards microfit target stock on it and love it. topped with leupold 6x18x40mm vxII

.308 composite stalker

did not like this one when i first got it, sent it to a guy and he worked his magic it shoots better not more accurate but better than any gun i have. what i mean by better is it is very reliable. it shoots great with handloads and factory loads. topped with sightron something or other

i have a few more brownings but will not list them all. i think i have seven in all and everyone has been worth the money. i will buy more as the wife allows. hope this helps

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2004, 04:21:12 AM »

Quote from: j.trevor123

How bad does a .300 mag kick in a a-bolt??

Not much different, if at all, than in any other bolt action rifle.

I own 2 A-Bolts, a .270 and 7mag. I have been told that the older A-Bolts are better than the newer A-Bolt IIs - but I can neither confirm or deny. All I can say is the my A-Bolts are great.

I must also note that my older A-Bolts were made by Browning. Some of you may be surprised, but even though the newer A-Bolt IIs are "Brownings" - they really aren't. Why? Because a French company bought Winchester and Browning. Take a good look at the synthetic stock of a Winchester and Browning - they are the same - or at least to my eyes. On the other hand, my older A-Bolt - purchased in 1989 and 1990, has true synthetic fibers in it - and is a MUCH better stock!

As for the caliber, if you plan on hunting elk, then I would go for the .300 mag over the 7mag.

Zachary

Will_C · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2004, 02:56:36 PM »

I bought a Hunter .243 a year ago. I truly like the rifle. I have shot it 275x, and I can get .5in three shot groups with several different loads. I like it well enough that some day I'll buy another.
Will

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2004, 03:34:33 PM »

It is undoubtedly fine for the once a year recreational deer hunter. The A-Bolt is generally a running joke among serious hunters. It has a multitude of tiny parts, sub assemblies, and pinned peices. It my humble opinion it is an over engineered japenese junk rifle. It is a black eye and an abomination to the John Browning name :oops: . Perhaps the greatest firearms genious of the last century. Compare these rifles to the FN built Browning High Power and Safaris of the 1960s and 1970s. There is simply no comparison. Why consider this over priced japanese junk rifle when there are so many truly superior choices for equal or even less money?

I will say that they are very accurate rifles, no doubt about it. However, accuracy is just one facet of what makes up a serious hunting rifle.

I am sorry if I sound harsh, it is not my nature. I just hate to see a fellow hunter end up with one of these junkers.

hkg3k · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2004, 08:52:54 AM »

HHI #4694,

Stong words indeed.

Browning would not be my 1st personal choice (I have a soft spot for Sako & Winchester), but my experience with Browning Rifles (and other products) is they are quality built, accurate and duty matched for pretty much any hunting situation. I would not hesitate to put another Browning A-bolt in my rack. "Junkers" most certainly they are not.

I am curious though as to what ALL the "facets" of a serious hunting rifle as defined by the "serious hunters?" Reason I ask is because I've been invited to a "serious hunters" club meeting this upcoming week and want to make sure I know all these "facets" so I don't look ignert. :grin: Are there any other running jokes?...........I want to make sure I laugh at the right time. :-)

As for John Moses, I would point out that he never designed a bolt action rifle, but I bet he would be proud of what's being turned out today. AND, in my opinion, all his other creations PALE in comparison to his best work..........1897Digger, BAR, 1917, 1919, and M2HB.

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2004, 09:13:01 AM »

Hgk3,

If you understand very basic bolt action design principles, you would already have your own answer. May I recommend Otteson's or De Haas's books for your education. Simplicity equals reliability, this is a basic engineering truth. The Japenese A-Bolt is among the most complex of bolt action rifles built today.

I am glad that in your experience that Browings are duty built. At one time, I always thought Browning products were really among the best made. You are are very much incorrect if you believe that John Browning would be proud of the this japanese crap rifle! I think he is probably rolling in his grave!

The magazine of SCI called Safari has published several articles on the A-Bolts failing on expensive world class hunts. Most due to the pot metal pieces failing at critical times. This is not rocket science here. Cheesy pot metal pieces do have a tendency to fail.

Contact professional hunter JJ. Hackawitz. He is the moderator of the African forum here, Ask him what he thinks of the Browning A-Bolt. Ask him which bolt action fails the most for his clients?

It is obvious to me that you are a recreational hunter, who owns an A-Bolt. My post offended you and I can understand that fact. This was not my intention. However, my post was absolutely truthful, the A-Bolt is in fact a very poor design.

sabotloader · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2004, 11:39:10 AM »

Gees! I didn't realize my "A-Bolt" was so bad - but you know what i think I'll keep it. It functions and shoots great. It has seen several hunting seasons on it. with rotten weather and cold temps, really cold never failed to delivery. I like the short throwing bolt and the quick action. I have used it for several target shoots using Nosler ballistic tip bullets and it is one accurate animal.

Ya! I think I'll keep it and if I could I would get another..

hkg3k · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2004, 12:16:33 PM »

HHI #4694:

Hgk3,

"If you understand very basic bolt action design principles, you would already have your own answer. May I recommend Otteson's or De Haas's books for your education. "

Am I being "talked down" to here? :grin:

"Simplicity equals reliability, this is a basic engineering truth. The Japenese A-Bolt is among the most complex of bolt action rifles built today. "

A "basic engineering thruth" is simplicity is only one aspect. Design and execution are far more important. The Browning bolt has a couple of guiderails, lots of bolts do including the Sako. A Remmy bolt is simpler than a controlled feed bolt........is it better? Many knowledgeable people say NO.

Heck, it hasn't been that long ago that YOU thought Remmy bolt lugs were WELDED ON for chrissake. Maybe you're not as well-read as you think. :grin:

"I am glad that in your experience that Browings are duty built. At one time, I always thought Browning products were really among the best made."

Thank you and yes, I believe Browning products deliver as much for the money as any product line out there. As I said before, an ABolt would not be my 1st choice, but I would feel completely satisfied putting another in my rack.

"You are are very much incorrect if you believe that John Browning would be proud of the this japanese crap rifle! I think he is probably rolling in his grave!"

Matter of opinion, and since I have intimate knowledge often with a couple of JMB's MGs.........my opinion is right and your's is wrong. :blaster:

"The magazine of SCI called Safari has published several articles on the A-Bolts failing on expensive world class hunts. Most due to the pot metal pieces failing at critical times. This is not rocket science here. Cheesy pot metal pieces do have a tendency to fail."

I won't debate whether or not a Browning rifle has failed in Africa. I'm sure one has, along with COUNTLESS (more and less expensive) others. I don't recall anyone in this thread (including me) proclaiming the ABolt a superior Big Bore rifle. But then, that was never the scope of this thread.

As to cast and plastic parts......tell me which domestic manufacturer doesn't use them to some extent or another.

"Contact professional hunter JJ. Hackawitz. He is the moderator of the African forum here, Ask him what he thinks of the Browning A-Bolt. Ask him which bolt action fails the most for his clients?"

I could, but then the answer would not be germaine to the discussion to this point. j.trevor123, didn't ask what rifle to take to Africa and without benefit of that specific, the prevailing opinion (and the correct one I might add) is that the Browning will serve him well in his hunting locale as well it might you in your Pennsylvania woods.

"It is obvious to me that you are a recreational hunter, who owns an A-Bolt."

Yes, I do not hunt or guide for monetary gain..........But I'm still looking to get into that "Serious Hunters" club. Maybe with your help, I will! :grin:

"My post offended you and I can understand that fact. This was not my intention."

None taken, but your post makes you sound like a 350# tub who sits in front of his computer in his underware pretending to be an expert because he's read a couple of articles and killed a slickhead a couple years ago. I hope that was not your intention. :grin:

"However, my post was absolutely truthful, the A-Bolt is in fact a very poor design."

Schizophrenics are convinced their delusions are reality as well. :grin:

I am sorry if I sound harsh, it is not my nature. :grin:

j.trevor123 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2004, 05:13:07 PM »

so HHI#4694 what rifle would u prefer to be a "good one". Me personally have never owned a a-bolt 2 but have tlked to people who have owned them and so far they like them and havent had problems. :?

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 25, 2004, 12:50:48 PM »

Hgk3,

I will not reply to your childish post. At this point it is obvious that you are clueless on bolt actions. Like any little child incapabable of serious debate, you have resorted to insults. :roll:

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 25, 2004, 01:00:18 PM »

J.Trevor,

It is generally acknowledged that the Winchester model 70 Classic is perhaps the best designed bolt action "hunting rifle" available to the consumer today. Especially if you desired a stainless rifle.

In my experience they will need a trigger and bedding job coming straight out of the box. With a small amount of work you will have a superb hunting rifle, perhaps the most refined Mauser clone ever produced.

If you wanted a blued rifle, then I would strongly consider a pre-64 Winchester model 70 in the caliber of your choice. A FN browning Safari or High Power is another top choice. A pre-1985 Remington 700 is another fine well made rifle.

These are all rifles that are rugged, reliable, made with pride, and it nearly all cases very accurate.

jackD · « **Reply #15 on:** January 25, 2004, 01:21:41 PM »

I currently have 4 browning rifles 7mag composite stalker w/boss, 300mag medallion w/boss, 308 synthetic stalker,270 hunter. I also have remington's , and a tikka and savage.. I have shot all my brownings quite a bit and have never had any problems at all. I have hunted in -48 to 100 degree tempertures and everyone has performed perfectly. I am an expert by no means, but a serious hunter. I think that accuracy is abig deal and they are all very accurate, sub moa factory loads. If the problem with an over engineered design is reliability, I would have to say that it is over engineered correctly.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #16 on:** January 25, 2004, 01:29:14 PM »

Hhhhhmmmm---having owned several examples of all the rifles so far listed.

I'd have to put the A-Bolts just a notch or so below the Sako/Tikka rifles-----Remington/Winchesters are WAY down on my scale.

And I would take a Ruger 77 over them(Rem/Win) too---even though you'll have to spend another $70 or so to put a decent trigger in them.

Remington triggers can be tuned quite nicely---while the Winchester will need a complete replacement also.

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 25, 2004, 01:44:37 PM »

C'mon Omaha, even an amatuer gunsmith will agree that the model 70 trigger system is the finest, most simple, easily adjustable, trigger ever put on any hunting rifle ever made. Your comment on the Winchester trigger is incredible. :eek:

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #18 on:** January 25, 2004, 02:17:31 PM »

Best I could get a Winchester trigger down to was 4lbs---lower than that it became unsafe.

hkg3k · « **Reply #19 on:** January 25, 2004, 05:44:03 PM »

HHI #4694:

Hgk3,

I will not reply to your childish post.

Uh, you started it. :-D

At this point it is obvious that you are clueless on bolt actions.

Clueless? Was I the one who said Remington welded their bolt lugs on? That Browning rifles were JUNK? Sorry, but you sound as though you put your hands on the keyboard and books more so than rifles.......then make a post here with a high brow attitude about being a "serious hunter," and degrading what many experienced users know is a fine rifle.

I also know that while very good, the Winchester trigger is certainly not the "finest." That distinction would go to the Sako trigger which is not only waaay better out of the box, but simpler to adjust and safer.

Like any little child incapabable of serious debate, you have resorted to insults.

My post offended you and I can understand that fact. This was not my intention.

PAINLESS · « **Reply #20 on:** January 26, 2004, 02:44:03 AM »

of all of my rifles the brownings win hands down. i have hunted from alaska to new mexico and have not had the first problems with any of my firearms. i guess that my serious hunting will have to wait untill i get to africa. i have heard that jjhack has seen more failures from a-bolts than any other firearm, do we know how these people were caring for their firearms? that may not even be a factor, don't know was not there. I would like to know how many of the people who are down on the brownings have actually owned and had a problem with them. i think that the reason most people don't like them is that they are not a GUNSMITHS choice to work on. I happen to know a gunsmith that is willing to customize the a-bolt and he seems to think very highly of the rifles. so to all of the people who do not like the a-bolt, FINE we hear you, to those who do, keep shooting great groups with those japanesse junkers. as for me i will keep buying and shooting my browning rifles because that is what i like and what works for me.........

Zachary · « **Reply #21 on:** January 26, 2004, 05:13:47 AM »

hkg3k and HHI #4694,

I have reviewed all of your posts and believe that, while I am a firm believer in freedom of speech, and while some of the content of your posts merit being viewed by our members and guests, I also believe that, overall, your communications at this point would be better served by the use of Private Messages (PMs).

Accordingly, as Moderator of this forum, I request that your communications on this post continue through PMs.

Zachary

HHI #4694 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 26, 2004, 03:53:06 PM »

I agree 100% Zachary. The man is simply throwing insults out. I have nothing else to say to him anyway. I will post nothing else on this particular subject.

brotherinlaw · « **Reply #23 on:** January 27, 2004, 06:40:59 AM »

I own a a-bolt in .308. While I have not been to Africa nor am I a professional hunter or guide, it (the a-bolt) has served me well. I'm not sure what the rifle is supposed to do other than hit the target that I point it at, even with Wal Mart ammunition and in rain or sleet or snow or mud (damn 4 wheelers) etc. I have consistently made shots 300 yrds and under. The only error being mine. I have owned the rifle for six years and while I do not beleive in mistreating a weapon, it is not babied by any means. I hunt with my a-bolt the entire season and I am proud to announce that as of the end of this season NOT ONE SINGLE PART HAS FALLEN OFF. And yes, my freezer is full of venison. To top it off, the rifle did not cost me $1000+. :shock:
Now if you can tell me that you have one that will butcher the deer and package the meet I will consider it. :lol:

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #24 on:** January 29, 2004, 01:45:25 AM »

I have a 270 Browning A-bolt and have to say that I think it is a fine rifle. It has been through many hunting seasons and killed many deer and other critters. I had a problem once where I had shot it so much that the firing pin got filed down so I had it replaced and that is the only problem I have ever had with it. I think that the A-bolt is not quite as accurate as other rifles out there in my opinion, but how close a group do you have to shoot to kill a deer? There are several guys that I bring hunting every year and in the past I have often let them use my A-bolt and no one has complained about it but thought quite the contrary and thought it was a great rifle. My other favorite rifle is my Winchester Custom Classic 264 mag, but if I had a choice I would take the caliber and put it on a A-bolt. Don't get me wrong, I love my winchester, but you just can't beat the action of the A-bolt. It has one of the smoothest actions around and from the first time I pulled that bolt back I was hooked on it, just wish I had it in a 300 WSM lol.