Author Topic: How 'bout them A-bolts? (Read 1142 times)

The Sodbuster · « **on:** May 26, 2005, 01:14:25 PM »

I saw on their web site recently where Browning's A-Bolt Hunter is now available in .25 WSSM in left-hand. I've never owned or shot an a-bolt and was curious what others' opinions of them were. Gun Tests magazine had a review of one not too long ago and didn't think real highly of it. I've passed that issue on to another shooter and I don't recall the details.

DaddyPaul · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2005, 02:31:57 PM »

I have personally owned 4 in my life, (2) .270s, a .300 Win Mag and a 7mm Rem Mag. I never had a single problem with any of them and they all were very accurate. I also have three buds that all hunt with them and theirs all shoot nicely as well. I am looking at that same gun (.25 WSSM). Buy one and tell me how you like it! :wink:

foto · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2005, 04:52:30 PM »

Got a A-bolt in .243. Very accurate, works perfectly, nicely finished, looks good, never heard anyone I know complain about them. What more could you want?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2005, 12:45:51 AM »

I have an A-bolt in .243 also. Great shooting gun.

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2005, 12:56:20 AM »

I have two brownings, one in .270 and the other in 7mm Rem Mag, and both are the original A-Bolts, not the newer A-Bolt IIs. I have heard from gunsmiths that the older A-Bolts are better. Why? I don't know. Some people in general say that the brownings are "over engineered" with too many parts, yet I too have never had any problems with them I purchased them back in 1989 and 1990. As far as accuracy is concerned, my .270 shoots 1/4" groups at 100 yards and I once had a shooter next to me at the range in Houston offer me $2,000 for the gun including scope (a then Pre-Monarch in 3.5x-10x-50mm). Needless to say, I didn't sell my gun. :grin:

I can't speak for the newer A-Bolt IIs given that I don't have any experience with them, but if they are half as good as the originals, then they are still good guns. :wink:

Zachary

deerman12 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2005, 06:28:47 AM »

I had a Browning a-bolt in 300 Mag. with the BOSS. The rifle shot very accurate. I traded because with the muzzle brake it seemed very long and of course loud as hell. I always loved the way the magazine folds out to load. I wish others would catch on to that. I would not hesitate to buy another if I found a bargain.

lgall · « **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2005, 12:45:39 PM »

I have an older A-bolt that I bought used. I have not had a lot of time to shoot it, but so far I am impressed. I like the fold out magazine as well as the bolt throw on it. Mine is a 30-06 with a 2-7 VXII with a camo laminated stock and timney spring kit installed. The spring kit is very easy to install in about 5 minutes and gives you the choice of 2 or 3lb springs. I would not hestitate to buy another one if given the opportunity.

wijim · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2005, 12:34:23 PM »

i love my a-bolt...in 7mm rem mag. no muzzle brake....kicks a little but not bad. it kills things very well. i would buy it again in a heart beat. a friend got the whit gold medalion a-bolt in 300 wsm....he is an incredible marksman....and the a-bolt he has doesnt hurt his ability one bit. i just couldnt own a gun as purdy as his though...its like a piece of furniture...lol

Butler · « **Reply #8 on:** June 04, 2005, 09:41:14 AM »

I have an original a-bolt in 30/06 that I bought in 91 or 92.Nice rifle.Kicks a bit hard for an /06 but not bad.Only problem i ever had was the bottom of the mag spring had thye rivet break one time when i had it apart and twisted it, put a little scre in with some locktite and no more problems..Shoots the nicest groups out of a hunting rifle i have ever seen.After hunting with my cz 550 this past fall and spring I appreciate the detachable mag in the browning even more..Damned smooth bolt and a nice crisp trigger as well..Mine had open sights as well and should have came with hood in the front sight,but my cz has a hood with a weird angle on the back side that hooks on everything when walking through the thick bush..I have been in the bush for a bit so sorry for rambling.

Big Tom · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2005, 11:42:43 AM »

I recently purchased a Stainless Stalker in .280 Rem and the first test shots with 139gr Hornady SSts ahead of 58gr of H4831 gave me an awesome 0.030" group! :eek:
I am very very pleased with this rifle. I put a Zeiss Conquest 3.3X10 power scope on it. :lol:

elmer · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2005, 06:44:42 AM »

I read a review in Gun Test Magazine, but I can't remember the caliber tested. It was accurate, but finickier than the other rifles tested about the quality of ammo. One of my hunting buddies has one in .270 and loves it, but only uses certain Federal ammo.

alaskacajun · « **Reply #11 on:** June 21, 2005, 08:08:19 PM »

I got my Browning A-Bolt .338 from a guy walking around in a gun show for $325. I bought a box of Federal Premium 210 gr. Nosler Partitions on his advice, and shot some really amazing groups with it. It was really lite, but a guy I met just getting into hunting needed it more than me. I made $25 on the gun, but am sorry I sold it. If I buy a rifle for the wife and kids to use, it will be another Browning.

- Clint

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #12 on:** June 22, 2005, 05:15:22 AM »

Yep, I have several rifles I wouldn't mind replaced with A-Bolts. Just a real accurate, high quality, tight gun.

cal sibley · « **Reply #13 on:** June 22, 2005, 10:48:30 PM »

I have an A-Bolt Micro-Medallion in .308Win. It was an attractive rifle when I first purchased it, but the stock now looks like I had used it for fungo practice. I had no idea a .308Win. could have such a fierce kick. I guess you wouldn't notice it so much in the field, but at the range it's brutal. The rifle weighs 6.0 lbs, has a short, thin 20" barrel and comes straight up out of the front cradle when fired at the range. I pretty much tamed it with a Pachmyer Decelerator Pad and wear a Past Recoil Shield when firing it from a bench. The rifle groups okay, nothing special, most loads go into 1" (5 at 100yds.). I can't really blame Browning for this, but I'll be damned careful in the future when buying lightweight rifles. I guess some things have to be learned the hard way. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Muddy05 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 07, 2005, 10:21:39 AM »

I own a few a-bolt II's. .25-06, 22-250, 270, and 300wsm. My favorite is the .25-06. I'm wanting a 7mm-08. They all have performed very well and I love the safety location. They've always fit me better than other bolt-actions and to me handle like a magic wand! I dont think you could possibly go wrong with Browning. And everyone a deer camp that doesnt have one will wear yours out staring at it.