Author Topic: A-Bolt Micro Hunter? (Read 1988 times)

Big Blue · « **on:** November 12, 2005, 03:57:14 PM »

I've been considering a Browning A-Bolt Micro Hunter in the new .325 WSM. This rifle comes with a shorter 20" barrel that I'd like due to the different areas I hunt. Some heavy brush, and others wide open to 300 yards. The new .325 WSM looks to be a pretty flat shooting cartridge. Maybe a forum dedicated to Browning firearms isn't the right place to get a biased opinion, but I wanted to get an opinion from someone that owns an A-Bolt. I've never owned a Browning before, but have drooled over a few.
Thanks,
Don

longwinters · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2005, 02:21:51 AM »

Well, I have one in the Stainless Stalker 7m-08. It is a great shooter and will be heading with me Tuesday for opening day of deer season here in Michigan. I can't imagine that you will not be happy with one of the Browning A-bolts, but in 325 I think you are going to have your hands full.

Long

Muddy05 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2005, 06:13:26 AM »

I own a few a-bolt hunters and one in the 300 wsm and its a kicker. It groups well at 100 yrds but after about 5 or 6 shots at the range I've had enough. But, If you dont mind the recoil, the a-bolt would be a good choice. Never any complaints with any of my brownings.

wis_sharpshooter · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2005, 12:40:06 PM »

The A-bolts are fine guns I own one in .270wsm. Put a sims recoil pad on the .325 and you'll have a gun you won't ever want to get rid of.

Big Blue · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2005, 01:43:19 PM »

Thanks for the replies, and sharing your first hand knowledge of the A-Bolt.
I hunt an area that varies greatly between heavy brush, and 300 yard shots. The Micro Hunter should be an ideal rifle for those circumstances. I'm not real recoil sensative, but the .325 WSM in a 6.5 lb. rifle could be a handful. I've owned a .300 WSM and didn't think it had much of a kick at all, but I do hunt a lot with a .45-70 using level 2 loads. If the recoil proves to be a problem, I'll just add a better pad. I'm pretty impressed with the ballistics of the .325. It can hold it's own in long distance shots with the .270 WSM and the .300 WSM and do it with much heavier bullets. I wouldn't feel underarmed hunting anything in the lower 48.
Don

kenscot · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2005, 05:05:49 PM »

I own 2 micro hunters one is a 7mm-08 and the other is in 223 which is no longer made. Both are sub MOA shooters. I can't wait to try the 7mm-08 out inthe hardwoods for deer this year , a real joy to carry. I believe the WSM rounds come with 22 inch barrels. I was considering one but thought that light of a rifle with it's shorter stock would make a real kicker. Let us know how you make out

flathead · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2006, 04:54:51 PM »

Hello. You will love the micro. I have two (.243W, .257R). They are both sub MOA with handloads. In fact I have to handload the .257 because factory rounds won't fit with the 115gr. I just shot a friend's 325WSM yesterday in a full size Winchester. Not bad recoil and I'm not very big. The first thing that came to mind is I would not want one of these in a micro. A .308 or 270WSM would probably be a logical choice (for me at least). I'd worry about breaking the stock eventually. There isn't a lot of wood there. God Bless and let us know how you make out and how the thing shoots.