Rifle: Browning A-bolt, reviews, opinions?

[roklok]

I hate to be the voice of dissent, but the Browning A Bolts, at least the earlier ones, are more prone to misfiring than most bolt rifles. I attribute this to the short bolt lift which necessitates compromises to be made with cocking (cock on open like most all modern bolt rifles). The striker has less energy than most bolt rifles. To make up for reduced striker force, the firing pin is smaller diameter than other bolt actions such as Mausers, Winchesters, or Remingtons. I personally know of three different A-Bolt rifles that misfired with factory ammo causing their owners to lose opportunities at deer. I am sure some will object, and it sounds like some here have used them successfully for dangerous game, but I would not use them for any hunting of importance.

 

[dougfinn]

I had a stainless stalker back in the early 90’s. excellent rifle and very accurate. 5/8” groups at 100 yards. Since then I have had a couple of x-bolts and I found them to be excellent rifles as well. Can’t go wrong with either in my opinion.

 

[leslie hetrick]

my A bolt in .280 loves swift scirocco 150 gr bullets(i have three boxs left) and with 53 grs of imr 4831 it is darn near a one hole shooter at 100 yards. it must be one of the good ones as i never have had a problem with it from day one.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

One of my favorites. Absolute tack driver and very dependable right off the self. I dispatched a lot of North American animals and Plains Game with a Browning A Bolt SS Stalker in 7MM REM MAG. Several Elk, Deer, Pigs, Eland, Zebra, several Wildebeest, including a monster Black Wildebeest at 330 yards, Springbok slam, Nyala, Hartebeest, a couple Gemsbok, a couple Kudu, and that was shooting that right handed rifle left handed…

Never had a problem with it. Killed a lot of animals…

I’ve been looking for an A Bolt 7 REM MAG in left hand lately.

 

[CoElkHunter]

I have a Browning A Bolt blue/walnut in .338WM that I’ve taken all of my elk with. I like the 60 degrees bolt throw, lighter weight (8.5lbs scoped) and accuracy. The stock design seems to mitigate some of the felt recoil too. The 26” barrel hasn’t hampered me when going through thick and/or downed timber or through brush on scant game trails. However, I think the X Bolt’s magazine is a better design and have since purchased .270 Win and .300WM X Bolts. Your friend will love that A Bolt in ‘06. Make sure he can get an extra magazine as the magazines are getting harder to find since Browning discontinued the A Bolt.

 

[CoElkHunter]

The A bolt has a tang 3 position safety also. Which is very handy and silent

Which also blocks the firing pin when on safe unlike some other rifle brands.

 

[RLL]

Had a 300wsm that wouldn’t group with any factory or hand loaded ammo, had a bad barrel and it went down the road.

A buddy just picked up a new model 308 win and it shoots lights out. 124 hammers at 3350…1/2”groups at 100. Changed my opinion on the the ABolt

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Had a 300wsm that wouldn’t group with any factory or hand loaded ammo, had a bad barrel and it went down the road.

A buddy just picked up a new model 308 win and it shoots lights out. 124 hammers at 3350…1/2”groups at 100. Changed my opinion on the the ABolt

Just shot mine after having the scope off to get the barrel threaded for a suppressor. It hasn’t been shot or hunted in close to 10 years. Last weekend: 1 shot zero and 1/2” groups at 100 yards too. I won’t sell it until I get it’s equivalent in left hand…

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I like the 60 degrees bolt throw, lighter weight (8.5lbs scoped) and accuracy. The stock design seems to mitigate some of the felt recoil too. The 26” barrel hasn’t hampered me when going through thick and/or downed timber or through brush on scant game trails.

That short bolt throw is very nice and fast…
The barrel length is a non issue for me. Actually, hadn’t ever thought about it till now.