Browning Abolt - A Revival

[Buckmastr]

So when I was 14 and getting into big game hunting, my dad and I visited the Barotos Sports in Calgary looking at rifles. A Browning Abolt Composite Stalker in 7 Rem Mag caught my eye. Thinking back, just what I needed...
It showed up under the tree at Christmas the next year! Over the span of the next 20 years or so it killed everything in its path. From a Boone and Crockett pronghorn to pigeons... It was my only rifle, and I got good with it.
But it eventually found its way to the back of the cabinet. I knew it was a good shooter in its factory form, shooting the 162 Hornady BTSP with IMR 4831. Nothing to get excited about but it always worked.
I pulled it apart last winter as part of a revival project.
I needed to do something with the plastic stock that had seen better days. So I replaced it with a McMillan. Replaced the weaver mounts with Talleys and upgraded the scope. Lastly cut 2 inches off the barrel to get to 24". My friend Henry bedded it.
I shot some RL19 and some 140 TTSXs through it last night. Its still got it.
The revival is partially complete, as I found the need to tell it. Maybe I'll shoot something with it this year.
No matter what they say, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Browning Abolt. Especially mine
Cheers.

 

[BAC4]

Nice !! Looks good,shoots good. Apparently it's a tack driver in it's new form. Cheers Bac4

 

[Magellann]

I use the same rifle, they are quite accurate once you get the right ammo dialed in. The only complaint I have with mine is the weight, 10lbs scoped.

 

[silverfoxdj]

So when I was 14 and getting into big game hunting, my dad and I visited the Barotos Sports in Calgary looking at rifles. A Browning Abolt Composite Stalker in 7 Rem Mag caught my eye. Thinking back, just what I needed...
It showed up under the tree at Christmas the next year! Over the span of the next 20 years or so it killed everything in its path. From a Boone and Crockett pronghorn to pigeons... It was my only rifle, and I got good with it.
But it eventually found its way to the back of the cabinet. I knew it was a good shooter in its factory form, shooting the 162 Hornady BTSP with IMR 4831. Nothing to get excited about but it always worked.
I pulled it apart last winter as part of a revival project.
I needed to do something with the plastic stock that had seen better days. So I replaced it with a McMillan. Replaced the weaver mounts with Talleys and upgraded the scope. Lastly cut 2 inches off the barrel to get to 24". My friend Henry bedded it.
I shot some RL19 and some 140 TTSXs through it last night. Its still got it.
The revival is partially complete, as I found the need to tell it. Maybe I'll shoot something with it this year.
No matter what they say, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Browning Abolt. Especially mine
Cheers.

Excellent work that will do nicely..

 

[dilly]

Feels good to dust them off and revitalize them eh? Looking good.

 

[Magellann]

Mine will be coming out before long, Its one that I always feel confident in using. Sighted in for 200 yards, its never far off of its mark.

 

[FLHTCUI]

There is something about an A-Bolt-II that keeps calling me back.
Maybe I could find one in 270wsm and SS with some very nice wood.
Great story.
Rob

 

[Milt Dale]

They are great rifles, I have had a few, I had one in 300wm that was among the most accurate rifle I have owned, I wanted a stainless so I sold it to buy something else.

 

[WhelanLad]

looks great now!
nothing wrong with the old A bolts........... new ones well mmm..

an i see you covered up a few of your wayward shots , looked like it took a fair few to get a couple to land near each other like hat

jokes joyce

 

[Buckmastr]

looks great now!
nothing wrong with the old A bolts........... new ones well mmm..

an i see you covered up a few of your wayward shots , looked like it took a fair few to get a couple to land near each other like hat

jokes joyce

I shot four boxes of shells at the target and took the best three. Isn't that what internet groups are all about? haha

Thanks everyone for the feedback

 

[double gun]

Good deal. I too have given a face lift to the first rifle I bought new as a kid. But I first had to track it down and buy it back. I planned to hunt with it again, but sadly it has just sat in the safe since the reno.... hopefully you actually use yours.

 

[8 ball]

Great rifles! Had a walnut stocked hunter in 308 years ago that shot consistent 1/2 MOA at 200 yards with most hand loads I tried in it. Wish I still had it....

 

[NAA]

OP - I've got the same rifle - Browning A-Bolt, Composite Stalker - but in .300 Win Mag. I bought it for the 26" barrel. Circa 1996. Mine's a keeper, too. Mine loves any 180 gr SP in front of 70 gr IMR 4350.

I enjoyed your report!

------------------
NAA.

 

[gunrunner100]

I had the same rifle and it too loved 162 grain bullets. Notoriously accurate!

 

[Buckmastr]

OP - I've got the same rifle - Browning A-Bolt, Composite Stalker - but in .300 Win Mag. I bought it for the 26" barrel. Circa 1996. Mine's a keeper, too. Mine loves any 180 gr SP in front of 70 gr IMR 4350.

I enjoyed your report!

------------------
NAA.

Yep good guns get better appreciated with age.

I just realized I still wear that Trebark Remington fleece jacket 30 years later. Time fly's when your hunting I guess.

 

[pete dobinson]

The first rifle I bought for myself 30 years ago was a browning a-bolt micro medallion, 20" barrel, chambered in 284win. I still have it and it shoots great with the right ammo. I have a 2-7 leupold mounted on it.

 

[rascal1]

Been shooting an A bolt ll SS in .300 WM or 20 yrs now. Always reliable, shoots everything I put through it into decent groups. Added a lighter Timney trigger spring and upgraded the glass last year from a B&L Elite 3000 to a Bushnell 6500. Maybe a new stock is in order as well!

 

[Highwind]

Good job on your update of your rifle. I'll take an A bolt II over the newer renditions...

 

[WhelanLad]

Awesome pics man, love the Mooey an Muley!

i got myself another A bolt i think since last posted, hard to argue with the love for them! but have to agree with the comment on the 10lb /4kg + scoped end number! day hunting im cool with it but i dont see myself taking it on many backpack hunts- thats what the kimber is for i guess but its hard to not love a 30-06 A bolt in the bush!

i'd knd of like one in 270 wsm perhaps

 

[Buckmastr]

Thanks whelanlad
Yeah they are great rifles. I have several and they don’t disappoint in the accuracy department. The tang safety is the quickest/easiest/quietest safety I find as well. Good luck with your new A-bolt!