Browning 'A' bolt

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A lot of people are saying stay away from the new, low end rifles and instead buy a good quality used one and that is what this is about. I have 2 choices;

The first is a brand new Weatherby Vanguard S2 Sporter (wood stock) in 30'06. This is my first choice.

The second is a 1995 Bowning 'A' bolt (wood stock) in 30'06 in unfired condition.

Price is exactly the same but I worry about the Browning's accuracy (sub-moa on the Weatherby), the trigger on the Browning (Weatherby's is great), barrel length (the Weatherby is 24") which I like. It sounds like I am talking myself into the Weatherby but truth is I know nothing about Browning other than a new Browning X-bolt or A-bolt is only 100 bucks more.
 
browning are generaly accurate and have a detachable mag if you care. the browning is probably a lighter rifle. both good choices i would go with the one that fits and feels the best.
 
I used to go for Savage and Weatherby's "budget" rifles. They are an excellent gun for the money. But for the $100-$200 step up to an A-Bolt or X-Bolt means getting a gun that is accurate, well built, and fun to shoot instead of just accurate.

Weatherby Vanguard Series 2's are nice rifles. The dilemma is a tough one.
 
I own a A bolt ii and a Vanguard series one, like them both but the A bolt is my favorite, 60 degree bolt slightly lighter and a little more accurate plus I like the hinged floor plate magazine that lots of people dislike. You probably won't go wrong with either.
 
Have an A-bolt (LH) Medallion in .300WM... accurate, smooth and rugged. No complaints.

Okay - just one.... floorplate or detachable mag - pick ONE!!!! Why both? :) Relatively minor complaint, but it's not the quickest system.
 
Ahh, the feel of an A-bolt in your hands !

If the gun fits you, the feel of the stock on ones shoulder and your cheek resting on its stock
as you cycle an imaginary round from the chamber and push the bolt forward for the next one...
As much as I like my Weatherby Vanguard I still like my A-bolts (dare I say) a little bit better.

If one goes to the Wby. web page you can find the comparison charts for several manufactures
and decide for yourself if either one is for you.

But, if you like to tinker and change things up ,improve upon then there is little to do when it comes to the
trigger group, aside from changing a spring or two on the two guns.

Just my humble opinion this fine damp morning.
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
I have been a browning fan for years - they build rifles and shotguns that, to me, feel like they were made for me. And classy looks - nice wood, smooth bolts, and generally very accurate - no issues with their product at all. That hinged floor plate with magazine thing is a bit out there tho....

The caveat with Browning is once you buy that gun, you are stuck with it. I have yet to find a gunsmith in my area that will do a barrel change on a browning bolt rifle. Aftermarket parts are negligible. Stock replacement difficult. And what opened my eyes was that you rarely if ever see browning rifles on the target circuit or long distance shooting comps... i dont know how to interpret that other than to say hmmmm.....

I have a beautiful BBR 270 that has a shot out barrel (almost as accurate as a WWI webley pistol - can hit a pop can at 10 ft but thats about it) - and nobody will even attempt to change it - it may be off to the RCMP chop yard, as its good for nothing as is!
 
Why not take a look at the X Bolt?

I just went through this and the X Bolt seems to be an improvement over A Bolt.

Just had mine out to the range and the trigger is awesome, and should be an MOA shooter with the first loads I tested.
 
chrismc said:
I have a beautiful BBR 270 that has a shot out barrel (almost as accurate as a WWI webley pistol - can hit a pop can at 10 ft but thats about it) - and nobody will even attempt to change it - it may be off to the RCMP chop yard, as its good for nothing as is!
Click to expand...
What have the gunsmiths told you as to why no barrel swaps?
Dont send it off to the chop shop, send it to me. I'll cover postage ;)
Ooops, didnt mean to hijack the thread.
What has the OP decided yet and are there pictures available yet?
Rob
 
No kidding. I don't have a hunting rifle of my own (yet) and was looking at the Brownings. I'll arm wrestle FLHTCUI for it and figure out the rest later :p

For real though, why won't anyone work on them?
 
The Abolt is a superior rifle. Shorter bolt throw, detachable mag ( the WBY is a Howa actually). Every one i have owned was a shooter. No bad choice here though, which one makes you giggle more when you shoulder it?
 
I have owned an A-bolt Medallion in 270 for years and it's an absolute tack driver. Easily my favorite gun of all. I also have a Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm Mag and it's decently built and very accurate, but not even close in terms of quality. I'd jump on any good A-bolt that's the same price as a new Weatherby.
 
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