A Bolt Medallion

For years I made fun of folks who bought Brownings as I felt that they thought it was above the herd as it were, and I couldn't see any reason to buy anything made in Japan when you could buy a perfectly good Remington or Winchester or Ruger for less money. Then, because i didn't have either a 30.06 or a Browning, I bought a Medallion in 30.06. I was surprised that I liked it. It was good looking, the action was slick, it handled like a dream and was really quite accurate. It was fast becoming my favorite hunting rifle. Then I gave it to my younger son. After doing so I started to miss it and sort of wished I had given him something else. Long story short, I bought another Medallion but this time chambered in 280 Remington (my favorite hunting cartridge) and I am looking forward to deer hunting season with great anticipation. Now, I don't understand how anyone could not admire the Brownings, even with the somewhat funky magazine arrangement that the A bolt has, which I have come to like as well. I know it isn't everyones cup of tea, but it works for me.
 
i had one for a short time, it was 7mm-08. it was an absolutely gorgeous gun for a factory gun. The finish was great with a high polished bluing and gloss wood. The grain wasn't phenomenal but not many factory guns are these days. I really like the mag idea, its actually really practical, and those that knock it on;y do so because they wish that had it. My only complaint was the recoil pad. it's like a hockey puck, and I hate having to pay $50-100 for a new recoil pad on a stock when almost every other company is providing really nice pads on rifles for the same price, luckily they improved it for the x-bolt
 
Over the last 20 yrs. I've had 3 A-Bolts and all served me well, a 257 Roberts re-chambered to 257 AI , a 338 Win. Mag., and a 375 H&H.
All three were given glass bedding and pillar bedding just to prevent any stock issues and I had none in spite of the damp and rain they were subjected to. My only complaint was the fact that two were rather long throated and because of the detachable mag length I could not seat bullets close to the lands which improved accuracy. To a person using factory ammo this would not be an issue, but it can potentially happen to any rifle with a detachable mag regardless of make...
 
I only own a BAR. I like the A-bolts too. They are great pointing handsome rifles and my brother's A-bolt medallion 30-06 is VERY accurate. Either that or he's a good shot. I don't think he's a good shot though............
 
I love both mine, I have a A bolt Eclipes with a laminate stock which shoots great but is a little heavy. Also have a stainless stalker in 300 wsm, nice light rifle, stock is the only complaint and I replaced the recoil pad with a limbsaver. Made it a lot more enjoyable to shoot at the range and off the bench.
Both rifles are very accurate, I really like the feel of the action and the magazine. I'm quite pleased with them.
Dan
 
I have four browning A-bolt, medallion 30.06 with boss, hunter in 25.06, stainless stalker in 300.win mag and last but not least a bolt medallion in 22 lr. all are great shooters and have had no problems with any of them off the bench or in the field Good guns.
 
For years I made fun of folks who bought Brownings as I felt that they thought it was above the herd as it were, and I couldn't see any reason to buy anything made in Japan when you could buy a perfectly good Remington or Winchester or Ruger for less money. Then, because i didn't have either a 30.06 or a Browning, I bought a Medallion in 30.06. I was surprised that I liked it. It was good looking, the action was slick, it handled like a dream and was really quite accurate. It was fast becoming my favorite hunting rifle. Then I gave it to my younger son. After doing so I started to miss it and sort of wished I had given him something else. Long story short, I bought another Medallion but this time chambered in 280 Remington (my favorite hunting cartridge) and I am looking forward to deer hunting season with great anticipation. Now, I don't understand how anyone could not admire the Brownings, even with the somewhat funky magazine arrangement that the A bolt has, which I have come to like as well. I know it isn't everyones cup of tea, but it works for me.

funky ya say! ??? not so funky! Had you a Jack in your area! Who's Jack ya say! Inside joke I guess, only folks in S.E. MB will know! Jack the CO that would "nail his own momma to the wall for P-ing in the bush on the trail"!!! That Browning mag type set up kept ole Jack at bay, don't ya know!!! Snatch or latch!!! Yep, I know why you came to like the system!
 
Convenient for truck hunting. Spy the Gamies, grab the mag off the floorplate. See an animal, close the floorplate.

why Chris! how'd ja know? :p. Did you know Jack from BSJR, by chance? He & I became buddies in the later years! In the early yrs, my oldest son & I were sitting in the old Ram Charger having lunch when ole Jack the CO came along, we were sitting along a trail watching the left side and the right side while having our dinner. He came up along and stopped, he ducked his head in the pass door where I was sitting, my Ruger No.1A 30-06 was standing up right by me, He said it's "such and such amount of dollars for the fine if this is loaded" His head was right by my knee, he must have been a brave man to trust that I would not slam his temple into the next week beyond with my fist! Nope, he says, it's not loaded (surprised as hell) as he opened the lever action! You're OK guys! And he stated "I'm here to nail ya, if I can"! Anyway there is much more to tell about ole Jack and his job and dedication, but I'm getting a way over tired at the moment, gotta crash! Night now.
 
Last edited:
Hey, Nuttin wrong with them Abolts there!

I really enjoy mine, a dream to carry, points really well and the stock feels great to me!
I love the Bolt throw an really do love the Magazine setup!!

I would for sure buy another, Albeit a LH an a 308!

Cheers

Enjoy them Brownings!
 
For years, the A-Bolt was within about ten bucks of the price of a Rem 700 BDL or a Model 70 Winchester. They never were a premium-price firearm after they switched from the older Sako-actioned rifles to the BBR and later the A-Bolt and X-Bolt.
As to its being made in Japan....so what? I don't live in Japan, but I don't live in the U.S.A either....

Glad you like your A-Bolt; I have a Hunter in .280 I bought in 1993 and which is my go-to hunting rifle. I too like the mag system. Also the 60-degree bolt throw, flat-top receiver and tang safety!
 
Never did listen to all the Browning rifle hate out there I've tried quite a few different brands and styles of bolt actions, the A-Bolts especially series I are some of my favorite rifles I like everything about the way they function and handle, they're also nice to look at. So far I haven't had one that wasn't a shooter (knock on wood). I've found not to listen to what everyone else has to say if you like something and its working for you, carry on.
 
Back
Top Bottom