Browning A Bolt 280Rem?

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Stevenma

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Opinions on the Browning A-Bolt? Looking at getting an early 90s one in 280Rem. Trying to make it my well rounded hunting rifle. How were the quality on the A Bolt 1 (I believe the one I'm looking at is 1993, last yr of the A Bolt 1)

Also opinion on the caliber choice.
 
They are very accurate rifles. The trigger needs a new spring to be adjusted low enough but that is the only thing that needs doing.
A 280 Rem is a good choice. I believe they came in a 22" barrel.
 
I have an A Bolt II in 280. It is an excellent shooting rifle and calibre. The 280 is an excellent all around calibre. Loaded ammo is somewhat hard to come by and I have taken to hoarding my existing brass. As mentioned, the trigger spring replacement is, while not necessary, nice to do and lowered my trigger to just under 3 pounds. My particular rifle came with a 20” barrel and the horrible BOSS mounted. Threw that thing in the trash and put a thread protecter on. All in all, a nice combination of rifle and calibre. It is my go to rifle and never disappoints with loads it likes.
 
I have a left hand Medallion in 280. It is a nicely accurate rifle, easy to carry, and fits me well. I actually like the magazine system since you can reload it one at a time or carry a spare mag in your pocket and there is no way you can lose the mag. I had one in 30.06 but gave it to my son when I found the 280. I just like 7mm bullets. I must since I have a Savage in 280, a sporter Mauser in 7X57 and a Ruger MK II in 7X57. Try it for fit and if it feels right, buy it.
 
I have an A-bolt I in '06 that I bought new in '91. It's accurate, the stock fits me well and it never lets me down. Probably my favorite hunting rifle, and it's contributed to a nicely stocked freezer over the years. Some don't like the magazine setup, but it's actually very handy. An A-bolt in 280 would be a very capable hunting rifle!
 
Federal's 140 grain Trophy Bonded Tip bullet loaded cartridge is a good commercial hunting load.
 
I have an A-bolt chambered in 284win, it's ballistically the same as a 280 rem, only difference being it's a short fat cartridge. Nothing wrong with the A-bolt, bolt lift is 60 deg, it has a handy tang safety and I happen to like the magazine set up. If there is a fault with the rifle, its the trigger, but like others have mentioned, it can be lightened with the use of a different spring. The 284win is a known cartridge to have feeding issues, none of which I have experienced, in fact my browning will feed empty cases, thats how well it feeds. My browning is the only rifle in my collection that will do that.
 
Stevenma said:
Opinions on the Browning A-Bolt? Looking at getting an early 90s one in 280Rem. Trying to make it my well rounded hunting rifle. How were the quality on the A Bolt 1 (I believe the one I'm looking at is 1993, last yr of the A Bolt 1)

Also opinion on the caliber choice.
Click to expand...

You will hate it, tell me where to buy it to protect you lol, I sold one years ago in a moment of weakness, tried to buy one one the EE a while back and was too late. I found a new XBolt hunter in 280 this week at a local shop and immediately brought it home. Love anything 7mm, but the 280 has always had a place at the top of the list, especially handloads.
 
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