Browning Stock Quality

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corner27

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I have had my eye set on buying a Browning Abolt. I went to the local gunsmith on the weekend, and he was trying to steer me away from Browning rifles. He said 2 things;
1) The stocks are very cheaply made and crack easy
2) They are very front heavy.

I just wanted to see people's opinions. I always thought Brownings were a good solid rifle.

Corey
 
Your local gunsmith is just that, your local gunsmith.I have had Brownings for years, and can say I have never had a problem with a stock.Very well ballanced rifle.But that is just my experience.
 
I've never heard of any problems with the stocks or balance. I've owned three A-bolts and they were all good shooters, well balanced and I never had any problems with the stocks (well, Air Canada busted my Medallion stock but nothing to do with the stock itself but rather that they'd dropped something very heavy on my gun case, but I digress...).

I've always been a big Browning fan, well, I like most guns :) but I'm sad to have to say that their A-bolts simply aren't what they used to be. Bolts used to be almost smooth as silk but now they feel clunky and cheap. If I was looking for an A-bolt these days I'd be looking for an older gun with the old bolt model that hasn't been shot much.
 
got a few Browning A-bolts, no problems at all, balance is just dandy on all of them. they are older Brownings, have a few Micro's as well, I just love them! sure would like one in 260, if anyone is selling!
 
Not doughting Dan,I have been around Brownings in the field for 35years and until know,your post,have not heard of this.Winchesters,I have seen three.ballance problems as well?
 
Your local smith may be confusing or propogating this with the "salt wood" stocks from years gone by. Apparently Browning tried a salt cure for the stocks and had issues with them.
I've owned a couple of A-Bolts and worked on countless more, never an issue with stocks.
 
The only thing that I don't like about their stocks is cosmetic, I prefer more figure in the wood and don't like the shiny look, preferring a nice soft, oil finish.
 
OP. Have you considered an A-Bolt with a composite stock??

Just askin' because Browning makes a very solid composite stock for the A-Bolt with good heft and balance. I find them almost indestructible and the rifle stays floated whereas wood can shift and cause bedding issues which can change point of impact. I find I don't have to do much scope adjustment on the range from year to year when I go to sight in my composite stock rifle.

On the other hand of course good wood is much more esthetically pleasing and classy to look at. Your choice.
 
ben hunchak said:
The only thing that I don't like about their stocks is cosmetic, I prefer more figure in the wood and don't like the shiny look, preferring a nice soft, oil finish.
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X2
The only problem I have seen with Browning stocks is that shiny finish, looks nice if you like that sort of finish but marks easily and a bugger to repair scratches.
 
I beat the living shi!t out of my Medallion in 7mm Rem Mag. Super accurate gun. Never noticed it front heavy, nor did I have any problem with the stock outside of the fact that I hated the glossy finish and that was ultimately the reason I got rid of it (that and I didn't need two 7 mags).
 
Mike Webb said:
X2
The only problem I have seen with Browning stocks is that shiny finish, looks nice if you like that sort of finish but marks easily and a bugger to repair scratches.
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Only the Medallion model A-Bolts and X-Bolts have the shiny finish. The Hunters and FLD models all have mat finishes.
 
The new stocks on the A bolts, arnt like they used to be a few years back thats for sure, alot more "plasticy" i rekon. could be just me, but from what i remember of a mates older version..
 
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