Thoughts on the Browning A-Bolt and A-Bolt II?

WhelanLad said:
ey man, Nice one... photos obviously, to prove to the nutters of your purchase :D an some gun p0rn...

good choice on the scope,i really love my 2-7 albeit x28 on my Abolt II.. i just carted my shorter barrelled 30-06 (same as above with the holes) an found it to be perfect fit an weight for me now.

im seriously considering a 2-7x33 like your say.... i think it be way easier using different loads , with a CLICK system , not a slde :)
but i can only find the scopes sol as "Freedom rimfire" 2-7x33... is this the same or na?
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WhelanLad, the VX Freedom is a newer scope, basically equivalent to somewhere between a VX-1 and VX-2. I believe the next up new model is now the VX-3HD. I'd look for a used one, either VX-2, VX-3, or VX-3i, they're better scopes and can usually be had for less money (I never worry about a used Leupold, because of their warranty). All of those had an option in 2-7x33 (or thereabouts). A 2-7x33 is definitely my favorite general purpose hunting scope, I have one in my old CZ .22, my .308, and this A-Bolt. It's a great balance of light weight and practical necessary zoom range.

My varmint /target .223 has a bigger 4-16x44, with exposed turrets, but that's a different tool for a different job.
 
Eagleye said:
I have owned a couple A-Bolts as well. The accuracy statements others have noted is true.
They are accurate rifles, and ergonomically pleasing.
However, I strongly dislike the magazine system, and the trigger breakage issue is fairly common.
For these reasons, I sold off my Brownings. :( Dave.
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I feel the same, the magazine system is needlessly complicated, and the triggers not only are known to break, some can't be adjusted below 3-1/2-4lbs.
 
stubblejumper said:
I feel the same, the magazine system is needlessly complicated, and the triggers not only are known to break, some can't be adjusted below 3-1/2-4lbs.
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Have been shooting my A Bolt II .300 WM since the mid 90'S. Never any issue with the trigger breaking and in fact, had never heard of such issues until I read this thread. As for the heavy trigger pull,I bought a Timmney kit with 3 different springs. Solved that problem. Love the rifle, would buy another if I could find another one in left hand.
 
Have had several. My son & I currently each have the mountain version in 300 wsm. The triggers can easily be brought down to 2.5 pounds & nice & crisp. Either buy the timney trigger kit or simply trim the spring to desired pull weight. My son is shooting 190 grain handloads out to 750 yards. Can't complain about that. I too don't like the pot metal trigger but you really have to be a pretty rough person to break it. It's my go to gun and will be until I croak.
 
Had one in 270, sold it, felt as heavy as a bag of cement to me.
Found myself an older Win M70 plus it has the bonus of no magazine to lose
 
medvedqc said:
i never owned one but i do remember browning team when they tested the xbolt and had abolts back up they all ended up using only the abolt ...
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I vaguely remember hearing about that, maybe in a video by one of the engineers or execs? Could it be that was a prototype, before they got the final safety or bolt release button designed/built onto the x-bolt ?

Glad op found what he was looking for. Nothing wrong with the older abolts. I recently saw a couple interesting ones (a 12 Ga and a 22 mag) in my friend's estate but didn't really think I needed them.

I personally like the xbolt. I like the rotary mag even if it's polymer. I've also never had feeding issues with mine in 243, 308 or 300 win. This thread is the first I've read of someone having issues with feeding.
 
I have owned all browning bolt rifles. The A Bolt 2 Is the one you want if you are looking for a good reliable accurate rifle. The other browning offerings are good as well but over the many years I have switched out all the other varieties back to the A bolt 2. Aftermarket support has come a long way for the a bolt 2 as well. Triggers and springs are had for affordable prices. And don't let the internet scare you about re-barreling them. I have had two re-barreled without any hiccups and they were the stainless models.
 
Have an Stalker ABolt II in -06, needed a new barrel so went with a pencil #1 SS, immediate weight loss satisfaction
Had the trigger worked and everything coated to match
Have been loving th short bolt throw for so long, when I got the Kimber Hunter it disappointed me, will likely go up for sale
the Browning is close in weight now after the barrel swap

The abolt mag works good for a trucken' gun rig with a second mag, put the empty mag in for road hunting makes it easy to top load one instead of dropping into the empty mag well
 
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