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

A

Aabradsh

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
36   0   0
Location
Ontario
Hey guys

I handled an older Browning A-Bolt at a gun show this past weekend. I was pretty impressed with the ergonomics, smooth bolt operation, and general fit and finish of the rifle. This particular example had been poorly taken care of (missing rear sight, some obvious rust repair and generally pretty beat up), so I didn't buy it, but it definitely peaked my interest in these rifles. I'm now on the lookout for one, in a common deer hunting chambering (308, 7-08, 270, 30-06, etc).

Can anyone shed some light on these? likes, dislikes, common problems? I know these are no longer in production (I have no interest in the "budget level" AB3), but if you have recommendations for good used gun dealers, I'm open to suggestions as well.

Thank you!
 
I’ve owned, shot and hunted with three, a .270, a 30-06 and a .338 Mag, all stainless synthetic.
All would shoot MOA or less with no fuss. Three friends that also had these experienced the same accuracy levels, outstanding for a factory rife.
All had crisp clean triggers, some were a little too heavy out of the box. Those ones received a cut down and therefor lighter trigger return spring.
No problems of any kind.
The swing open floorplate/removable magazine is convenient but the hinge looks flimsy and could be broken if used carelessly.
The bores are very smooth, resisting fouling and making them easy to clean.
Very good, very underrated rifles.
 
I owned an ABolt sporter in 22-250 for years. It was one of the most accurate and consistent rifles I've ever owned.

They are not perfect. The biggest complaint will be the mag system being a bit clunky but it wasn't the end of the world.
 
I've personally owned 5 A-Bolts, a first gen in 7 Mag, 3 A--Bolt ll's in various chamberings and 1 A-Bolt lll.
No complaints on function or accuracy at all. Other than the floorplate issues that have been pointed out, the pot metal triggers are prone to breaking and difficult to source replacements.
 
Have two a-bolts and have hunted with them for 30 years. I have nothing but good things to say about them. I’ve hunted with other rifles over the years but always keep coming back to my A-bolts. I like the trigger, the stocks fit me better than any other I’ve tried, and the safety is right where God intended it. Lots of people complain about the magazine/floorplate setup, but once you get used to it you will come to realize it is not a negative in any way. I plan on buying another when I can find the one I want.
 
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.
 
I've had an A-bolt Micro Medallion chambered in 284win for over 30 years. I've yet to have a problem with it. As mentioned previously the safety is in the right place. The bolt lift is short due to the 3 lug bolt. I happen to like the detachable magazine that clips onto the hinged floor plate, it just takes getting used to. The micro series is a scaled down version of the A-bolt, it comes with a 20" barrel and chambered for short action cartridges and weighs about 6.5 lbs. Great rifle's imo.
 
My father has hunted and still hunts with an abolt in 300wm. I owed at one time an abolt in 308 and it is the one gun out of all the gun I have sold over the year I regret selling the most. They are amazing guns and in my opinion better then the x bolt.
 
They’re different not necessarily better.
All metal. Heavier. A bit thicker stock profile. Easy to get the trigger adjusted.
The x-bolt has a ton of different models and chamberings. Browning is doing a good job on the xbolt too.
 
I have owned several A-Bolts over the years and still have 2 A-Bolt II in the safe.

They are as accurate as any other mass produced rifle I have owned. The floor-plate / detachable magazine is something I do like. They offer the convenience of a removable magazine while keeping crap out of the action if hunting in heavy cover. I have never had an issue with their triggers.

With that said I owned 2 original A-Bolts without the non-rotating bolt sleeve the Mark 2 model sport. I had one - a .284 Win - that would occasionally misfeed a round and jamb.
 
I have owned two left hand ABolt II Medallions, a 3006 and a 280 Remington. I gave the 3006 to my left handed son (who loves it) and still have the 280. The fit and finish of both was exceptional for factory rifles. The magazine system makes it easy to unload the rifle when necessary without the danger of losing the magazine while waking through the woods. I quite liked the triggers and the accuracy was very good with most factory ammo and exceptional with handloads. I also liked the fit, look, and feel of both. They aren't hard to find on the used market and are generally good values when you do find one. Needless to say, I recommend them to you. BTW, I also own an older Remington BDL, a Ruger MkII, a Winchester model 70, a Savage 111, and a custom commercial Mauser so I have a basis of comparison. The Browning is a fine rifle.
 
Last edited:
Much like what Eagleye and pete dobinson have mentioned about the pro's of the Browing A-Bolt and A-BoltII.
I found the ergonomics to fit well the first time I picked it up.
The safety almost felt that it was located there just for me and as for the magazine there was no issue popping it in or out of the floor plate.
Well, other than worried that I might break it if I didnt close it fully with the magazine out.(never lost a mag., but there is still time yet to jinx myself).
As for the trigger I never had issues with it, but thats caused I never felt the need to mess with it.
The plastic/synthetic stock didnt bother me, but I hated that hockey puck of a recoil pad and thus changed it out for a sot cushy one .
300 WM tossing 180 grn bullets downrange was hard on the shoulder and even harder on the game animals on the other.
Buy one if the caliber tickles your fancy and if you really like it find another in the next caliber that tickles your wallet.
Tight Groups and Good Hunting.
Rob
 
Big Fan here- ergonomically and feel.

i longed for one when they first came out back in the day, my mate had a 30-06, another a 270... i never got one until a 300wsm in Abolt ii blued with gold trigger-- booted me too much, sold it.

Years later i really wanted a Left Handed gun, an a 30-06 LH Abolt II popped up...

i modified it a bit, as its on the slightly heavier end of my ultralight preference :D but i cut down to 20 inch barrel, fluted it, an driled heaps of holes in it.... the magazine is Heavy itself- and the Bolt is Real Heavy itself... we drilled holes in it too.


anyway, its handy an i love the Abolt for bush guns, using them, scratching them, not really worryin about them...

VQBv6gK.jpg

Kcyd3Fp.jpg


ZlrczvV.jpg

4vt8Khk.jpg
 
Gillshot said:
Have two a-bolts and have hunted with them for 30 years. I have nothing but good things to say about them. I’ve hunted with other rifles over the years but always keep coming back to my A-bolts. I like the trigger, the stocks fit me better than any other I’ve tried, and the safety is right where God intended it. Lots of people complain about the magazine/floorplate setup, but once you get used to it you will come to realize it is not a negative in any way. I plan on buying another when I can find the one I want.
Click to expand...

Agree- u can use it simply as a top loader- my gripe would be the heft int he magazine itself.... id love to work out a spring/floorplate follower design... to just hold 3
 
SuperCub said:
How are they better than the X-Bolts?
Click to expand...

X bolts are good. And I own one. I don’t find the bolt as smooth as an a-bolt, plastic mags just seem cheep to me. My x-bolt is the only rifle I have had that just refuses to chamber some manufacture ammo unless I close the bolt with a hammer. But it shoots straight, groups well. Never had an issues with my a bolt. Metal mags, chambers and shoots all ammo
 
I had an A-bolt II stainless in 7mm RM that was a great shooter but kicked like a cannon. Also owned an X-bolt, and they are also an excellent hunting rifle (this one in .280 AI). Slick, wicked feeding, accurate, well built. I quite like the rotary X-bolt mag - might be the best rotary mag yet. Tough and reliable. Browning is good stuff (still).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom