Browning A-Bolt I opinions

[gotboostvr]

I've been keeping an eye out for a good deal on a new hunting rifle for awhile now.

My requirements are: Accurate, reliable, lightweight.

I came upon what looks to be an agreeable price on a AB1 package (scope, rings, and some other extras) in a cartdidge I'm interested in.

If it was an AB2, I would have hurt myself getting my wallet out. I've played with the AB2's (love em) and AB3's (they're OK) but am pretty unfamiliar with the original AB1's. I know it's a hinged floorplate, as opposed to the hinged box or detachable box magazine of the later AB2 & 3's. But other than that I don't really know much about them.

Are the triggers decent (or at least easily remedied/replaced), typically trouble free and accurate and while not a deal breaker, is it a bolt locking safety?

 

[LoonWulf]

I think the only real difference is that the original a- bolts didn't have the full length shroud. Mechanically there are otherwise identical to the Abolt-2.


Triggers on the A-bolts range from okay to very good right out of the box. Pull weights adjustable and are usually around 3 lb, though you can change out the springs to reduce them farther. Pre / over travel or not adjustable, But equally are usually pretty good right out of the box.
The trigger mechanism does include a bolt locking rod though it's only two positions so if you want to unlock the bolt you have to take it all the way to fire.

The only other thing I can think of that you need to watch out for with a-bolts in general, is that the thread pitch used on all but the later ones is very fine, And at least on the stainless guns tends to gall. This makes doing barrel swaps on them problematic at times.

 

[gotboostvr]

The only other thing I can think of that you need to watch out for with a-bolts in general, is that the thread pitch used on all the later ones is very fine, And at least on the stainless guns tends to gall. This makes doing barrel swaps on them problematic at times.

Well, it looks to have been used very little and is a cartridge I'm pretty on board with and finally, as a hunting rifle I don't think it'll see many high round count range trips.

It is a stainless gun, but I don't foresee that I'll need to rebarrel it anytime in the near future.

That makes me feel good that it's mechanically pretty similar to the AB2's. I thought they were very nicely built and pretty light. Ticks alot of boxes for me personally.

I'll try and pick it up when I get the chance early next week.

 

[LoonWulf]

Well, it looks to have been used very little and is a cartridge I'm pretty on board with and finally, as a hunting rifle I don't think it'll see many high round count range trips.

It is a stainless gun, but I don't foresee that I'll need to rebarrel it anytime in the near future.

That makes me feel good that it's mechanically pretty similar to the AB2's. I thought they were very nicely built and pretty light. Ticks alot of boxes for me personally.

I'll try and pick it up when I get the chance early next week.

Looking forward to pictures!

 

[gotboostvr]

Looking forward to pictures!

I'm just trying not to jinx it before I get a chance to pick it up!

 

[armedwalleye]

I have a couple, both left handed. First was a 7 mag in a Stainless Stalker. Once I got the right ammo, it was a very accurate and reliable gun. Hinged Floorplate and a snap in metal magazine which was infinitely more desirable when I started looking for another than the rattly plastic ones on later models. Looked long and hard to find an Abolt Micro in 7-08, and, once again, with the right ammo, I was cloverleafing 4 on 100 yards. Would not hesitate on another, and purposely looked for a second one or maintain consistency of operation one to the next.

 

[Skylerbone]

Dad had one long ago, a stainless in .308 Win. I don’t have much recollection on specifics apart from it being lighter than it looked and very accurate at the bench. I was still proudly hugging my new 30-06 700 at that point of my teen years tho I’m sure I was at least mildly jealous of his slick all weather rifle.

 

[marksman13]

I’ve never owned an AB I, but the ONLY hunting rifle I regret parting ways with, was an AB II, Stainless Stalker in 308. Previous owner had it worked over by a good smith and the trigger was phenomenal. It might have been the most accurate sported weight rifle I’ve ever shot. Never should have let it get away.

 

[gotboostvr]

I’ve never owned an AB I, but the ONLY hunting rifle I regret parting ways with, was an AB II, Stainless Stalker in 308. Previous owner had it worked over by a good smith and the trigger was phenomenal. It might have been the most accurate sported weight rifle I’ve ever shot. Never should have let it get away.

I had a blued composite Stalker AB2 in 7 RemMag with the BOSS muzzle break. Never got to shoot it before I got offered a ridiculous amount for it, but really liked the rifle. Felt light, with good balance, a nice long (26" before the break) locking bolt safety, good adjustable trigger, I thought the magazine arrangement was a good idea, nice bolt throw, the synthetic stock felt much stiffer than the typical bendy ones.

Pretty excited if the AB1's are similar.

But there's plenty of AB2's out there if you want to pick up another, there's a 300wm that's been on the local boards for awhile I'm tempted to make an offer on.

 

[LoonWulf]

Something cool about the Abolts (1/2) is that pretty all the parts are modular, like savage modular.
You can still get most of them from MGW also.

 

[gotboostvr]

Something cool about the Abolts (1/2) is that pretty all the parts are modular, like savage modular.
You can still get most of them from MGW also.

An suggestions for spare parts to have on hand?

 

[LoonWulf]

Maybe this thing https://www.midwestgunworks.com/browning-a-bolt/firing-pin-sear.html
Ive heard a couple comments from browning guys that roller can ware and cause issues, so it might be worth having a spare. Im gonna order one and a stainless boot handle....tired of mine always being rusty.

That and the extractor and small.springs are the only parts that seem like they might need replacement. Ive used my ab2 alot, and never had anything fail.

 

[gotboostvr]

Maybe this thing https://www.midwestgunworks.com/browning-a-bolt/firing-pin-sear.html
Ive heard a couple comments from browning guys that roller can ware and cause issues, so it might be worth having a spare. Im gonna order one and a stainless boot handle....tired of mine always being rusty.

That and the extractor and small.springs are the only parts that seem like they might need replacement. Ive used my ab2 alot, and never had anything fail.

I don't expect to have any issues, but I think it's prudent to stock up on some common spare parts on a rifle that's been out of production for over 20 years (and from a company that's not exactly known for amazing customer service).

 

[gotboostvr]

Just picked it up over lunch.

280Rem, Stainless with a very nicely done paint job on the stock. Came with a Leopold Vari-X IIc 3-9x40, a set of RCBS dies, some factory ammo and a bunch of brass. Plus a rifle case, sling, and some handy plastic cases and tubs for ammo.

Trigger is a little heavy, but sufficiently crisp. I'll probably bring it down a touch with the spring kit.

Scope will be perfectly fine for now, but will get something a little nicer eventually.

Maybe a VX3i 3.5-10x40, not sure. Not planning on changing it anytime soon.

Not a bad package for $600

 

[LoonWulf]

Just picked it up over lunch.

280Rem, Stainless with a very nicely done paint job on the stock. Came with a Leopold Vari-X IIc 3-9x40, a set of RCBS dies, some factory ammo and a bunch of brass. Plus a rifle case, sling, and some handy plastic cases and tubs for ammo.

Trigger is a little heavy, but sufficiently crisp. I'll probably bring it down a touch with the spring kit.

Scope will be perfectly fine for now, but will get something a little nicer eventually.

Maybe a VX3i 3.5-10x40, not sure. Not planning on changing it anytime soon.

Not a bad package for $600

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Good looking gun!


Trigget IS adjustable via a little screw.....lowest ive ever seen one go is 3lbs +/-

 

[Riomouse911]

My A-Bolt was a Medallion in .338 Win Mag.

Pretty as heck but it kicked like an Army mule.

You got a good buy with all the extras, let us know how it shoots when you get a chance.

Stay safe.

 

[gotboostvr]

Good looking gun!


Trigget IS adjustable via a little screw.....lowest ive ever seen one go is 3lbs +/-

Oh that's good to know. I was under the impression that only the II's had an adjustable trigger.

#3 would be plenty light for my needs. I'd guess it to be about #5 currently, which is do-able. If it's just a set screw or $10 spring to bring it to #3 though, I'll make the upgrade.

The sling was an unexpected but welcome addition as one of my dogs just ate half of one.

 

[gotboostvr]

My A-Bolt was a Medallion in .338 Win Mag.

Pretty as heck but it kicked like an Army mule.

You got a good buy with all the extras, let us know how it shoots when you get a chance.

Stay safe.

That's half of why I like these A Bolts, they're nice and light. Depending on the chambering though, I bet they can really kick. There's a 375H&H Mag on gunbroker right now I had to talk myself out of.

Yeah, mine's a synthetic stock too which might be even lighter. The polymer they use though feels good, thick and very stiff compared to alot of stocks though.

I'm really happy with the chambering too, been looking hard for a 280AI. I'll shoot it as-is and decide if I want to ream it out in the future. Shouldn't be too hard kicking, at least not until I try working up some 175gr loads.

Mostly going to be used for coyotes, and deer. Maybe one day I'll chase a moose or elk though.

Probably just going to work up a ~140gr load and use it for everything until I start thinking about a big game hunt.

 

[LoonWulf]

.... You know.... I might actually have a trigger pull reduction spring for an a-bolt.
I bought two when I was working on my buddy's gun, But ended up not needing it on mine so unless I gave it away it's still somewhere in my part boxes.

 

[Armorer 101]

On used guns, I strip the bore to bright steel, first off. 90% of shooters do not know how to clean a barrel, soooo.
Remove action from stock, chamber plug (standard bolt face), fill bore with Shooter’s Choice Copper solvent, let it set while full, upright in a shop counter corner for 7 full days, pour back in bottle, then scrub with a bronze brush, patch out until clean patches, then do a full up barrel break-in regiment. It might shoot like a new rifle.

 

[JimKirk]

My A Bolt is '85/'86 model ....in .25/06 ...I shoot pretty full loads and it kicks pretty good ....

I just ordered a MCarbo spring for it ....still laying on the work bench ....