I bought one of the new a bolts about a month ago from Gander Mountain ($1070 after taxes). The only difference, and I may be wrong, between this one and the one from the mid 90's is the twist rate. The new twist rate is 1 in 28 while the older olders ones were 1 in 32. When I took it too the range I shot it off hand with open sigths at 50 yards (I wanted to replicate hunting conditions I often encounter) and it was really no more accurate than any other rifled slug gun I have owned. I had problems with slugs that were 1800 fps or faster. Whether or not this is an issue with the gun or a flaw in the way I shoot has yet to be determined. I shot a 3 inch group with Remington Cooper Solids at my POA. I had a group of about 2 inches with Remington Accu-tips (much faster slug), however it was nowhere near my POA. When I go to the range next time, I will take my lead sled to see if I can get better results. Now, If I were to attach a scope and shoot it from a rest I am sure my groups would improve, but by how much? I had a scoped mossberg 835 that could shoot 3 inch groups all day at 100 yards from a bench rest. Even if the A Bolt could shoot MOA, is the extra $700 worth it? I can tell you this I have always wanted one of these a bolts since they came out in the mid 90's, however after a day at the range I will admit I had some buyers remorse.
I went back to the range and shot the a bolt off my lead sled and the cooper solids, accutips and sst's all produced one shot holes about the size of a half dollar at the POA. My offhand groups only slightly improved.