Browning A-bolt -Good?

[birddog 68]

How's the trigger? I'm assuming aftermarket parts are non-existent for these.

I think MCARBO makes a spring kit for the A bolt or a competent gunsmith can lighten it up.
I have been happy with the few browning X and A bolts that I have and had. All except one shot great with hand loads.
If the barrel isn't toast, I would say the $500-$550 range is where I would be.

 

[ByronP]

If this helps any the load I shoot is less than a inch & Boss is still on zero I hate to touch it

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

I fell into a great deal on two A-bolt stainless stalkers when a small local gunshot was closing up. On one of the last days I walked in to see what was left of his rifke stock, the owner said very little and too bad your not left handed and I responded I am left handed. He said I have a matched set of Browning A-bolts stainless Stalkers new in the box. I asked what are they chambered for, he said one is in 7mm RM and the other in .338 WM, I'd be interested in the 7mm RM but what am I going to do with the .338WM, he responded I'm only selling them as a pair. Then the usual question, we'll how much, would you take them both for $300 each...after 2 seconds I said Yes I would but I don't have $600 in my wallet and I didn't use cards in those days, but if you hold them while I walk across the street to my bank I'll take both.. I originally left to buy a paint brush but walked in the door with two new rifles and I forget to get the paint brush...Still have both and use them to this day, both are great guns, super accurate and gave never let me down...

 

[ByronP]

I think MCARBO makes a spring kit for the A bolt or a competent gunsmith can lighten it up.
I have been happy with the few browning X and A bolts that I have and had. All except one shot great with hand loads.
If the barrel isn't toast, I would say the $500-$550 range is where I would be.

Buy it if you don't like it I will take it

 

[birddog 68]

Buy it if you don't like it I will take it

I think that you meant to quote someone else?
I am quite happy with the few that I have so please don't try to twist my arm to buy another

 

[Sealesniper]

Trigger can be lightened by getting different spring or by trimming your current spring a tiny bit at a time.

They can shoot well. I have had several, but just kept going back to Remington 700 for customization ease.

 

[john k]

I've had and still have more than a few original A-Bolts and X-Bolts and was very happy with them after tweaking triggers. Have not shot the AB3's. Love the short throw.

 

[Titalwave]

I have A-Bolts in .300 WM, 30-06 & .223. All have the BOSS and I replaced the factory trigger springs with the Timney springs. I bought all of them new back in the early 90's and they all are tack drivers. All of them have earned a permanent spot in my gun vault.

 

[milesbubba]

Mcarbo makes springs for triggers

 

[vern.284]

For $500 that's a great price. I love the mag box design. And I've never had one that was a horrible shooter.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1502610

Get them while there cheap

 

[1wildcatfan]

Wife had the first A-bolt 300 wsm sold in the Baltimore area back when they came out. Shot lights out. Factory federal load, 180 Barnes MRX, shot .75" 300 yds @ 3010 fps.
New was $550-$600. Stainless stalker. No BOSS on hers.
Polishing and Timney spring took it to 2 lbs.

 

[Hikinghunter]

Does anybody know if the stocks are interchangeable among SA a-bolts? I'm guessing I would wind up replacing the stock if I grabbed this one.

 

[vern.284]

Stocks are hard to come by for it. I've been trying myself. Synthetic anyway.
Short action is short action. Mag box and bolt head change. Abolt l & ll are the same the 3 and up are different Unless it's a micro, that is different I believe
I would love to find either manners or hs precision stock. I think they made for the abolt l&ll

 

[shedhunt]

Browning A Bolts are extremely good. I have a 270wsm and had a 25-06. Both shoot lights out and you can buy a trigger spring as the triggers are non adjustable. At $500, I buy it. I sold my 25-06 for $600. There aren't a lot of aftermarket parts for these but they are good rifles. I wouldnt hesitate to buy it.