I've always liked the Browning A-bolt. I think for the money they shoot and carry better than most out of the box. Problem is they come with these light contour barrels that heat up really fast. I'm thinking about finding an A-bolt thats in fair shape, re-barreling and pillar bedding the action into the factory stock. Hopefully this results in a sub MOA rifle for a total bill under $1500.

My question is is there any reason why investing in an A-Bolt would be a bad idea? Everyone seems to prefer Remington, pre-64 Winchester, or old Mauser actions for this type work. I understand they're nice strong actions but is there any reason the A-Bolt wouldn't function just as well?

I recommend you send a PM or two to some of the accomplished smiths that post here and ask about this.

I'm not at all sure why but the A-Bolt isn't among those rifles rebarreled and discussed here.

IMO it's a darn fine action!

I once heard that trying to remove a factory A-bolt barrel destroys the receiver as being the reason nobody tries to customize them.

A friend of mine has an A-bolt customized by Christensen Arms. I know he has other rifles, but that one seems to be the only one that he ever takes hunting - both here and abroad.

I have no experience with the A-bolt. I do like the looks of the reciever, but I think the bolt handle is Butt-Ugly!

Browning changed the reciever/barrel threads to a finer pitch & glued the threads together. There is a very real probility that the threads will gall & destroy both the barrel and receiver when you attempt to unscrew the barrel.
I don't know how to tell when the thread pitch change took place. Your risk.

i bought an a bolt in 300 win mag a number of years ago. david tooley in carolina did a semi job switching it to a 338 win mag. tack driver!

I've been told you need a smith whow is not only set up to deal with Browning actions, but also one that has experience as often (as stated) the receiver is damaged when removing the barrel.

I'm a few hundred rounds from finding out first hand. My 25wssm is not far from needing a new barrel.

I've heard it both ways, problem and no problem. There may have been some stainless actions assembled without lube that cause the problems.

Unless they used an interference fit on the threads, the old barrel should be able to be removed by cutting a relief groove next to the action and then applying heat to the barrel or receiver to soften the adhesive.

Just called my best 'smith. He said they have the tools to do it without "twisting" the action. Still wondering why not many customs are built on this action...

I think the reason you see so many semi-customs on remmy, mauser, etc actions is the same reason you see so many hot rod engines built on 350 cubic inch chevy blocks. The aftermarket parts are easy to find and offered over a broad price range and they are somewhat easy to work with once you know how. I have seen a couple of rebarreled a-bolts so it can be done, however one had a carbon fiber barrel which may have been done a browning I'm not sure. I started out shooting a-bolts and have always had a soft spot for them too. These are by far the most popular factory bolt action rifle where I live and picking up nice used ones is very easy. I would stay away from the early a-bolt as they are not as reliable as the a-bot II design. I have one and it can be a nightmare, which is one reason I no longer hunt with it.

The reason you don't see many semi-custom A-Bolts, is because there is no need to mess with a good thing. Customize the Remmy, it needs it. I have both.

The only thing I ever did to an A-Bolt was change the trigger spring (I did it myself). My 700 has made numerous trips to the gunsmith and I still don't like it. I would trade it for an A-Bolt.

great action .. nice features... never mind the idits that have never dealt with one.. they tend to spout off rubbish they once heard. they also run off at the mouth about lots of things they have zero experience with ...

quote:

Originally posted by onefunzr2:
I once heard that trying to remove a factory A-bolt barrel destroys the receiver as being the reason nobody tries to customize them.

oh, hi fuzzy dave

I see that one place "Home of the .366 DGW" did a 458 Lott on one .





I have had a bunch of them & was going to put a fast twist 223Rem barrel on a Stainless Stalker if I can find one & when my 30/06 S/S wears out it's barrel , I was going to make it a 338/06 , so I was hoping they can be rebarreled !

I had an A-Bolt rebarreled and the smith who did the work told me the barrel has really fine threads and is extremely difficult to remove. I had a larger contour barrel installed, changed the caliber and it's a great rifle.
I like the A-Bolt action and this one's a shooter.

I guess the reasons not to would be limited number of after-market add on's and resale. But if you plan on keeping it who cares. Heck I have a Win 70 PF with some customizing.

BigB

Had a stainless A-Bolt dialed down from 338 with BOSS to a 7mm Rem mag, and restocked with a Sako style style McM. Hill Country did the work, including a trigger job and accurizing, and the result was a big improvement over the original.

My personal opinion..based on working with these acions for about five years is that they are a piece of shit.

Boots Obermeyer has at least two actions that "split" in cold weather. Browing sent a notice to all dealers that there is no warranty if someone tries to take the barrel off.

They will gall! I had to set the action up in a four jaw and bore out the shank so I could remove the remainder of the threaded "left overs"

There is nothing about these actions that would warrant spending more than 32 cents to make an impovement...which is, of course not possible

Have a friend who has worked for Douglas some 40 plus years, retired now, and I understand they have refused to rebarrel an A Bolt for some years now due to the same issues. Pesonally I think Browning has more of the "euro" appearance than it need be and the X version is more of the same.