Now I know they're Jap made (still, I think) but I can' help but wonder if they shoot.  They sure do make for some nice eye candy.  I wouldn't mind getting a 308 Win. in one of these:

Or really scarf up some pennies and get this one:

I had one of their BPS shotguns and absolutely hated it but was wondering about one of their rifles.  Mind you I ain't in no position to be buying one of these anytime soon but I couldn't help but think about them.  Top it off with perhaps a Nikon scope and it would probably tackle a wide variety of critters.  I like trying different brands of stuff and thought this would give me a chance to try a new rifle (Browning) and a new scope (Nikon) that I haven't had in MY own possession.  I thought that maybe North Logan had one of these somewhere along the lines.  Can anybody comment about them pro or con?

 Hey

  I had one of those like the one on top with an extra stock like the one on the bottom and in a .308 to boot, topped off with a Burris Fullfield sitting in Burris rings. Did it shoot you betca like a house afire and it didn't care if I was shooting 150's or 165's through it,it was pleasent to shoot I mean sweet,never a problem. Then this lady walked through the door and she cost me that rifle and a Winchester Model 100 in .308. Her name was Sako Forester in .308 now the burris sits on her. What more can I say.

I really like the A-Bolt looks.  Had one now for 4 years.  Got the stainless/synthetic model with the BOSS in 223.  It shoots good and I haven't had any trouble with it.  I do kinda wish it didn't have the removable magazine.  Can't feed it long OAL cartriges from the magazine as related in another post.  And if you want an extra magazine it'll cost $50!!!

But it's been a real good shooter for me, and has taken it's share of coyotes.  I wouldn't mind having one in 308 to go with it.  As to the bolt, it's always been real slick and easy to operate. 

One thing that I found kinda nice is that the barrel cleans up easier than any other rifle I have. 

Buy yer spare Magazines on Ebay for around 35 bucks!

  Yes they do shoot, my stock 300WSM was close to .4 center to center before I sent it to get it re-stock'd.  Fast bolt throw too.

I did however put a better pad on the bugger.

Spot

ahh, brownings... my wife loves the way they look.

i'll keep my 700's...

i do like the short bolt-throw on them, or i did... once i became a little more experienced w/ rifles, i grew to hate that short throw. possibly the 'smith friend doesn't like the bolts on them because they are rumored to come off easy, and to get themselves all bungled in the field. dunno... never had it happen to me... the internet gurus also tell me that my 700 bolts come undone, too. have not had that happen yet, either.

I saw one of those like the top one in wally world in .270win.  They don't usually carry Browning, must have be a special order that somebody backed out on.  Man oh man it's a sweet looking rifle.  I asked, but they refused to let me take it withing paying first...

I had my heart set a while back on whatever bolt action .22lr it is that Browning makes.  I thought it might also have been called an a-bolt?, but I may be wrong.  Still one of the best looking 22 bolts I've had the opportunity to handle.  No idea what they shoot like...

King the chef was swedish.

A bolts shoot okay but could stand a longer barrel.Bit light for my likeing.The boss system works well but is a bit loud.I worked on a couple and like dakota will stick to my 700's or sakos.

Macca

I think the .22 is called the T-bolt tex.

My dad wont let me buy one, and i dont want one. Just dont like the made in Japan stamping. I dont really like the looks either, but i would have bought the LEFTY medallion in .280 rem that was in the classifieds in a local paper. It was like $450 with a scope.  But of course my dad said we dont work for mr. tojo, so we werent going to get any of his weapons

      Interesting Positions here !  I am curious why so many guys seem not to want to buy made in japan? I have many times stated my preference for American products , but with a few exceptions , I see things as American or forgin. To me Jappanese or Finnish makes very little Difference.  Now notice I used the phrase preference for american, I did not say I buy american exclusivly. Example, the only company mass producing a rifle in .358-WIN is Browning in the BLR.  Good enuf reason to buy one. other reason, I bought my CZ 550, simply cause it was a heck of a fine rifle at an out standing price.

   I buy Leupold scopes Beacuse Dollar for Dollar i don't think any body does a better job. so why buy forgin.( I doo look at burris alot and may well buy one)But if I found a Nikkon Monarch for 100.00 bucks I would sure as hell buy it.

   My question is Why the apperant Bias against Japan. ? is it Pearl harbor and he battan death march still ?

   I felt great about my Chevy PU cause its american , but the Window sticker said somthing like 62% American and canadian parts. Why list American and canadian as though it was one country, I would like to know how much is american,as far as I am concerned canadian is not American. Both Nissan and Toyota have big plants in the US also and my Next truck may well come from one of those plants...tj3006 

tj3006 wrote: My question is Why the apperant Bias against Japan. ?

japs aren't allowed to own firearms. how can they do their own r&d? how can they authoritatively know what the best route is to make one? just because the guys at winchester told 'em so? nah... nothing to do w/ pearl harbor...

Well it's comforting to know that the Brownings are apparently worth the $$$.  I sure would like to have one for my upcoming boar hunt in the next few months.  I'm going for sure, just haven't set the date!  I'll probably take my new 270 Win. 70 FWT for that, even though I'm strongly tempted to take my old '06.

I always thought that with Browning's history, a 308 in an A-Bolt made sort of a logical choice.  I only know of one hunter, other than some of you guys, who hunts with an A-Bolt in 30-06.  He's done well with it and it sure is sharp.

Who knows, I may do some switching around sooner than I had anticipated!

As for the bias against Japan.  I'm pretty much like you tj.  If it's honestly a good product I don't much care where it comes from.  If it's borderline of course I'll go for the good old USA every time.  As far as the Japs themselves, well, I'll just let sleeping dogs lie.

On the bias against Jap made stuff I'm with tj.  I'd much rather buy products that are stamped MADE IN THE USA, but it's a big world with many countries making good quality items.   Look around your own houses and you might be surprised at what the labels on many American company items say. 

My RCA tv was assembled in Mexico,  Texas Instruments calculator made in China,  Motorola radios made in China,  DeWalt drill doesn't say where it's made but the batteries say Japan.   

Some of the WWII vets I've known would NEVER buy a Jap car.  But they have never had bad feelings towards me for driving one.  Hell, I drive a Toyota cause the damn car just keeps going.  I honestly can't say that about any American car or truck I've ever owned.  (Especially my old F-150, but that's another story)  I think some of the most kickass vehicles ever designed have rolled off assembly lines in the USA.  But the reliability just ain't there in the long run.  My next truck will either be a Chevy or a Toyota, and I'm leanin' towards the Toyo 'cause of the reliability factor. 

I'm proud as hell to be an American and I wish American companies would go back to the old days of making their products right here in the USA!!!   The ones that do build here need to get their s#%t together and do it right.  Build it rock solid to last a lifetime.

I'll probably catch a lot of flack for all that, but that's how I see it.

Oh yeah, wasn't this thread about the A-Bolt?  Oh well.   Enjoy it if you get it Mountaineer. 

 Hey Longhunter

   Welcome to the baitshop,always good to hear from new folks. I know what you mean my wifes old 90 Honda was built in Indiana.  And Nissan's are built right here in Tenn.

Welcome longhunter!

That being said, when the money for the Tennessee Nissans, and the Alabama Hondas is counted, it gets shipped to Japan. Remember Japan? They are the ones who brought you the Bataan Death March, the Rape of Nanking, Pearl Harbor, and that Jap Celloist. I hate the cello, don't drive their cars, and know a guy who survived the Bataan Death March. As a caveat, where I now live, there are a lot of Pearl Harbor Survivors. For them, I just don't warm up to anything Japanese or wish to better their economy. I remember a guy (Marine) who told me about his trip to Iwo Jima during the war. Japanese are a most uncompassionate race, as a whole. If it would have been possible at the time, they could have dropped hundreds of Nuclear bombs on them and no one would have cared. They are as devious as the day is long, and as ruthless in their business practices as they were during the war. As I recall, they pledged 1500 ambulances to the Desert Storm fight and when it finally came to the wire, they had to be reminded that they promised to send them before they grudgingly delivered. I fully realize that a lot of products are made there, but I seldom buy anything unless I check out where it's made, and if I can buy American before I part with my long green. Sorry if I got on a rant, but, I just don't trust them or want anything to do with them if I can help it..................Kingpin

Back to the original thread... Browning A-bolt's... I've had a couple... a Stainless Stalker in .308 and a Hunter in .30-06... currently have a nice Composite Stalker in .300 Win Mag. Probably one of the most accurate rifles that I own... a "keeper" for sure...

Worth the money... even if they are made in Japan...

Longhunter,  your father was a true American hero.  I'm sorry to hear that he died at such a young age.  My dad was in the European theater and later died at an early age.  At least earlier than he should have.  It left me with a large void in my life that I wish I could have filled.  Memories are one thing, but having the person there to tell you something are completely different.  I won't go into all the bad feelings I have for some of the members of my "family" that have "screwed me" over the years, but I will say I will always have good memories of the men and women who have served this country honorably. 

NL,  that's a nice looking rifle.  I hope it keeps shooting for you, like a 427 Cobra jumping off the starting line, kicking ass, and taking names later.   Gunrunner

edited to say that my "family" got rid of his medals without a thought for me.  Would I like to have them?  Hell yes!!!  But it ain't so.  So I will live on through his memories. 

Gunrunner, check with the DOD. With his service number, they can tell you what medals he got, and you may be able to duplicate them at gun shows. Here, there are some guys who sell medals, unit crests, and memorabilia. You could make a shadow box to keep them in.

NL, nice rifle, nicer caliber..................Kingpin

NL, i dont know if they still do it, but Browning used to engrave your name on the bolt for a small fee if thats something you might be interested in. I'm strongly considering a used A-bolt Eclipse M-1000, heavy barrel .300 win mag.

The greatest rifle I ever purchased over the counter was a Browning bolt action made in Belgium in 1963. However, today there are a lot of rifles out on the market with slick looks to them and a shine that is brighter than you could get at the train station years ago.

I think the A-Bolt falls behind on quality in their steel and they just don't stand up to the Ruger 77 or the Winchester model 70 Classic's. I prefer the Super Grade models myself (which has an excellent track record) not to mention that low end Savage that will out shoot the A-bolt the marjority of the time right out of the box.

I have seen the bottom of the reciever on the A-bolt just break off, trigger guard made of pot metal ? I wouldn't spend my hard earned bucks on the slick looking rifle that just might let you down on a hunt. I am a Ruger, Winchester man that owns several rifles with Remington 700 actions (varmint & predator rifles) I just don't think that Browning stands all the tall as in years passed.