The Browning A-Bolt is a Japanese-made bolt action rifle. It has a 3 lug bolt and a somewhat strange detachable magazine that fits on a hinged floorplate. The detachable mag/floorplate thing is thankfully gone in new models like the AB3 but the bolt is still largely the same 60 degree throw affair.
These rifles came in a variety of trims so it’s hard to include a proper list of specifications. You could start with the Browning website if you wish.
Usability
The 60 degree bolt throw and general smoothness of the bolt are pretty good.
The tang safety is easy to use and very clear.
The detachable mag/hinged floorplate thing is a bit of an abomination.
I’m not sure who thought this would be a good idea. I think they were trying to marry the toughness and sleekness of a hinged floorplate with the practicality of a detachable mag but in doing so, they really lost some of the practicality and speed of using a detachable mag. At least the magazine is all metal and easy to service, something that you can’t say for many newer magazine designs.
A-Bolt I vs A-Bolt II vs A-Bolt 3 (AB3) vs X-Bolt
The model I have here is an A-Bolt 1, “Stainless Stalker” (stainless, with plastic stock) made in 1992 (figure out when your Browning A-Bolt was made here).
- The A-Bolt I was made from 1985-1993. A-Bolt 1’s have a fluted bolt and a weird detachable mag+floorplate system
- The A-Bolt II was made starting in 1994. It is still purported to be for sale on Browning’s website but I haven’t seen any on shelves for a long time. A-Bolt II’s have a flat side bolt shroud and adjustable trigger. They also have the same weird mag system
- The A-Bolt 3 or sometimes called AB3 is Browning’s cheap rifle. It uses a crappier feeling but properly detachable magazine and more inexpensive materials but still a decent bolt.
- The X-Bolt and X-Bolt 2 are Browning’s current “nice” hunting rifles. It’s got a plastic detachable magazine and an improved bolt.
Conclusion: Should you get a Browning A-Bolt in 2025?
Maybe. I’m going to use this rifle instead of my Savage Axis or Stevens 334 because the bolt feel is nicer, the throw is shorter than the Axis (but the same as the 334), safety is better than the 334, it’s lighter than the 334, and it’s just a far higher quality rifle than both. Yet at $599 used, this used rifle is juuuust above the pricing of either the 334 or Axis while on sale or about the same at standard retail.
For the same price as those budget bolt action options, the A-Bolt is a nicer gun. If you have a bit more money (double), the X-Bolt or a Tikka T3X is what you should be looking at instead.
