1986 Browning Abolt .243 - Should I jump on this?

[Timwinjr]

Good afternoon - I have the chance to pick up an immaculate Browning Abolt in .243 here locally for $750. I can’t find a blemish on the rifle. It is not the medallion version but it has a pretty French walnut looking stock in high gloss - manufactured in 1986. I do not know anything about Browning’s values or this era of rifles. Should I grab this one? Appreciate the input!

 

[Maverick1]

Do you need a 243 with wood stock?

 

[Timwinjr]

I wouldn’t say I “need” it but I always like to buy unique/nice older rifles if it’s a deal. This one is intriguing as I can’t find one bad spot or scratch and it’s from 1986. Seems like a good price for it but I’m unsure of this rifles reputation as I’ve never owned a Browning bolt action.

 

[go_deep]

Do you know which country it was made in?
Should be stamped on the side of the barrel.

 

[Roostergun985]

That’s a decent price. I really like the older brownings and it’s a plus being a 243 for me.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I own an A-Bolt in .243 from 87 I believe. It is an absolute tack driver. Easily, my favorite hunting rifle.

 

[Timwinjr]

Do you know which country it was made in?
Should be stamped on the side of the barrel.

Believe Japan but I forgot to make a note of it. I’ll check.

 

[go_deep]

Believe Japan but I forgot to make a note of it. I’ll check.

I've got a couple in that era, all made in Japan, there great guns.

 

[Deere_Man]

It has some great stuff:

1. It doesn’t have a piece of crap palm swell, making it a nice rifle for lefties as well as righties

2. 1:10” 243 will do the Nosler 90gr ballistic nicely and lots of other bullets up to 100gr depending on shape

3. Made in Japan is great quality control

Buy with confidence

 

[TaperPin]

Cool little rifle.

 

[KenLee]

It has some great stuff:

1. It doesn’t have a piece of crap palm swell, making it a nice rifle for lefties as well as righties

2. 1:10” 243 will do the Nosler 90gr ballistic nicely and lots of other bullets up to 100gr depending on shape

3. Made in Japan is great quality control

Buy with confidence

They work just fine with cheap Hornady, Remington and Winchester cup and core factory ammo. If in great shape, I'd float a $650 offer and hope for the best. I'd bet my son has killed 400 whitetail with a 243 a-bolt.
He's only recently used 308 and 300wsm Brownings because there's cases of ammo at my house and those rifles have more expensive scopes than he wants to pay for.
I only have one kid, so he'll get all of the stockpile anyway.

 

[onlybrowning]

I’ve got a .257 Roberts original A Bolt Hunter (likely what that one is) that is not in as nice of shape, but I couldn’t resist it. I’d have trouble passing on a .243 as well.

 

[KenLee]

I’ve got a .257 Roberts original A Bolt Hunter (likely what that one is) that is not in as nice of shape, but I couldn’t resist it. I’d have trouble passing on a .243 as well.

I have a 257 Bob micro medallion that probably 2 dozen kids have killed deer with. I haven't been able to turn loose of that one yet.
117 gr + Hornady Whitetail Custom ammo gets it done. I had a case of those. Think they are discontinued now.

 

[Agross]

Just get it, u won’t regret it. Love the old wood stock rifles How about some pics

 

[KenLee]

Do you need a 243 with wood stock?

Everyone does if it's a good shooter with pretty wood.

 

[KenLee]

Believe Japan but I forgot to make a note of it. I’ll check.

All of the a-bolts are made in Japan

 

[Cdnance]

Do you need a 243 with wood stock?

Horrible logic!!!

Of course he needs a wood stock 243!!! I’m pretty sure we all do!

Make him an offer, but you should get it IMO!

 

[Timwinjr]

Thanks gentlemen! I will post pics if I decide to pull the trigger. Leaning towards picking it up.

 

[Timwinjr]

Picked it up today. I can’t believe how pristine this thing is!

 

[Timwinjr]

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