Browning X-bolt or A-bolt

[Vector32]

I’m relatively new to the custom rifle world, and I’m curious about why there aren’t many custom rifles being built on Browning actions. I don’t see many aftermarket parts available for them either.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

Smith’s don’t like to work on them…

 

[Loper]

Barrels are hard to get off for gun smiths.

Also, Browning purposely tries to make things propeietary/different/difficult which isn’t friendly to after market use. For example, in the past they’ve threaded the muzzles with a thread pitch that is not the industry standard. They’ve done the same with some of their shotguns too over the years, with choke tubes (invector, investor+, invector DS). They change them up so that you can’t use your previous choke tubes and have to buy new ones.

I like Browning rifles and have had an A-Bolt and X-Bolt but wish they were more aftermarket friendly.

 

[Scottf270]

Maybe because they are made correctly at the factory and don't need modification to shoot well? I'm a fan of Brownings and other than a trigger spring modification, I've never needed more.
There are very good smiths who have no issue working on them, contrary to internet talk. McMillan also has some stocks available.

 

[Loper]

Maybe because they are made correctly at the factory and don't need modification to shoot well?

Good point.

 

[rookieforever33]

I’m relatively new to the custom rifle world, and I’m curious about why there aren’t many custom rifles being built on Browning actions. I don’t see many aftermarket parts available for them either.

If you want to tinker Browning isnt your Huckleberry. Im fine with both of mine stock, fit me well to shoot and I actually like the trigger although its to "heavy" for some people. There are fixes available for the trigger if its the only thing keeping you from one. If I lived in an area that allowed suppressors I would be bothered by the non standard threads on my speed model.