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.

 

[onlybrowning]

Yes, at least some, if not a majority of internet info about smiths not working on them is not the case. There are certainly some that won’t “bother” with them, and one other that specified only working on chromoly variants, but many will rebarrel them like many other actions.

On a related note, JES Rebore will not work on them. I’ve tried more than once, hoping he’d rebore different models. I believe he does rebore steel BAR and BLR models.
A stainless BLR and late model BAR (ShortTrac or MK3) in .338 Federal to go along with the A Bolt II in .338 Federal is on my wishlist for sure.

 

[Vector32]

I already own 2 X-bolts in 280 Rem and 338 Win Mag. They are the original stainless stalkers. The 280 Rem shoots lights out. I just like to see what’s out there or what I could do, I guess.

 

[sdupontjr]

1994 Browning Abolt II Medallion 7mag with Boss and CR Boss is still the queen of my safe. But like others mentioned, not many aftermarket items. But on a beautiful rifle, why put a bunch of plastic crap on it. I have other rifles for that.