OT--Browning A-Bolt vs. Winchester pre-64 mod. 70

getitdone1 · Post by **getitdone1** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:14 pm

For years I would have said "no contest" between the Browning A-Bolt and the Pre-64 model 70 Winchester.

Now, I'm not so sure. Recently I bought a neat little Browning A-Bolt with nice wood and dull stainless barrel and action. So nice to raise the bolt handle and not be anywhere near the scope. Too, this Browning is just a flat-out good look'in gun! Has flat finish on nice wood and not that typical Browning hi-gloss--which I dislike.

Recently at a gun auction and they had a pre-64 model 70 with a neat old 4x Unertl scope on it. Should have bought it. I worked the bolt and it was sure close to the scope. Think it went for under 1200. Had the old metal butt plate that "v's" into the heel of the butt--I like it.

So you gain on the Winchester's controlled feed but the lighter weight and short bolt stroke of the Browning is also real nice.

Then there was the neat little Winchester model 55, 30-30 but that's another story.

Don McCullough

iceman · Post by **iceman** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:39 pm

I have an Abolt in 270 left hand. Like is's short bolt turn, shoots great and not too heavy. Don't know if controlled feed is all that important. I also like the detachable mag. remove to reload or from the open action.

edsguns · Post by **edsguns** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:04 pm

I'll admit that there's not a darn thing wrong with an A-bolt, they are fine rifles. BUT....if I had my druthers, it'll be a nice model 70 Featherweight Classic with it's drop dead gorgeous stock design and very ornate checkering. To my eye a finer action / stock / and checkering design has never been seen! I also own a original mod98 sporterized, and a pre '64 Featherweight made in '54 that's as new and a beautiful older Sako . Nice guns, all! But, not quite in the same league for me. (just my 2 cents, and likely worth less...lol.) A short action Featherweight with 22" barrel is very close to a perfect rifle. Besides a nice lever gun, OF COURSE!!

cnjarvis · Post by **cnjarvis** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:38 pm

FWIW, I think ya done good. I have a Sig SHR 970 with a full diameter bolt and a 65Â° bolt throw that I love. Plenty of clearance between the bolt handle and the scope. I've strongly considered a Browning for my next rifle just because of the bolt throw. I've never had a problem with a push-feed rifle so I can't help there but it seems to work well enough for Remington, Browning etc.

getitdone1 · Post by **getitdone1** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:56 pm

Another plus for the Browning A-Bolt is it's safety. Located on the tang and none of this flip-flopping in 2-3 positions or even moving sideways like some double barreled guns.

On the other hand I do notice this A-Bolt seems a little stiff on the upstroke of the bolt handle after firing--not real hot loads. Read this was kind of the nature of this gun.

Don McCullough

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 6:02 pm

Don,

I know what a Mdl 70 Win looks like, but I'm drawing a blank on the Browning A Bolt. Could you post a pic of one?

Joe

Mike D. · Post by **Mike D.** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:51 pm

IMO there is no comparison. The model 70 will continue to escalate in value and the Browning will remain static, or lose value in the long run. Obviously, I am not a fan of new fangled bolt guns.

RSY · Post by **RSY** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:52 pm

The A-Bolt/X-Bolt can be very accurate rifles, indeed.

However, try being on a multi-thousand dollar hunt in the middle of nowhere and have the Browning's multi-part bolt held together with roll-pins break down on you. You're done with that rifle! Hope you brought a back-up or there's a suitable loaner available. But, who wants to do their hunt of a lifetime with someone else's rifle?

For a hunting rifle, I'll take a one-piece bolt any day. Make mine a Model 70 or Model 77.

scott

getitdone1 · Post by **getitdone1** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:10 pm

Appreciate all the responses.

Don't get me wrong. I am a big fan of the pre-64 mod. 70's and also the newer ones with controlled feed. Might buy a pre-64, 30-06 at any time. Be my big animal gun. I had one years ago chambered for 257 Roberts. Early one with the early style safety.

I would never consider anything but a controlled feed bolt gun for expensive safari or dangerous game.

Regarding a picture of my A-Bolt. I figured it was obvious by now that I am not smart enough to do that !

Well.....just haven't taken the time to learn how. GunsAmerica or Gunbroker sites should have plenty of pictures of them.

Again, thanks for all your replies.

Don McCullough

getitdone1 · Post by **getitdone1** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:18 pm

Anyone else here had bad luck or dislike the Browning A-Bolt? If it's got serious "bugs" I might as well know about it early on.

Don McCullough

Swampman · Post by **Swampman** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:22 pm

I'd rather have a Remington 700 than either.

Marlin .35 · Post by **Marlin .35** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:35 am

Had several A=Bolts. Very accurate and smooth. Liked them very much!!! Art

GANJIRO · Post by **GANJIRO** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:02 am

I love the quality and craftsmanship of the A-Bolt and all Miroku made Brownings but I prefer the design of the model 70 Winchester though i'd be totally ecstatic with the newer Classic model in their Featherweight form, I preferring CRF, the Mauser claw extractor, and the 3 position bolt mounted safety. The Kimbers, and Dakotas are nice too though all way out of my current price range.