My dad has a big b-day coming up and I was thinking about getting him a Browning A-bolt Medallion. I've seen him drooling in the gun store at them. I'm dancing around with what caliber to get him though as I don't claim to be that knowledgeable with the distinctions. The main issues being versitility and availability of ammo, recoil, and I guess sizzle.
I know he wants something a little larger than the 270 M77 he has. He seems to be a big fan of the .308 win. But for some strange reason the Medallion does not come w/ the Boss system in .308. I think his perception is that the 7MM is a cannon and as I said he is not a big guy and recoil is not a favorite but is the Boss system effective enough to counteract this? A 30-06 Sp seems like a good choice and versitile but that is my perception. Then there is the whole WSM option.
In reality the gun would be for deer, black bear, and possible the caribou hunt we hope to do someday besides just paper punching. Elk/moose is probably beyond us.
The boss system works.....but I'd never get one as it's just bad looking and not at all needed. I wonder how many folks bought one and wish they hadn't.
As to caliber the .30-06 wills do nicely for the things you have listed.
The boss system works.....but I'd never get one as it's just bad looking and not at all needed. I wonder how many folks bought one and wish they hadn't.
I am one of them,sold the gun in less than a year.
I have an A-Bolt7Mag with the BOSS. It's not THAT ugly. It works though. If you put the CR end on it, it's barely noticeable. Did have to buy a new case though since it wouldn't fit in any of my other soft cases.
Id prob get the 300WSM. Bigger then a 270 and theres a good bit of ammo selections out there. I would not get the Boss either, its a cool idea but the guns will shoot sub 1" groups most likely so theres no real need for it. Ugly is in the eye of the beholder but IMO I dont think it looks good. You could also get a nice recoil pad for it if he is that recoil sensative.
My best bit of advice with the A-bolt is after you get the gun go to brownells.com and get the trigger spring kit for the gun. It comes with 3-5lbs and a 1-3lbs trigger springs. Its only 20$ and takes about 5min to install and makes alot of difference in the gun for most people.
__________________
"What do you mean I ain't kind? Just not your kind."
I agree I would probably stay away from the BOSS system it is not really needed and it makes the gun really loud. I would get a .300 WSM myself though a gift certificate would be a good idea so he could pick out the one he wants. I was going to buy a Browning last year but decided on a Marlin .450 for hog hunting instead. Though if you don't like recoil it is not the gun to get.
__________________
Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling a pig, sooner or later you will realize they both like it.
The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.
In my experience 7mm Rem Mags kick less than 30-06s and tend to be more accurate. I have a Browning A-Bolt Stalker in 7mm and I know for a fact it is a tack driver. That would be my choice for the animals you listed.
Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
