Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

Folks:

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.

Can you give me some thoughts?

Thanks

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

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.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

I am one of them,sold the gun in less than a year.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

I would think....most..

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

Tonkah,
Either find out the cartridge he is lusting for or get him a gift certificate.
That would be my advice.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

Good Idea on the gift certificate. I have a buddy who has that rifle in 280 with the Boss. He loves it but, He is already old and deaf.;)

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

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.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

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.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

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.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

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.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

Another voter for the 7mm Rem Mag

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

Thanks for the advice guys. I was leaning toward the Boss system but will reconsider that based upon some of the comments.The gift certificate is a good idea too although I'd like to hand him over an actual gun. But we'll see.I'mstill leaning toward the 30-06at this point for versitility, but it seems the 7mm is not a bad option. I'll be looking into this some more.

Thanks again.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

If he already has a 270win,the 30-06 is not much of a step up.I would go with a 300wsm.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

300 WSM for me.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

1) It sounds like he is already a hunter, with some experience....Picking out a guys gun is a lot like picking out his wife for him....Inless you know what caliber, make, model,finish,barrel...etc....I just would not do it....You are a heck of a guy to think of doing this...possibly you can make a deal with the gunshop to let dad return if its not what he really wants...although he may not want to hurt your feelings by doing so.....

2)All that being said...if he currently has a .270...Consider a 270 WSM...It give him a little more "pop"...but recoil isn't much more than a .270...I sighted in my cousins with 140 Accubonds....three shots a 100...two touching, can cover group with a nickle...Oh yea...its a Browning.....no Boss...

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

I have one in .30-06 that I took to CO back in 1994 and only have used ittwice. Went back to the .270 with out the boss. Now I use the Ruger 6.5mmSwede.

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

OK the "choosing the wife" comment set me straight. I think I will take a ride to the gun store to lay down a deposit and arrange to have him choose the caliber. I guess I will try to set it up to allow him to get the Boss system if he wants it, or a set of scope rings, spare magazine, strap or something. I guess that is part of the enjoyment anyhow.

I could probably save some money going through one of these online distributors who even set up the FFL transfer, but throwing a couple extra bucks at the local gunshop is not a bad thing.

Just out of curiousity though, whyisn't the 308 available with the Boss?

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

I've got the stalker in 270 and like it pretty well. The BOSS-equipped rifles come with both a ported & non-ported screw-on end. I use the non-ported version to keep the noise down. I can shoot 100yd sub-1" groups off the bench with 130gr Ballistic Tips. I agree with the previous post about the replacement trigger spring, I think I got mine from Midway for less, maybe not. Either way, it's a great way to improve the trigger.

If you don't reload, & are serious about accuracy, get the BOSS. If you reload, or aren't serious about sub-1" groups, forget it. I'm not sure i would buy the BOSS again, but I reload...

-Ben

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

I do not know a lot about Brownings, but for cartridge choice I think the 7mmwsm is way to go looks like it could be the nextking of the hill in a long distance shooting go to this site and take a look of aticale on Rick Horst's 7wsm; www.6mmbr.com gun of the week section.
Just a crazzy old canucks view

RE: Browning A-bolt---Which Caliber to Choose???
 

Pops got his gift certificate last night for his 68th birthday and ordered a .308 w/o the Boss this afternoon. He did talk about a 270 WSM, a 280, 7MM,and a 30-06, but the .308 was the winner, even though he flipped around through the ballistics charts most of the morning. Ithink he has had his heart set on a 308 for a while.

I want to thank everybody who responded and offered advice as I learned some in the process.

I appreciate the input and guidance.

Next I have to save up to get us up to Quebec to use it.

Thanks again,

Tonkah