What is the difference between a first generation A Bolt rifle and a A Bolt II rifle? Am looking at buying what is described as a "first generation" A Bolt. Thanks very much.

This may not be the correct technical terminology but
the A-bolt IIhas a flat side bolt shroud while the 1st generation does not. Other than that I think they are the same rifle. At least I can't tell any difference and I own both

Thanks very much. Any other comments out there?

That's the only difference is that the older models have small flutes in bolt while a-bolt 2 has the full length bolt shrould. I have both and cannot tell any difference in accuracy between the 2 and the bolt on the old 1s is still plenty smooth,abiet with a tiny amount of play but NOWHERE near the amount of most bolt action and especially mauser based actions.

MY uncle had 1 that he was shooting the other dar at my house, it was a tack driver out to 100 yards.

While Ive pulled the trigger on too few 1st Gen's to comment, I have heard from people I trust that the 2nd gen tended, overall, to have an accuracy edge. My experiance with the A-Bolt II has been superlative. Virtually every gun would do under 1" with at least one out of three factory loads. And a few were much, much better. Having sighted in guns for gun shops Ive worked at/managed over the years has afforded me the opportunity to play with quite a few of them in a broad range of calibers. Ive never owned one, but I certainly would.

Glad to see others that like a-bolts almost as much as I do.I like the action so much,I seek out 2nd hand rifles when reasonably priced to strip actionfor use as basis in building custom rifles. Of factory a-bolts,in general they are great shooters.

I owned an A-bolt stainless stalker in 7mm remmag and found it to be quite accurate,however,I hated the tang safety,and the abortion of a magazine system.

Heck-the tang safety location is 1 of the thingsI like best bout it. Why don't you like the safety to lie directly under thumb without having to remove natural grip to manipulate safety on right side? to each his own I guess.

I have experienced a tang safety freezing in freezing rain.Even snow can be a problem with some designs.