Browning A-Bolt 3 Review: does it live up to the Browning reputation?

[@EpikArms]

looking to support the channel? www.cdnprecision.com that's our website, thanks for the support

[@RichValentine1972]

In the time I sold guns in a local sporting goods store, we never sent out a Browning for service.

[@ThomasGellos-e6v]

How long of time?

[@RichValentine1972]

@@ThomasGellos-e6v I was there 8 years ago

[@trevorkolmatycki4042]

I’m very surprised that you didn’t mention that the action is factory glass bedded to the stock. This is extremely unusual for a budget rifle… and extremely beneficial. The X-bolts are also glass bedded. Browning is innovative in this regard and I hope to see Tikka take note and start bedding their actions to the stock as well. Bedding isn’t trivial… it requires manual labour to complete and it improves precision and consistency. Bravo Browning!

[@EpikArms]

lol Dammit! i knew i missed something. I even got it in B-Roll, good catch

[@WhippledNick]

Want to share my experience with this rifle. Recently bought it in a 7mm rem mag. 26" barrel. Synthetic stock. $850 in Canada. I got a sig sauer whiskey4 3-12 scope. Meant to be my hunting setup... well I'm alittle blown away.... first box of bullets were Hornady 139gr american whitetail. It shot a 0.9" 3 shot group at 100yrds..sub moa pretty good right?? Well I wanted to try some different rounds. I picked up some federal berger hybrid 168gr hunting rounds. Match accuracy In a hunting bullet. Well, those 168s shot a 0.25" 3 shot group at 100 yards! Yes 0.25 moa setup with those rounds!!! I tried at 200. At 200 yards they did a 0.6" 3 shot group! So wasn't a fluke at 100 yards... so I'm absolutely blow away I got a 1/4 moa hunting rifle.... obviously I found a match made In heaven with these 168 federal berger rounds and my particular rifle... I suspect this would be EXTREMELY rare accuracy to get out of a AB3... but damn I'm blown away.

[@pierrethompson3074]

Loving mine so far. I 100% agree with you on a few things such as the plastic trigger and guard. But with a little work(i polished the bolt and action, as well as the trigger sear, and installed a reduced weight m carbo trigger spring, also fully re-bedded the entire action, barrel is floated also). Thing shoots amazing. Mine has been consistantly sub moa(6.5 cm). I find it to be my best and most versatile rifle out of my entire Arsenal.

[@gk5891]

Does it still have the adjuster under the trigger guard? How much were you able to reduce the trigger pull once you removed the glue/sealer from the adjuster before the new parts? I think it's supposed to adjust from 3-5 lb, but it doesn't help much if it's already bottomed. Mine averages just under 4 lb after some years of wear. I'm trying to decide uf it's worth voiding the warranty. I usually like about 3 lb in a single stage for field work.

[@mikepoint4717]

I feel people worry way too much about the plastic trigger , it would take a really fluke bounce to hit it in the right spot to break or harm the trigger . I feel like you should just say you don’t like Browning in general lol .

[@shanerhodes925]

My father and myself own a small gun shop. Browning has been pretty good to deal with when they are needed. Other than we had a blr rifle that was worn out basically. And they said that rifle is a throwaway gun. When it's worn out throw it away and buy another one. That bothered me quite a bit. So I personally don't buy anymore Browning's but we sell quite a few of the x bolts and the stock problems that they had. They just said yeah send it in and we'll fix it no.problen so that was decent.

[@davidsonneman1121]

About the bolt. Reciever and bolt are Browning BBR copies. That rifle was built from 1978-1984. Nothing wrong with the AB3. Plenty of plastic used in guns out there. Glocks go bang every time

[@justsnuggle]

Thanks for the review. Running bolts on most of the Firearms Scheels carries, I was BLOWN away by how smooth the Browning bolt was on some used rifles. 60deg throw, minimal effort to lock and unlock, and ZERO play/binding. But I guess that is just one aspect. Or maybe the old A-Bolt is different than current A/X Bolts.

[@scotteger6271]

The original A-Bolt and A-Bolt II and very different than the current, much cheaper, AB3. Kind of a shame but that’s what people want I suppose. X-bolts are the same.

[@foubert45]

Browning owns Winchester by the way. They share technology and engineering etc

[@v5rocks]

Actually FN Herstal owns both Browning and Winchester

[@foubert45]

@@v5rocks yes

[@scotteger6271]

@@v5rockscorrect…I was going to say the same thing

[@sweetteaoutdoors]

Yes they are sister companies, both owned by FN. The XPR trigger is easily adjustable

[@scotteger6271]

@@sweetteaoutdoors the XPR uses Winchester’s M.O.A. trigger

[@CaffeineThrottle]

I like it. As for wooden stocks I like them as well. Some of the most accurate field and bench guns I own and been around, .29", have been wood. It's time tested in every battle ever fought all over the world. When cared for properly it can take any climate. Some have too nit pick everything especially wooden stocks, mainly because they can't shoot or tune a rifle in to it's max potential.The variety of synthetic stocks are very nice, chassis rifles,are very nice.A choice cut of Black Walnut or Walnut is my favorite.🎉👍

[@00judd]

I’ve been waiting for you to review this rifle, but I was hoping you’d do the you’d review the long range. I have the ab3 long range in the Boyd’s at one stalk with the Arken sh-4 6-24 and vg6 epsilon brake. It’s a 26” threaded heavy sporter barrel. I’ve been sub moa through load development and at a light 3/8 moa with my chosen load and 4.5 sd. The only thing I don’t love about it is the trigger. If you get a chance, give it a ride, I think you’ll be more pleased with it. Been hammering an 8” target at 1000 yards.

[@d.w.3557]

This is exactly what I've been wanting to hear! I've been looking at different options in this price that I could learn off of (I'm fairly new to shooting at distance) and reading that it's possible might've just helped me make up my mind.

[@Joe3pops]

I have this rifle in .22 Hornet. Its one honey of a walking around varmint rifle. Timney trigger spring was my only change. Perfect!

[@colegaultney6115]

Own an ab3 in 7.08 that shoots .5 groups with hormady Ph ammo and MCarbo trigger spring. Absolute tack driver with this combo

[@johnkaraphillis754]

“Did you say greatest cartridge ever 6.5CM?” I’m not a hater or lover, but you definitely are very young and drank the koolaide. I’ve been loyal to the Browning rifle line for many years. I make a few upgrades : bed action , trigger work, and thread barrel. Never let down. Maybe if I get a6.5CM wouldn’t have to make any upgrades and go moose hunting. Lol! Thanks for video.

[@joaogoncalo8643]

Actualy the winchester xpr is manufactured by browning in portugal the a bolt and the xpr are made in the same factory thats why they are so similar

[@EpikArms]

Thanks!

[@slcrow14]

sorry can't take anyone that says the 6.5 is the great cartridge ever seriously

[@junkemails5050]

Yep it turned me off the will to watch the review, still i did just to see what shit would come off of this

[@RomynGudmundsonIII-v6m]

Creedmore sucks shit out of an ass

[@mikeDeSales943]

You might be able to say it's the most popular newer cartridge of our time.

[@rickurban9681]

Definitely an over hyped cartridge that does little more than the 260 Remington had for several years prior.

[@yl3064]

Have one for wifey in 7mm08 AB3. its not her favourite neither mine but its a working rifle. - Important : Trigger group : Plastic and holding together by the rear action bolt. She prefers the Xbolt Composite with Theaded barrel ( muzzlebrake ) in 243. and me too….

[@davidsangar4172]

Thank you for the objective presentation.

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

The TC Venture also had that bolt and is probably the best version of it.

[@denisleblanc4506]

Reminds me how my old Sako in 7mm-08 performs. Almost all the factory loads I've tried in it will shoot the first 3 rounds in about an inch. 3rd and 4th will open the group to 1.5 inches. That's over about 9 or 10 different factory loads. Now my question is Tikka T3 light or Browning A-Bolt 3? Both are about the same price.

[@d.w.3557]

What is the optic rail that you're using?

[@jonathanmitchell3733]

Browning’s miroku barrels (button pulled) are rediculously accurate, but they just don’t last long as cold hammer forged barrels

[@charlesbrown1363]

😭 I definitely paid half but yet to shoot it, and i’ve had it for a good 6 months 🤦🏾‍♂️ cant wait to see how she shoots

[@killertruth186]

You can change the trigger play on the rifle. It is crap on the factory setting for the trigger play. But the main reason why the plastic trigger is done, is because of how they designed the trigger assembly for the rifle. And as for the aftermarket, it looks like you will lose the bolt lock feature. Ok, I had found out the custom Abolt trigger is not compatible with the AB3 from the site specifically said it is not compatible with.

[@williamnelson9892]

I owned one it likes Hornady 140 grn. Match 1/2 moa TOTALLY STOCK, PUT 2LB MACARBO TRIGGER SPRING HAND LOAD AMMO . NOW YOU HAVE 1/4 MOA Beautiful rifle 6.5 Creedmoor.

[@coog7896]

plastic trigger = hard pass for me

[@davidjohnston9829]

The plastic trigger is absolutely fine. There is zero creep and no flex. Replacing it with metal would make zero difference in accuracy or how the firearm shoots based on the design. And there is no reason to replace the entire trigger system. Replacing the spring for a lighter aftermarket spring from mcarbo for $13 gives you everything you’ll ever need in a hunting rifle. IMO this is one of the best “budget” rifles you can get. You get a lot of premium qualities with this rifle for the price.

[@matthewkotnik2430]

I don’t know if I just got a later model but mine comes with an adjustable trigger

[@jasonlopez4855]

That is a good idea 💡 all the same stuff for all cheeper rifles. Good rifle

[@smgtags4790]

i have one and my bolt after i shoot is like super stiff, and i clean it after i shoot it, how do i fix it?

[@brodybooth]

can you link the base rail on the rifle

[@bmstylee]

Boyds definitely is a good option but they can get pricey if you want to get some customization. At that point if you want to swap it just buy a more expensive base rifle with the stock you desire.

[@scotteger6271]

They’re good if you have a rifle you bought when maybe that’s all you could afford or if you won it on a gun ticket or something

[@oldboy6859]

Got a 290 lbs 7 pointer with my 3006 @ 270 yards with my AB3

[@stevenmiddagh6265]

You talk about plastic triggers, glock smith and wesson, hk and any other plastic framed modern semi auto have had plastic triggers for years. So why the hell are u flipping out over the ab3 having one ??

[@davidjohnston9829]

Because people just have to have things to bitch about and they don’t consider the design. The trigger in the ab3 is remarkably good for this caliber of rifle…especially if you replace the sear spring. I have been debating trading mine in for an x-bolt for years but can’t make myself do it because of how well this one shoots. Instead I will likely keep it around for foul weather use and buy an x-bolt for better weather days.

[@kristijanmedved6066]

Can u review sabatti rover thumbhole?

[@killertruth186]

The only reason for metal trigger was never made, is because the way the trigger assembly was designed. All the plastic trigger is made to do is to push the trigger sear, which it releases the firing pin base. I had figured that out myself. And don’t bother taking the trigger spring from the trigger. Unless if you need to get a replacement trigger. Because that is one of the few major pains to put it back together. The design of the rifle is actually one of the simplest design with fewer parts that you can easily understand which goes where. The barrel is the only thing that is the same with other rifles. When it comes to replacing parts. The only thing I don’t like about the rifle is because of limited customization and lack of support since I can’t find a way to get a barrel replaced if something happens to it.

[@ByronRoss]

Winchester and Browning were, at one time, and maybe still are, part of USRAC.

[@simonvillecourt5673]

How does it stack up to the xbolt?

[@EpikArms]

Xbolt is miles ahead un fit and finish

[@ashdobbs]

I have one. I love the trigger, there are aftermarket trigger kits but the stock trigger has a nice crisp snap with no creep. the gun is more accurate than I am, not saying much. I come home with deer meat each year. the bolt is sticky, a bit annoying but like I said I'm no sharp shooter so I make the first shot count. (otherwise I'll pass) I've only shot accubond and got great results from the bench from the start so I just stuck with that. the butt plate feels like the My Pillow guy made it. very forgiving. there is a right hand palm swell thats works for me, if you're a lefty you're SOL. the gun is inexpensive so if you're slogging through the muck and brush you wont mind the scratches and dings. then again none of my guns will win any beauty contests.

[@TurboTheTerrier]

Would you happen to have a link of a drop in trigger system?? All I see are systems for a1 and a2 bolt. Nothing on a3. Or is there something I'm missing as far as what works with what? Lol

[@killertruth186]

@@TurboTheTerrier There’s something he forgot to mention, it never works with the AB3. Even on Jard Trigger site clearly stated it will never work on the AB3. Because it only fits A Bolt and A Bolt 2.

[@killertruth186]

I never had heard or seen anyone managed to find or make aftermarket trigger for the A Bolt 3.

[@johnandrosemarywyatt977]

Ruger American go wild (with camo stock, threaded barrel, ceracote, pic rail, and muzzle brake included) is less money and very accurate

[@Brandenuzis]

Ruger Americans are pieces of shit…..

[@radishfox308]

It's much uglier too. Not everyone wants all plastic and camo rifles.

[@bigmike3250]

Herstal Group's FN Herstal and Browning Arms Company subsidiaries make firearms under license, including Winchester.

[@robertpatterson3406]

You do know that Browning and Winchester are owned by the same company . I have a Winchester Super X shotgun and it is basically a Browning Gold Hunter it was even made in Belgium .

[@jmgates09]

How does the wood feel ok or cheap

[@jmgates09]

Is it same as xbolt hunter

[@EpikArms]

i would say it feels of good quality

[@kellym3531]

It looks good!

[@leifhoklin2681]

Yeah, that’s not very accurate by modern standards for any sporting rifle. What’s the point of a 6.5 CM that has “meh” accuracy? Should have bought a .270 or .308. At least then you’d have a useful cartridge.

[@catalinmenghita1529]

Bună seara cît costă o armă cal 6,5?

[@EpikArms]

depends where yo live

[@killertruth186]

Coming back to the video…None of the custom triggers actually made for the Browning AB3. Even in JARD Trigger clearly states for their “JARD Trigger System for Browning A-Bolt” “Does NOT Fit A-Bolt III (AB3)” I have already teardown my AB3, and tried to research and thought the older models would work (spoiler alert it didn’t). It is a complete different design altogether. So, it is very clear none of the aftermarket triggers are going to make triggers for the AB3. Which I did not want to hear that as well, but that’s reality. So…You could say it is a “dead product” or a “zombie product”. With there’s little to no support, it does feel like it has no future.

[@joshclemons9975]

Browning and Winchester are the same company and made at the same facility

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

I think it's hilarious that you compare this "entry level" rifle to one half the cost LOL. Definitely good info though! Tells me a lot of what my questions were.

[@currituck]

Its embarrassing that Browning puts plastic bottom metal and trigger on an A Bolt. My 1985 A Bolt Medallion is top notch. I'd buy an AB3 if all the parts were metal.

[@Longtrailside]

Its a good working rifle as you said, but the xbolt stomps that thing into the mud. Honestly, if i was looking for a similiar low end rifle id go with a cheaper brand to use as a working ranch/farm/beater rifle, or better yet a used quality rifle.

[@soniaproctor9692]

Plastic trigger is a joke!

[@leifhoklin2681]

Threw up a bit when you called the 6.5 creedmoor the “gReaTEsT CaliBEr oF aLL”.

[@chrislocke7842]

Equal puke. Especially from a hunting pov

[@phillippearce9680]

👍

[@scotteger6271]

Well maybe a little research on your part would go a long way…you post videos on the internet so I assume you know how to use it… FN Herstal owns both Browning and Winchester. There are some shared parts between the AB3 and XPR, but there are also some pretty big differences. They also share the same inflex recoil pad.

[@jacobB1049]

Browning owns Winchester so that might be why

[@stevewalker4638]

Get a Tikka t3 you will never regret it.

[@EpikArms]

@@stevewalker4638 lol I have 3. There one of my favourites

[@catlin-vn1sh]

Wouldn’t matter how adjustable the trigger was on a patriot they still suck

[@Mex_the_Fox]

Funny what people consider as "good groups" 🤔🤔🤔

[@EpikArms]

more like good enough

[@VictorKeithDHHS]

Dang I thought I was listening to a female complain about every little thing. You would proably say the same thing about expensive guns too

[@EpikArms]

Lol, you came for an opinion. If you want someone to tell you everything is perfect.... this ain't it bruh

[@VictorKeithDHHS]

@@EpikArms lol i like to pick on reviewers because most start showing their biased towards entre rifles. When they get a taste of expensive guns, they start downing entre rifles

[@EpikArms]

@user-me3wn6ii4r at this point I've pretty much reviewed and own every budget bolt gun. My recomendation is on the Steven's 334

[@harrybaulz666]

6.5 is stoopid

[@hadleyscott1160]

I’m a Tikka fan for smooth actions. Sorry.

[@TMtrails]

6.5 sucks at killing

[@trumpsagenius6914]

6.5 creedmore greatest caliber ever😂😂😂😂

[@ThomasGellos-e6v]

- because I own it.

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

Creedmore....LMAO

[@almostontimehero5415]

Compared to the other stuff you have reviewed, this isn't worth that price. Your Savages and Rugers were just as accurate but $300 less.

[@EpikArms]

Very true!

[@00judd]

I shoot along side 2 ruger Americans and I have a savage axis, all 6.5 Creedmoors. My ab3 is far above them. Mine is the long range, which I guess is only $50 more than the reviewed rifle, with a 26” threaded heavy sporter barrel. I paid $700. It could be just my example, but I have 2 wide velocity nodes, and shoot sub half moa. I think the ab3 long range is a different animal though.

[@trevorkolmatycki4042]

A factory bedded walnut stock at this price point is remarkable… I challenge anyone anywhere to find a factory rifle with a bedded walnut stock at a lower price point. It costs waay more to produce a quality walnut stock than a moulded plastic stock and bedding requires substantial manual labour time.

[@daveaertgeerts8961]

Creedmore 😂😂😂

[@JUSTBEINGHONEST47]

6.5 needsmore is not the greatest caliber of all

[@EpikArms]

How dare you contradict a youtuber!! Clearly we know everything!

[@JUSTBEINGHONEST47]

What would actually have been a really cool idea, would have been for all wildlife resource agencies to require you to report the caliber that you shot your deer with years and years ago. That way we would actually have real numbers of what caliber has been dropping deer the most over the years. I know we will always hear about the big three, 270, 30-06, and 30-30…. But I would like to know real numbers. Personally, I think the 25-06 is probably one of the most underrated cartridges out there. But since my rule of thumb is even if I normally buy premium ammunition, I’d like to always be able to walk into Walmart and pick up a box of whatever I’m shooting 25-06 is Off my radar.

[@lonniemorrow7214]

You don’t know what your talking about

[@EpikArms]

@@lonniemorrow7214 you are so right. I literally have no idea

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

6.5 Creedmoor is a piece of shit round

[@EpikArms]

Don't you DARE!

[@ronbeckybeasley3566]

@@EpikArms shoot something and it takes 3 hours to find it. 270 is ballistic superior to a 6.5. if you’re gonna make videos, be educated dumbass

[@joelclark2130]

Just another basic rifle, nothing special😢

[@trevorkolmatycki4042]

Joel, A factory bedded walnut stock at that price point is quite remarkable. But the X-bolt is so much better and worth saving extra money for. My X-bolt hunter in 270WIN is the most accurate rifle I have ever owned… better than my Sako A7… zero drama right out of the box. Browning makes a damn fine hunting rifle… cheers!

[@steveharvey7712]

as long as the stock is made of wood.

[@OneWhoWas]

Stock is nice. Very satin feel. Not a thick clear coat, but more like sanded and tung oil finish natural feel. Scratches, but easily repairable. Not chunky, not really squared anywhere. Just a nice all around stock. I really dislike these weird composite and plastic stocks. Go traditional... go tactical, but don't ever go plastic.

[@codytaylor2194]

I would put this ab3 as a good BUDGET gun for the price ..BUT...this new ab3 is a embarrassment to the real classic Abolt and ABolt 2 which I have several of...browning went cheap with just about everything and went with a complete cheapo round cylinder action the gun is just cheap...the Classic Abolts were NOT budget rifles they were top of the line as far as production rifles went and were built to last lifetimes...if browning wanted to go cheap and compete with these other budget guns like ruger american..mossy patriot etc they should have made a completely new rifle with a different name instead of discontinuing the Classic Abolt..big mistake on brownings end. Also the x bolt is nice but I'll still take a abolt over the xbolt...again they went cheap with a polymer mag.