Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Anyone like the Browning T-bolt? better or worse then A-bolt model?

looking for opinions-just trying to decide between the two....

Never owned an A-Bolt but have had a new T-Bolt and an original. They both shot very well.

I have a new production synthetic left-hand T Bolt that is remarkably accurate. The rifle is light and trim and points well for me. I really like the mags. My only complaint is that the trigger pull is quite heavy, but it is so crisp that the gun still shoots lights out. Supposedly some company is working on a replacement trigger. I am waiting for someone to figure out how to tune the factory trigger.

Well thats a good point.I see Timney has a spring kit for the A-bolt,but not for the T-bolt.Strange why nothing is available for the T-bolt.That might help my decision.

Jard will have a replacement trigger available in the near future.

My likes on the T bolt are the light trim rifle. Even the varmint weight barrel is an overall light rifle. The wood gun is gorgeous. Good quality fit and good accuracy reputation. Available in 22mag for more hunting versatility. Made by Miruko which is known for the highest quality.

My dislikes are plastic bottom metal. That plastic is a mixed blessing because it makes the synthetic stock look like a better option, aesthetically all plastic vs mixed wood and plastic.

The magazine is complex and ultra expensive. But again the plastic stock option comes to the rescue by providing a spare mag. The fancy deluxe wood gun has only one ultra pricey and complicated magazine. Sadly, I like wood. so....

I dont know if the safety locks the bolt closed? It does spring open real easy.

Was there anything wrong with the first generation, Belgium, T bolt?

I prefer the T-Bolt

I had an old model T bolt that didn't shoot that well. I've never fired one of the new models. Between the A bolt and T bolt, I'd buy whichever action style I preferred. I doubt there's any real accuracy difference between the two.

T or A, that debate has been around as long as mankind.

I have a laminated .22 A-Bolt bought new and a current T-Bolt Varmint. The only rifle I have that's more erratic than the A-Bolt is the CZ 452 American in .22 mag. The T-Bolt for me has been far more accurate and consistent.
My story and I'm sticking to it.

Rich

I have an original Belgian T2 Deluxe T-Bolt first model. It puts 10 shots in one ragged hole at 25yds.
I bought a new model T-Bolt in 22 WMR when they first came out. The action wasn't smooth, the trigger was heavy (8lbs), extra mags are costly and wasn't accurate. It went down the road.

I haven't had an opportunity to shoot a T Bolt, but my A Bolt rifles in 22LR and 22WMR are well made and accurate.

I have a Belgium made t bolt and recently tried a new a bolt. The difference in triggers was night and day. Decided I didn't need the a bolt even at a good price.

I have a Belgian made T2 which was the deluxe T Bolt.
I love it. I know a guy who owns three of them.
They are beautiful. Almost to nice to use.
whelennut

Loved my A Bolt, but have never owned a T....

Had an A-Bolt that grouped like an 870. Tried about 20 different types of ammo through it, different action screw torque settings, barrel pad, everything. Garbage groups.

Had a T-Bolt Varmint that was a really nice shooter. Not Anschutz nice, but I didn't pay Anschutz dollars either. My only complaint was the trigger pull was difficult to get to a nice crisp sub 2.5 lbs hold. Wasn't overly bad, just my experience with it.

Well played.

Never owned one, but seem to recall some of the early ones had the dreaded salt wood problem.

Not owned either, so just tossing this out to see if it sticks.

I appreciate the trim weight and feel of the current T bolt, but; I have no use for fine walnut with plastic bottom metal on the current T bolt. For the money involved I expect better. The only option for me would be just go all plastic and reap added benefit of a spare magazine.

I would much prefer a tradition, stacked, 5 round, steel magazine over a megabucks complicated double helix plastic magazine. Ruger has done a good job with the rotary and the Ruger mags are everywhere and price right. Down side, Ruger mags are fatter making for wider gun. The trim double helix is not as available, not likely to become a new Browning standard or price drop to reasonable levels. It is a big turn off for me.

I choose the Ruger American for my plastic 22 and a CZ for my classic walnut 22. If Browning/Miruko decide to run off a batch of Win52 sporters I will look at those.