Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Browning T-bolt

Any experience with this .22?
Is the T-bolt capable of 1/2” groups at 50 yds.?

New manufacture or old manufacture (Belgium)?

I had an original Belgium made Browning T-Bolt and it would hold "near" a 1/2" at 50yds, the trigger and the lack of a good bedding surface was the biggest hold back on attaining consistent accuracy with it.
If you are asking about the current manufactured one I cannot help you, I never seen or shot one.

drover

Yes and Yes
But like with any rifle, might need to experiment with ammo.

Thanks Drover and Doglife.

Here is a current mfg. 22 WMR. I did some work on the trigger. It's pretty accurate, won't shoot with my Anschutz but holds its own and is very light. I like the mag, extra one in the stock. So 20 rounds self contained.

I think it'll hold its own with the earlier T Bolts regarding accuracy.

I use FMJ ammo mostly for hogs.

DF

i also pack around a .22mag T-bolt a bit, one of my favorite squirrel hunting areas has quite a few hogs so i wanted a bit more thump. The CCI Gamepoints & the Federal 50gr loads both shot decently in mine, and both killed pigs well enough, and were not overly rough on squirrels.

I like the T's, only issue that comes to mind is that as-issued, triggers are unreasonably heavy. But as far as accuracy & function, no complaints.

Nice wood. Prettier than the plastic version.

DF

Many years ago i let one get away from me and have regretted it ever since...

I had one of the Belgian LH T-bolts. Wasn't particularly accurate, and I never could get used to the herky-jerky bolt, so it went down the road.

To each his own.

Paul

Wow nice wood on those puppies

Dammit, I want one now. There was a report in one of our shooting magazines down here some time ago, and I recall it said one brand of ammo they put through it shot exceptionally well (sub MOA) - I'll try and dig it up. I'm also tempted by the Savage A22R in 22mag - it's a modified version of the semi-auto, so it's legal for most people down here.

They're well made and accurate.

One can get similar performance with the Ruger American, etc for less money. The new generation of low cost, high performance rifles probably hurts the T-Bolt market, IMO.

I traded for mine, so was more concerned with the terms of the trade than the cost.

DF.

JimHundley: I have owned a few Browning T-bolt "22" Rifles. I shot them sparingly as they were the older Belgium (FN) made models - I bought them as investments with the profit motive in mind.
I liked them and should have kept one instead of selling them for profit!
Today I just have one, current production, Browning T-bolt Rifle. It is the 22 Magnum heavy barreled wood stock model.
I like the trigger and the accuracy with quality ballistic tip type ammunition.
I DO NOT like the magazine other than it is out of the way (I have been spoiled I guess by the wonderful rotary flush fit dependable and well made Ruger 10/22 type magazines).
Indeed I do get five shot groups at 50 yards right at 1/2" on calm days.
I have LOTS of scope power on my Browning T-bolt - its a Weaver V-16 (4 to 16 power!) variable scope - so keep that in mind as you assess my experiences.
Best of luck to you if you decide to try one.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Just what I needed. Thanks VarmentGuy.

JimHundley: You are very welcome.
A sport shop near me (77 miles away, but that is considered close, here in Montana!) has at least 10 current manufacture Browning T-bolt Rifles in stock and on their shelves as of a short time ago.
If you are looking for one they have a good selection of models and calibers.
They have a website you can peruse.
The shops name is Shedhorn Sports in Ennis, Montana.
I will try and post a link for you ASAP - you can view whats in their inventory online there.

Shedhorn Sports link: http://www.shedhorn.com/

Good luck if you are looking.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I have one that is a maple stocked 17 HMR. seems to hate Hornady V-Maxes, but really likes CCI Game Points. That’s ok - my 77/17 seems the opposite.

With the T-Bolt, it seems really well made, but the amount of composite/plastic used on it is a little off-putting.

I have the walnut stocked sporter. It is a good shooter and handles well, but there are two things I'm not crazy about.

The action is very stiff and spare magazine prices are simply nuts.

Thanks to all!

I have a NIB maple one that I would part with if anyone is interested

Jim Hundley: Was out chasin guns today and went past the Shedhorn Sports and they are now down to 3 (three) Browning T-bolts!
This is a high volume gunshop.
Again good luck in your quest.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I have a Belgium Safari grade very very accurate!

Folks,

Standard models - Triggers Atrocious

This model - '2019 SHOT Show Special named T-Bolt SPEED', externally adjustable trigger, talked to a guy who has his set at 2.5#

https://www.gameandfishmag.com/video/331591

I worked on the trigger of the synthetic one I posted.

Gotta break the seal, which probably voided the warranty. But it worked out pretty well.

Glad to hear they improved the trigger.

Good guns, accurate.

DF

That's what I am being told...on this ltd production SHOT show special edition

The BL-22s and other models would GREATLY benefit with good or decent triggers.

Jard makes a replacement trigger and it actually replaces a lot of plastic with metal. I plan to get one but always seem to have a better place to spend $250.

I think the new model T-bolts have had an externally adjustable trigger since they began production. As I recall, there is an Allen screw adjustment right behind the trigger (been a while since I looked). I hope you are right, that they have improved it, because the one they have had isn’t “all that and a bag of chips.”

Correct on adjustable, but IME, not enough adjustment to make a difference. I did a good bit of work on mine to get it to a crisp 3#’s. I had to work on the trigger spring and sear engagement, the latter not that easy to do.

DF

It is hard to get below 5# on the new T Bolts, but the trigger is so crisp that it feels less. My left hand T Bolt is superbly accurate and the trigger is manageable so I will not be putting a $250 aftermarket trigger in it.

I took that 5# trigger to 3#’s.

It can be done.

DF

Did you remove the shelf or change the spring location. I took my trigger apart and removed the shelf and got about 3.5# with the action out of the stock. When I put it back in the stock, it went back up to 4#. I suspect the spring is rubbing the housing. It will get another look before I use it in the squirrel woods in mid-September.

Talked to a guy who had the SPECIAL Edition, SHOT Show model, he turned his trigger down to 2.5 #. He indicated it was an improved trigger, so I don't know but a call to Browning might confirm.

Also, broke the seal on the trigger, adjusted it myself. Much improved.

Yep, removed the shelf, also worked on the sear engagement.

DF

Thanks.