It appears that the Browning A Bolt/A Bolt II bolt heads can be switched out. Anyone ever switch the bolt head out and re-barrel the rifle? I know it seems like flushing money down the drain, but as a lefty, it has some merit with the reduced number of offerings for us southpaws out there.
Browning A Bolt question
- Thread starter ghostrider272
- Start date
Sure can, I just converted a old 22-250 a bolt I had to a 6.5 PRC. Simply ordered a new bolt head and for $50 bucks, ordered a magazine and spun up a new tube for the new chambering. I really like the old A-bolts for hunting rifles..... not great for matches due to lack of bottom metal options but they make great shooters!
Thanks. Did you have to do any fitting of the bolt head or was it a drop in fit with good contact? How easy was the barrel removal? I hear mixed stories.
Nothing special fitting the bolt head, it swapped right out. The barrel on this one came off pretty easy, make sure it's gripped tight, use heat and strike the wrench with sharp blows. I've done all three of my older a-bolts and two of my buddies, I have had to make relief cuts on a couple of them to get them off..... seems like the 32TPI tennons stick more to me while the 20TPI break free easier..... I've heard the horror stories about ruining actions myself but all 5 of the ones I've done came out without damaging the actions.
Get a good external action wrench, I use the wheeler with browning heads.
Get a good external action wrench, I use the wheeler with browning heads.
