Browning A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker
Pinpoint accuracy, durability, and optimum performance in the field. These are the characteristics of the Browning A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker rifle. This stainless steel, matte finished firearm features a fibreglass-graphite composite stock that can withstand any weather condition, Browning’s famous A-Bolt action, free-floating barrel, and glass-bedded receiver. It also carries the company’s patented BOSS that lets users adjust the barrel vibration for superb accuracy when shooting various groups.
Basic specifications (depending on calibre)
- Length – 40 7/8” to 46 3/4″
- Barrel Length – 22” to 26”
- Weight – 6.4 to 7.3 lbs.
- Range of Twist – 1 in 12”
- Magazine Capacity – 3 to 5 rounds in detachable box magazine
The first composite-stock production rifle in the world, the Browning A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker is also regarded by many shooters as the best of its kind. Sleek looks and outstanding performance characterise this bolt-action rifle.
Produced by Browning’s Miroku factory, this particular centrefire rifle is considered as one of the most attractive composite firearms in the market. Its silvery matte finish is one thing that makes it attractive to shooters. But get past its aesthetics and one will really be impressed with the Browning A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker.
Its black pistol-grip stock is made of fibreglass-graphite composite that gives the rifle optimal durability and thermal stability. It is well-shaped, without a cheekpiece so it can be used by either left-handed or right-handed shooters. Checkering is present to ensure a comfortable grip. The rifle also has a black rubber buttpad and stainless steel sling swivel studs.
The A-Bolt action, named so because it resembles a letter “A” in a certain angle, has a fluted 3-lug bolt contained in a non-rotating sleeve. A 60-degree bolt lift is needed to open the action. Usually, this kind of lift is fairly stiff, but not on this rifle. Moreover, the A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker has a unique cartridge depressor that is independent of the bolt rotation, allowing for a smooth feed. There is a cocking indicator on the bolt that provides visual and tactical firing pin status. A recessed bolt face surrounds the cartridge base, and there is a flat area on the bolt wherein one can have his or her name engraved on.
The A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker has a fully adjustable stainless steel trigger with a chrome-plated sear and wide blade. It has a pre-set weight of 4 lbs. and pull weight of 5.6 lbs for a crisp and less-creep trigger pull. Safety is on the top tang, and it locks the bolt and trigger when pulled backwards.
A free-floating hand-chambered barrel is present in this rifle, and Browning’s target crown is specially machined into the muzzle to ensure consistent accuracy. The receiver is glass bedded, and drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Both the barrel and receiver are of stainless steel and have a matte finish.
The A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker has a hinged floorplate with a detachable metal box magazine that can carry up to 5 rounds depending on calibre. Its swing-down arrangement makes it simple and fast to load. The magazine release is located next to the trigger guard.
One aspect of this rifle that sets it apart from other similar firearms is Browning’s patented BOSS System. BOSS, which stands for “Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System”, allows shooters to control the accuracy of the rifle so that they can shoot groups they did not think was possible. BOSS lets users tune the vibrations on the barrel. The vibrations, created upon firing the rifle, greatly affect the accuracy of a shot. With the BOSS, shooters can adjust the settings for each calibre and bullet weight to find the instant when the barrel is stationary.
It is not just accuracy that the BOSS brings to the table — it can also reduce felt recoil by a third. With less recoil, it is easier to do follow-up shots, as shooters will feel more comfort while on the field.
Select calibres have the BOSS-CR option. This is one-piece accessory offers the advantages of the BOSS minus the muzzle brake feature. Using this means more recoil will be felt, but performance and accuracy is not compromised.
Such features make the Browning A-Bolt II Stainless Stalker a high-quality all-weather rifle with pinpoint accuracy and durability guaranteed even straight out of the box. This rifle used to come in many calibres, but it is presently available in:
- 223 REM
- 243 WIN
- 270 WSM
- 30-06 SPRG
- 300 WSM
- 325 WSM
- 338 WM