A few weeks ago I made the drive to my not-so-local awesome gun store where I replaced my prior sold SIG P365. While there I noticed a Browning T-Bolt Varmint in .22WMR on clearance. Unfortunately I didn’t take the time to really check it out but have been intrigued about it since, liking the heavier stock and barrel and that it was chambered in .22WMR, not to mention the clearance price. After a dental appointment yesterday that was a new experience in fun and enjoyment I decided to call to see if the T-Bolt was still there. I was told it was and it was placed on hold. Soon after I began the 50 mile drive each way to check it out.

When I arrived I asked to see the T-Bolt I had placed on hold. What I was handled was a Sporter model, which has a lighter stock and barrel while still being a .22WMR. I guess I didn’t specify that the T-Bolt I was inquiring about was the Varmint model, fortunately as it worked out. Looking it over I really liked the walnut stock and the feel of the rifle, and the additional $25 rebate from Browning made it an even better deal. It was in pristine shape, a concern as the clearance rack is set out so anyone can easily play with it, so I decided to take it home.

On the way home I stopped by the local Bass Pro where I bought a Vortex Diamondback 2x7x35 rimfire scope, handy since I had a credit on my Bass Pro card. Tomorrow my Browning scope mount/ring mounts arrive from Amazon. Once I mount the scope I am in business!

The T-Bolt is typical Browning/Miroku quality, with a beautiful walnut stock with nice contrast, nice blueing and a really ingenious double helix 10round magazine to go with the straight pull action. While it wasn’t cheap, being over $100 more than the CZ 457 American in .22 I bought over a month ago, it scratches a long term itch. A little bit of cleaning, lubing and a light amount of grease on the locking lugs really smoothed the action out.

Can’t wait to shoot it!!

I have one of those in .17HMR and love it. In fact, that is the gun that got me back in rifle shooting.

Browning, like Swiss SIG, is a company that pleases me. They just make quality products. Mine is a 1960s T2, not the one with the more modern magazine. One thing I did learn is Browning isn't real good on making extra mags available. Buy your extra's while they're still being made.

Are the new ones being made with a lined barrel? Mine has proven to be really accurate, about target grade in fact. But then I haven't been shooting much these days.

You'll love that rifle. I have a sporter model in 22lr with a synthetic stock. At the time, couldn't use semi autos for small game hunting and wanted a lightweight 22. Ended up cutting the barrel down to 16 inches and threading for the can. It shoots amazing for how light it is, and the straight pull is amusing. I do like the walnut and maple stocks they have done, but was going to chop up one of those (plus I ceracoated mine).

The action will only get easier to work, and you should have an adjustable trigger. One word of caution, whatever bedding compound is in the stock, they are notorious for not using a decent amount of release agent when doing it. If you ever take the action out it'll feel like it's glued in. It's not, just pull harder.

quote:

Originally posted by rburg:
Browning, like Swiss SIG, is a company that pleases me. They just make quality products. Mine is a 1960s T2, not the one with the more modern magazine. One thing I did learn is Browning isn't real good on making extra mags available. Buy your extra's while they're still being made.

Are the new ones being made with a lined barrel? Mine has proven to be really accurate, about target grade in fact. But then I haven't been shooting much these days.

Thanks for the info! I already have a spare magazine on order as a matter of fact. It really is an ingenious design. AFAIK it does not have a lined barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by smpsmp:
You'll love that rifle. I have a sporter model in 22lr with a synthetic stock. At the time, couldn't use semi autos for small game hunting and wanted a lightweight 22. Ended up cutting the barrel down to 16 inches and threading for the can. It shoots amazing for how light it is, and the straight pull is amusing. I do like the walnut and maple stocks they have done, but was going to chop up one of those (plus I ceracoated mine).

The action will only get easier to work, and you should have an adjustable trigger. One word of caution, whatever bedding compound is in the stock, they are notorious for not using a decent amount of release agent when doing it. If you ever take the action out it'll feel like it's glued in. It's not, just pull harder.

Thanks for the info! Hopefully I won't have to remove the action from the stock anytime soon!

I found a light application of Lucas gun grease on the receiver and locking lugs really smoothed out the action, which felt a bit gritty when closing the bolt. It's a real innovative design.

I am a traditional walnut/metal kind of guy. In fact the CZ 457 American I bought several weeks back it my ideal. It is a fantastic rifle. However I am also a bit of a gadget guy, and the straight pull action is intriguing to me. I look forward to shooting it soon.

Man, you got a nice rifle. Post up some pics when you get it all together.

quote:

Originally posted by Micropterus:
Man, you got a nice rifle. Post up some pics when you get it all together.

Thank you! Will do. I expect the scope mounts will be delivered today. That's the last piece of the puzzle.

I have had my eye on those over the recent years. I’ve also drifted to the 17 HMR too. I’d likely get the 17, but the two I have currently suffice.

Got the scope mounted this evening. Really happy with how it turned out! Can't wait to take it to the range.

FYI the 17HMR and 22WMR share the same rotary magazines.

So think of the money you could save on those if you purchase a second rifle, just share magazines!

quote:

Originally posted by shovelhead:
FYI the 17HMR and 22WMR share the same rotary magazines.

So think of the money you could save on those if you purchase a second rifle, just share magazines!

I like the way you think . So, if I went back to the gun shop and buy the .17HMR T-Bolt with the synthetic stock on clearance I would be saving about $80 because it comes with TWO magazines PLUS the discount PLUS the Browning rebate! Hell..... Someone will be actually paying me to buy that other T-Bolt !!

Decent looking wood to boot.

Congratulations

quote:

Originally posted by sprg03-A3:

quote:

Originally posted by shovelhead:
FYI the 17HMR and 22WMR share the same rotary magazines.

So think of the money you could save on those if you purchase a second rifle, just share magazines!

I like the way you think . So, if I went back to the gun shop and buy the .17HMR T-Bolt with the synthetic stock on clearance I would be saving about $80 because it comes with TWO magazines PLUS the discount PLUS the Browning rebate! Hell..... Someone will be actually paying me to buy that other T-Bolt !!

Not to mention Browning Customer Service being noteworthy also.

When I bought my T-bolt there were no rebates at that time. two weeks after I bought it a fifty dollar one was started. My friend suggested that I call Browning and inquire, he kept up until I finally did call them.

The lady at customer service talked. She told me to fill out a rebate form together with proof of
purchase to her and she would process the rebate.

To say the least I was very impressed.

quote:

Originally posted by shovelhead:

quote:

Originally posted by sprg03-A3:

quote:

Originally posted by shovelhead:
FYI the 17HMR and 22WMR share the same rotary magazines.

So think of the money you could save on those if you purchase a second rifle, just share magazines!

I like the way you think . So, if I went back to the gun shop and buy the .17HMR T-Bolt with the synthetic stock on clearance I would be saving about $80 because it comes with TWO magazines PLUS the discount PLUS the Browning rebate! Hell..... Someone will be actually paying me to buy that other T-Bolt !!

Not to mention Browning Customer Service being noteworthy also.

When I bought my T-bolt there were no rebates at that time. two weeks after I bought it a fifty dollar one was started. My friend suggested that I call Browning and inquire, he kept up until I finally did call them.

The lady at customer service talked. She told me to fill out a rebate form together with proof of
purchase to her and she would process the rebate.

To say the least I was very impressed.

Nice!! Unfortunately my rebate will only be half of yours. Will almost cover the sales tax though!

quote:

Originally posted by sprg03-A3:
Will almost cover the sales tax though!

Will your wife buy into that excuse? If so, why are you still on the computer and not driving like a mad man?

That's a nice rifle right there.

quote:

Originally posted by rburg:

quote:

Originally posted by sprg03-A3:
Will almost cover the sales tax though!

Will your wife buy into that excuse? If so, why are you still on the computer and not driving like a mad man?

I just bought her a new Jeep Wrangler Islander. Hell, I could get away with almost anything

However, since mid September I bought a Henry Steel in .357, a CZ 457 American 22lr, a SIG P365, and now this Browning. Not sure if I really need/want anything else bad enough to part with the $$!

quote:

Originally posted by Micropterus:
That's a nice rifle right there.

Thank you! Yes, it is.

b

quote:

Originally posted by sprg03-A3:

Not sure if I really need/want anything else bad enough to part with the $$!

Foolish boy, you need to get your head on straight. Of course you need it. And next year it will cost you significantly more, if you can even find one. Then it will cost you more. You're using a self defeating argument. Worse, you'll wish you'd bought it for years.

So I've got an idea. Buy it and put it away, just like you haven't bought it. But you have. You'll have it and can dig it out whenever. Its not good for you're soul to lament a purchase.

Come to sigforum for purchase support. We're good at that.