So I was doing a little ordering on Browning's dealer website for the shop and came across this striking gem in a very blonde maple. Since I've never owned a straight pull, I kinda thought this might be a nice add to my rimfire long guns so I put in in the cart with all of the 725s, X-Bolts, BLRs, Buck Marks, etc., mostly to think about before deciding yeah or nay. Of course life happens and I promptly forgot about it. The shop owner goes to one of the late summer buying shows and talks with the Browning rep there who of course opens up our account and they both see my loaded cart...and wind up adding even more product before launching the entire order, including that T-Bolt that I forgot about.

(Edited, grabbed the WRONG T-Bolt image before):



So here's my dilemma; the rifle has arrived and it's a real beauty. But I had just bought a Ruger Precision .17HMR and frankly I really don't have any more space in any of my safes for either the Ruger and especially the Browning. But that T would be such a nice companion to the SA-22 I've owned for a while now. Yet I already have a couple of excellent CZ 455s that I don't shoot nearly enough. My boss is on me to make up my mind about the T, because he's sure that he can have a buyer lined up for it if I pass.

But it's so damn good-looking. The wood is even more striking on the example we got than the one in Browning's stock photo about. The bull barrel sort of makes me all giggly. And I'm really wanting to see just how well it shoots, particularly after I screw on a can.

I'm curious to hear from the kind folks of the forum on what would you all might do?

I saw one of these at a gun shop last week that an amazing stock. Really beautiful rifle!

I own 2 T-Bolts, one a Varmint-Target in the same configuration as pictured above except it has a walnut stock and is a 22WMR. Other is a sporter configuration also chambered in 22 MAG. Like you I have many very nice rimfire rifles so none of them get shot very much, so I haven’t shot mine in a while. The action is unique and pretty smooth although not as much as my Tikka T1x or my CZs as it takes a bit of an effort to lock and unlock the bolt, at least when still fairly new and tight. Helix mags are an ingenious design although expensive. The more significant drawback it the trigger, which can’t be lightened up without changing springs or replacing with a Jard (IIRC) trigger altogether, which I haven’t done but many opt to do to wring out maximum accuracy.

They are really cool, unique little rimfire that seem to be of very high quality. Browning knows how to make a nice gun! I am sure you would love it.

Permission granted, proceed with purchase.

quote:

But I had just bought a Ruger Precision .17HMR and frankly I really don't have any more space in any of my safes for either the Ruger and especially the Browning.

Or another safe. Yeah, they're great guns. I've only had mine since 1966. Not a good gun if you want to burn up 22s. But accurate as all get out. Its one of the few guns you can own that if you miss, its your fault, not the guns.

Mine is a T2, meaning it had the longer barrel and even more fancy wood. Its walnut, of course, and a thing to behold. That can be a negative because you don't want to even scratch it. I've only had mine 57 years now and it does have a few nicks, but not many. No, you can't borrow it. In the upcoming "main event" when I croak, I have no idea who gets it.

Just buy the damn thing. But take care of it.

Yeah...another safe. Well, to make room for that safe I suppose that I can't put it off anymore and I have to build that addition to the back of the house. Or just add another floor. Better check my bank account. Or sell the Porsche.

Seriously, thanks for the insights on the T-Bolt. I think I've got another plan about securing it and the new Ruger mentioned earlier, so all is good. At least until the wife finds out...

A full safe, and a Porsche, a guy could have worse problems!

They’re not gonna stop making the T Bolt anytime soon so if you don’t get this one, just get one later. Sounds like you could call Browning and get your pick of the litter just about anytime as far as wood goes.

Btw, you also need to add a BL-22 to your collection.

Get a bigger safe!

I’ve had a T Bolt in .17HMR for seven or eight years now. I love it.

OK, I've done a bad thing with mine. I wasn't happy with a junk 7/8" scope, so I went with a full 1". Better optics. Spend a little more and get a much better scope. I also bought a full 1" sling. All money well spent. The damn thing only cost $67 (full price). Money well spent.