Rebarrel Browning A Bolt - Brisbane gunsmiths?

[Rathie]

G'day all,

I have an issue with my Browning A Bolt 22 Hornet that unfortunately the dealer and Winchester Australia have not been very helpful with.

It's now well past the warranty time - so I'm looking for an excuse to rebarrel to 17 hornet. I recently found a tikka 55 in 222 in beautiful condition - so a 17 is in order!

Any recommendations for a good gunsmiths in Brisbane? TSE seem to get good feedback - thoughts?

[Sergeant Hartman]

Try swan in Ipswich. But be aware at the moment i believe gunsmiths and gunshops are all shut

[Peter988]

Kingston Bros at West End do good work.

[marksman]

lMHO trentech in carina is who l would be going to ph 0415 370 273

[SCJ429]

Would you be better off finding a different rifle to rebarrel? Some gunsmiths don't like to work with the Browning.

[Bill]

Was gunna say the same, Browning have been known to be hit and miss due to the loctite they use on barrel thread, potential for action damage apparently

A bolts are probably the least rebarreled actions Ive seen. Seen only a few early series A bolts rebarreled.

[Rathie]

Thanks all,

I hear good things about Swan.

Research on A Bolt issues seem to indicate a bit of 'internet hysteria - I'll wait till a gunsmiths has a look.

And yep- with what's happening it may be a while before I can take the rifle in.

[SCJ429]

As long as you understand the quality of action you have, you will be tipping $1,000 into a rifle that is not highly regarded. If you go ahead with it you will have far more in it than the rifle is worth.

Not sure about the hysteria bit but if people are saying there are issues you would be foolish not to ask the opinion of a competent gunsmith.

[Rathie]

Agreed SCJ - sending good money down the drain.

Bill - I tried responding back to you via pm - not sure it worked?

I’ll see if a decent gunsmiths can address the issue and then put her on the market.

Cannot say the experience with the local LGS, Winchester Australia or Browning has been pleasant.

I’ll be looking for a nice little CZ in 17 hornet

[Blr243]

How do smiths grip barrels and wind them out without marking the outside of the barrell ?

[marksman]

How do smiths grip barrels and wind them out without marking the outside of the barrell ?

leather or rubber as vise pads

[Blr243]

Thanks MM

[SCJ429]

I feel for you Rathie, it is a pity Winchester Australia could not help you with your issue. You may do better to cut your losses and start out with a better action. Treat yourself because you deserve a good result after getting the rough end of the stick with your Browning. Good luck mate.

[straightshooter]

As is frequently the case on these sorts of threads a wealth of misinformation is on offer.
Unless something has changed over the years with their newer models, the Browning A bolt centerfire has it's barrel threaded into an insert which is then pressed into the receiver ring.
It is feasible to safely remove and replace the barrel but a special action wrench is required. It is not readily available to the best of my knowledge. So as to not risk loosening or otherwise disturbing the insert in the receiver your gunsmith would have to fabricate a special action wrench or procure the correct one. This will add so much to the rebarreling cost making it uneconomic to do so.
You probably can buy another rifle in the caliber of your dreams for less.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

Swan make a booring barrels that will shoot repeatable 1/2 inch groups. I say booring because i haven't found anything it doesnt shoot well.