Browning AB3
Browning Arms Company · Rifle · In Production · 2014
Also known as: A-Bolt 3
Overview
The Browning AB3 is a value-priced bolt-action centerfire hunting rifle introduced in 2014. It uses a barrel built to the same standards as Browning's premium X-Bolt, paired with a short-action receiver, a free-floating sporter-contour barrel, a 60-degree bolt lift for fast cycling, a detachable box magazine, and a top-tang safety with a bolt unlock override. The AB3 delivers X-Bolt-class accuracy at an entry-level price and is offered in both composite-stock and walnut Hunter configurations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2977 g (105.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 838 m/s (2749 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3412 J (2517 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Blued |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Top Tang Safety, Bolt Unlock Override
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, 60 Degree Bolt Lift, Detachable Box Magazine, Sporter Contour Barrel, Drilled And Tapped, Inflex Recoil Pad
Variants
- Browning AB3 Composite Stalker — Synthetic Stock
- Browning AB3 Hunter — Walnut Stock
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters and sport shooters
Production
Production years: 2014-present
Civilian hunting rifle; total production figures not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Browning Arms Company
Notes
AB3 stands for 'A-Bolt 3', positioning the rifle as a more affordable evolution of the discontinued A-Bolt line. Like most Browning bolt rifles, the AB3 is manufactured for Browning by Miroku in Japan.
Background
Browning positioned the AB3 as a budget alternative to its higher-end X-Bolt and A-Bolt rifles, putting an X-Bolt-grade barrel on a simpler, lower-cost receiver to compete in the entry-level hunting market.