Browning T-Bolt
Browning Arms Company · Rifle · In Production · 1965
Also known as: T-Bolt, Browning T-Bolt Sporter
Overview
The Browning T-Bolt is a straight-pull bolt-action rimfire rifle. Introduced in 1965 and originally manufactured for Browning in Belgium by FN, it was the first straight-pull bolt-action rifle offered by a major American firearms company. The shooter cycles the action by pulling the bolt straight to the rear and pushing it forward into full lockup, allowing faster follow-up shots than a conventional rotating bolt. The modern iteration, reintroduced in the 2000s and made by Miroku of Japan, feeds from Browning's rotary Double Helix 10-round detachable box magazine and features a free-floated, threaded barrel.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2087 g (73.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1022 mm (40.24") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt, Double Helix Rotary Magazine, Free Floated Barrel, Threaded Muzzle, Adjustable Trigger
Variants
- Browning T-Bolt Target/Varmint — Heavy Barrel
- Browning T-Bolt Speed — Synthetic Stock
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport shooters
Production
Production years: 1965-1974, 2006-present
First generation built in Belgium by FN; current production by Miroku of Japan
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Browning Arms Company
Notes
Chambered options across the model line include .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. The first-generation rifle was discontinued for the U.S. market in the mid-1970s before the redesigned version returned in the 2000s.
Background
The T-Bolt earned a reputation as the all-un-American rifle for bringing the European straight-pull action to the American sporting market, a layout otherwise rare among U.S.-marketed rifles.