Description
The Browning AB3 Pro Hunter .308 Winchester (22″ Blued, Maple Deluxe) is a premium version of the AB3 (A-Bolt 3) hunting rifle, distinguished by its deluxe maple stock while retaining the AB3’s reliable bolt-action design.
Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Browning |
| Model | AB3 Pro Hunter |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Caliber | .308 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches |
| Barrel Finish | Polished blued steel |
| Barrel Profile | Sporter contour |
| Stock | Deluxe maple hardwood with checkering |
| Overall Length | Approximately 42.75 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 6.8–7.1 lb (varies slightly by production run) |
| Magazine | Detachable box magazine |
| Magazine Capacity | 5+1 rounds (.308 Win short action) |
| Twist Rate | 1:12″ |
| Trigger | Non-user-adjustable factory trigger |
| Safety | Two-position safety with bolt unlock button |
| Receiver | Drilled and tapped for scope bases |
Key Features
Deluxe Maple Stock
- Attractive figured maple with a protective finish.
- Checkered grip and fore-end for improved handling.
- More distinctive appearance than standard walnut or synthetic versions.
22-inch Blued Barrel
- Sporter-weight barrel suitable for hunting.
- Good balance between portability and ballistic performance.
- Precision button-rifled for consistent accuracy.
Bolt Action
- Three-lug bolt with a 60° bolt lift, allowing extra clearance for larger scope eyepieces.
- Smooth cycling and short bolt throw.
Detachable Magazine
- Detachable polymer magazine.
- Standard short-action calibers like the .308 Winchester use a 5-round magazine.
.308 Winchester Ballistics (22″ Barrel)
Approximate factory performance:
| Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 150 gr | ~2,820 fps | Deer, antelope |
| 165 gr | ~2,670 fps | General big game |
| 168 gr Match | ~2,650 fps | Precision target shooting |
| 180 gr | ~2,600 fps | Elk, larger game |
Actual velocities depend on the specific ammunition used.
Accuracy
The AB3 is designed as a hunting rifle rather than a dedicated precision rifle. Many shooters report around 1 MOA accuracy or better with quality ammunition and optics, making it well suited for ethical hunting distances. Its slim sporter barrel may heat up more quickly during extended target sessions than a heavier barrel.
Best Uses
- Deer hunting
- Wild boar
- Black bear
- Elk (with appropriate ammunition)
- General-purpose hunting
- Recreational target shooting
Advantages
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Reliable three-lug bolt design.
- Crisp factory trigger.
- Detachable magazine.
- Elegant deluxe maple stock.
- Proven .308 Winchester chambering with widely available ammunition.
Considerations
- Fewer aftermarket accessories than the Browning X-Bolt.
- Trigger is not user-adjustable.
- Sporter barrel is optimized for hunting rather than prolonged high-volume target shooting.
- Maple stock, while visually striking, may show cosmetic wear more readily than synthetic stocks if used in harsh field conditions.
Optics
The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, making it compatible with many hunting optics. A quality 3-9×40, 2.5-10×42, or 4-12×40 scope is a common pairing for this rifle.
Typical Price
The AB3 series is Browning’s value-oriented bolt-action line. New AB3 rifles in standard configurations have commonly retailed in the US$600–700 range, while deluxe or limited-production variants with upgraded wood stocks generally command a premium depending on market availability.
Summary
The Browning AB3 Pro Hunter .308 Win 22″ Blued Maple Deluxe is an attractive, lightweight hunting rifle that combines classic styling with modern features. It is well suited for hunters who want a dependable field rifle with an upgraded wood stock and the versatility of the .308 Winchester cartridge. It is not intended as a dedicated long-range precision platform, but it offers excellent performance for most hunting applications
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