Browning AB3 A-Bolt III 6.5 Creedmoor 22in Mossy Oak
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Expert review
About this product
The Browning AB3 A-Bolt III is a lightweight 6.5 Creedmoor bolt-action hunting rifle built for recoil management and field stability. It combines Browning’s proven A-Bolt action geometry with modern features like a threaded muzzle brake and weather-resistant synthetic stock. At 6.66 pounds and 42 inches overall, it’s positioned as a purpose-built tool for hunters who need to cover ground with minimal equipment fatigue.
What is the Browning AB3 A-Bolt III used for?
The AB3 A-Bolt III is designed for medium- to long-range hunting of deer and similarly sized game in variable weather. Its 6.5 Creedmoor chambering and 22-inch barrel provide an excellent balance of velocity and terminal performance out to 500 yards, while the Mossy Oak Bottomland stock and matte blued metal resist moisture and glare. The radial muzzle brake, which reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to an unmuzzled barrel, makes this an ideal candidate for extended zeroing sessions or introducing new shooters to the cartridge.
How does the Browning AB3 A-Bolt III compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Browning AB3 A-Bolt III offers superior recoil management and trigger feel compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. The Browning’s factory-installed radial muzzle brake and smoother bolt lift reduce shooter fatigue during repeated firing, a tangible advantage during load development or extended range time. However, the Stevens 334 typically retails for about $200 less, making it a better choice for budget-conscious hunters who prioritize initial cost over long-range refinement and accessory potential.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.66 pounds and measures 42 inches in overall length. Its free-floating, sporter-contour barrel is exactly 22 inches long with a 1:8 twist rate, and the threaded muzzle uses a 13x0.75mm pattern for direct attachment of suppressors or other muzzle devices. The detachable box magazine holds 3 rounds, and the stock’s length of pull is a standard 13.75 inches, accommodating most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for precision benchrest competitors or shooters who demand sub-MOA guarantees from a factory stock configuration. The synthetic stock, while weather-resistant, lacks the rigid bedding and adjustable features of dedicated chassis systems, potentially limiting ultimate mechanical accuracy. It’s also a poor choice for jurisdictions with restrictions on threaded barrels or muzzle devices, as the factory-installed brake is integral to its recoil-reduction design.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 3-round detachable box magazine and a set of Browning-specific scope mounting bases. Browning does not include a sling, scope rings, or a chamber flag, so plan for approximately $75-$150 in additional accessories to make the rifle field-ready. The manual covers basic operation and warranty registration, which is standard for Browning’s centerfire rifle lineup.
Is the Browning AB3 A-Bolt III worth it at $722.99?
At $722.99, this rifle represents solid value for a hunter seeking a lightweight, brake-equipped platform in 6.5 Creedmoor. You’re paying for the Browning action’s proven reliability and the convenience of a factory-installed recoil solution, which would cost $100+ to add aftermarket. However, if your primary use is casual target shooting or you prefer a more traditional walnut stock, a Stevens 334 in .243 Win could fulfill basic needs for significantly less money.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Radial muzzle brake reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% — crucial for extended 6.5 Creedmoor range sessions.
- Weighs only 6.66 pounds — nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than many comparable wood-stocked hunting rifles.
- Free-floating 22-inch barrel with 1:8 twist stabilizes heavy, high-BC projectiles up to 147 grains.
- Mossy Oak Bottomland synthetic stock is completely weather-resistant and requires zero maintenance.
Trade-offs
- Factory trigger is non-adjustable and breaks at a stiff 4.5 pounds — a notable disadvantage for precision work compared to adjustable competitors.
- Stock lacks any aluminum bedding block or reinforcement — flex under a bipod can impact point of impact consistency.
- Threaded muzzle uses a less common 13x0.75mm pattern, limiting direct suppressor compatibility without adapters.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614864196 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 035841282 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 50.2000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.25 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle brake removable for suppressor attachment?
- Yes. The radial muzzle brake is threaded onto a 13x0.75mm muzzle pattern and can be removed with a standard armorer's wrench. This allows direct threading of a suppressor, but always verify thread concentricity with an alignment rod before firing.
- What scope base pattern is the receiver drilled and tapped for?
- The receiver uses Browning's proprietary A-Bolt scope base pattern. The included bases are designed for standard ring setups; we recommend using Browning-branded or Warne-brand rings for optimal fit and alignment.
- Does this rifle come with a threaded barrel protector or thread protector?
- No. The rifle ships with the radial muzzle brake already installed. If you remove the brake, you will need to source a separate 13x0.75mm thread protector to prevent damage to the muzzle threads during transport or storage.
- How long does shipping to an FFL typically take?
- For in-stock items, processing and shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder usually takes 3-5 business days. Final transfer time depends on your FFL's processing speed and mandatory background check completion, which can add 1-10 days depending on state laws.