Okay, so I’m not very good at leaving well enough alone. Several years ago I picked up a new Browning A-Bolt
Stainless Stalker in .300 WSM. It has proven itself to be an outstanding rifle that will regularly shoot sub-MOA
groups. Away from the range it has also proven itself to be an outstanding hunting rifle – light, fast, accurate,
hard-hitting and durable. Well, I wanted to improve on the durable part. And a gun this good deserves some
added beauty. Personally, the dull black stock of a synthetic stock and the empty satin of stainless leaves me
wanting for something more. After doing a lot of research I opted to call on Robar in Phoenix, AZ and see
what all they had to offer.
First, Robar applied a proprietary coating called NP3 to the bolt, chamber and magazine. NP3 adds lubricity
as a hard dry coating on the metal parts. Eliminating the need for lubricating the action.
Next, Robar applied Roguard to all external metal surfaces. Roguard further protects even stainless from
harsh environments and provides a very nice dull matte black finish. It also eliminates the need for applying
oil to the surface of the metal.
Last, and entirely for cosmetic reasons, I asked Robar to apply an olive version of Polymax to the stock.
Frankly, I just thought it would look good.
You can see the finished product. It is outstanding and really draws attention to what is already a wonderful
rifle. You will no doubt notice that some stainless components still exist on the rifle. This is due to the fact
that, unfortunately, they are constructed out of inexpensive “pot metal” and cannot be coated. It is
disappointing that more quality components were not used throughout the construction of the rifle but I
understand the financial sense behind Browning’s decision. And it doesn’t look too shabby with the tri-tone
finish. My hope is that the added protection will allow me to enjoy this rifle for many, many more trouble free
years.
Stainless Stalker in .300 WSM. It has proven itself to be an outstanding rifle that will regularly shoot sub-MOA
groups. Away from the range it has also proven itself to be an outstanding hunting rifle – light, fast, accurate,
hard-hitting and durable. Well, I wanted to improve on the durable part. And a gun this good deserves some
added beauty. Personally, the dull black stock of a synthetic stock and the empty satin of stainless leaves me
wanting for something more. After doing a lot of research I opted to call on Robar in Phoenix, AZ and see
what all they had to offer.
First, Robar applied a proprietary coating called NP3 to the bolt, chamber and magazine. NP3 adds lubricity
as a hard dry coating on the metal parts. Eliminating the need for lubricating the action.
Next, Robar applied Roguard to all external metal surfaces. Roguard further protects even stainless from
harsh environments and provides a very nice dull matte black finish. It also eliminates the need for applying
oil to the surface of the metal.
Last, and entirely for cosmetic reasons, I asked Robar to apply an olive version of Polymax to the stock.
Frankly, I just thought it would look good.
You can see the finished product. It is outstanding and really draws attention to what is already a wonderful
rifle. You will no doubt notice that some stainless components still exist on the rifle. This is due to the fact
that, unfortunately, they are constructed out of inexpensive “pot metal” and cannot be coated. It is
disappointing that more quality components were not used throughout the construction of the rifle but I
understand the financial sense behind Browning’s decision. And it doesn’t look too shabby with the tri-tone
finish. My hope is that the added protection will allow me to enjoy this rifle for many, many more trouble free
years.
Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker in .300 WSM
Additional views of the Robar
improved Browning A-Bolt in
.300 WSM
improved Browning A-Bolt in
.300 WSM
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