The AB3 Composite Threaded from Browning is a 6-pound bolt-action in .308 Winchester, which also chambers 7.62x51 NATO. The 22-inch sporter-contour barrel is threaded M13x0.75 for a muzzle device, the metal wears Tungsten Cerakote, the stock is OD Green composite, and overall length is 42 inches. A four-round detachable box magazine is included, the receiver is ready for optic mounting, and an Inflex recoil pad finishes the butt.

At 6 pounds it is a rifle you carry a long way without noticing, and the Cerakote and composite stock do not care about rain. In South Carolina it is a straightforward deer rifle: the Midlands and Lowcountry hunter in Game Zone 3 can use it from the August 15 private-land opener, bucks only until September 14, while the Upstate hunter in zones 1 and 2 waits for the October 11 gun opener. Any legal firearm is allowed, and each deer is tagged and reported by midnight in SC Game Check.

Key features

• .308 Win / 7.62x51 bolt action, 22-inch barrel
• M13x0.75 threaded muzzle
• 6 pounds, 42 inches overall
• Tungsten Cerakote, OD Green composite stock
• Four-round detachable magazine, Inflex recoil pad

The rifle goes to the South Carolina FFL dealer you name at checkout, who runs the NICS check and releases it without a permit or waiting period.