Hi all. This isn’t so much a “vs.” post as it is a request for comparison between the two and for folks who have experience with these two rifles to chime in and give their impressions.

I recently had a project where I needed to help a friend purchase a rifle/scope combo for her son and it caused me to look at the new(ish) crop of “budget” rifles out there such as the Ruger American, Savage Axis II and 116, Remington 783 and Mossberg Patriot. These offerings from Winchester and Browning clearly stood above the rest in my eyes so I thought I might get one myself as I’ve been wanting to scratch a 6.5 Creedmoor itch.

Does anybody have any input on these two rifles? I really don’t care which I end up with as I liked most things about them both. I also had an equal number of nitpicks about both, albeit different nits.

Both have great triggers and much better (and more rigid) stocks than the others and I love the configuration of their safeties.

I know they are very similar, but can anyone sway me one way or the other? Deer and Pronghorn hunting along with a bit of paper punching are on the agenda. Thanks!

I have been very impressed with the XPR (Vortex combo in 6.5)...especially for the price after you factor in the $100 rebate. I haven't shot any of the new AB3s but don't see a reason to as well as the XPR handles and shoots. Has a lot of the great qualities of the Model 70 at an amazing price point (can be had for under $400 if you shop around).

Edit: There were some guides that posted in the big game forum (I think) stating the A-Bolts had poor performance in Alaska (or similar) cold/rainy/crappy weather. I am a big fan of the Hells Canyon and don't want to start a Browning war...just pointing something out that you may want to be aware of or look into further.

Yup, all I can read and all I’ve heard is that the XPR can shoot. Same thing for the AB3.

Thanks for the tip on the A-Bolts in rainy, cold weather. This rifle will live in that sort of stuff, since I’m basically getting it as a backup rifle and primary beater/truck gun.

I do know there seems to be a rather vociferous anti-Browning crowd on the inter-webs. I’m not entirely sure why but to each their own.

Hell, just a few short years ago I probably would have never considered a non-USA built Browning or anything that dared to wear the name “Winchester” that didn’t have controlled round feed and the rest of the M70 action. Now, I just want a backup rifle that shoots lights out and that I don’t have to think about or fret over too much.