Have never really cared for the A-Bolts as they did not seem to feel right to me. The X-Bolt feels good to me for some reason. I also kind of like the different styling it has. I'm considering either an X-Bolt or a Sako A7 for my next purchase.

I own both, you can't go wrong with either....................


Tough choice, Browning seem more refined (better fit all the way around).


Love the way it feels also !!!

wow - really no majority either way. I have 2 A bolts. But I guess I will have to wait for the lefty X bolt and try it out at the shop

Is there a lefty x bolt coming??? Nothing on there web site and the '10's are up.

i only have [1] A-BOLT S/S STALKER 300 WSM thats all i need for the hunting i do .

Im looking at buying a Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker 300 wsm buy dont know anything about Browning

Well Browning makes some very good quality rifles, I don't think anyone has ever really argued that. Some people say they don't fit them very well, which can be said for any rifle really and is understandable. I think both the Browning A Bolt and X Bolt fit and feel great to me. As far as the accuracy department goes, they aren't 1/4 MOA sniper rifles, but are more than adequate for hunting and if you handload, I would bet you could easily find some loads that make a nice ragged hole for whatever model of Browning you buy. I do believe Browning is known for having nice triggers on their rifles. I think the X Bolt trigger feels smoother than the A Bolt, which is a lot to say because the A Bolt's is really nice. I will say that I do NOT like the synthetic stock on the X Bolt, just the looks of it, it feels ok, but again, that is a personal preference. The scope mounting system on the X Bolt is an improvement I think also. I think buying an X Bolt is a good investment.

Update?
 

I know this thread is a couple years old, and it's kind of stale, but I wondered about getting an update. I'm currently looking for an elk rifle. The three models I'm considering most seriously are the X-bolt, the A-Bolt, and the Rem. 700.

I'm a lefty and not finding any X-Bolts. There are several used lefty SS A-Bolts available, mostly in .338 win mag. The 700s can be found in a variety of calibers, both new and used. Clearly the selection is more limited for us lefties.

Now that the x-bolt has been out a while longer, what are you all thinking about them? I'm especially interested in the opinions of folks that own more than one of the models I am considering, as almost everyone is pretty happy with the rifle they have (which I think is a good thing).

I sure appreciate your input.

Love the wife's Xbolt 300win. It hasnt touched my model 70 in 300RUM yet, but it still shoots decent, and love the feel in my hands. Recoil pad and stock design do a great job soaking up felt recoil. I prefer control round feeding, but I have zero complaints about her rifle.

Thanks for the response streetglide, although being a Road King guy myself I have to take your opinions with a grain of salt. ;)

Let's say you were buying a new long distance shooter elk rifle. Browning doesn't make the X-bolt in 300 RUM. Is there an X-Bolt caliber that you think you would rather have than your Model 70? Assuming the same caliber, would you prefer the Model 70 or the X-Bolt?