Browning X bolt
 

I got my chance to pick one up and cycle the action and give it a good looking over.This was a hunter model in 7 rem mag. . In all a very nicely made rifle, really good fit and finish, areally good trigger and a slick magazine system(although it is polycarbonate). Bolt has changed as well. It has a different shroud and there is no rotating sleeve around the bolt body anymore. I would put this rifle in the top 5rifles I would consider coming out of the factory.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

I handled the same rifle you did, only at a different shop I'm guessing. ;)

I came up with the same opinion as you on it. Im still waiting to see the composite stocked version.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Only thing that has me confused is the X pattern ..if they wanted strength why not just go to 8/40 screws?

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Yeah I agree. That has to be one of the weirdest damn scope mounting systems I've seen on a rifle.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Have yet to see one in person yet but have read a little about them. Will this rifle be replacing the A-Bolt? I still see the A-Bolt listed on the website so I just wondered. After comparing the two on Browning's website, IMOthe A-Bolt is a better looking rifle. In person they may look better though.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

It appears for now they are still making some abolt variants but this is their main bolt rifle. The new one has some of the Euro styling since everyone wants to copy that trend but it still is a nice rifle and feels lighter then the Abolt comparing it to the Abolt 7mm I used to hunt with . Mechanically it is a very good rifle

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Mechanically I think they made some real goodimprovements such as the absense of the bolt sleeve, much better extractor, ability to unload the gun while safety is on, much better trigger, better recoil pad, etc...

Asthetically I think it looks like crap.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

COmpared to the abortions such as Tikka T3,Sako A7 , Certain Remington 700's and a host of other unmentionables I think they are almost classic design.It is the best rifle sold for its price range in the US.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Oldelkhunter,
That's a bold statement "The best rifle sold for its price range".
I love my A-bolts and have been a little concerned that they took a good rifle and would turn it into crap. I'm very pleased to hear that it sounds like they have actually improved it.
I haven't had a chance to see or handle one yet... now I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Thanks for the upbeat review.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Hey,I said they made some real good improvements to the rifle itself.I just think that the stock looks terrible. i think that the T3 hunter looks better than the Xbolt does. All synthetics are ugly IMO, although functional.

That line coming from the grip and disappearing into the butt is UGLY as it the aluminum that surrounds the magazine and comes up into the the side fo the stock. I can deal with the semi beaver tail styled forend.The forend needs to be an inch longer and the checkering in the wrist is too low and needs to come up higher. Although the recoil padis a good improvement as far as function goes its fit to the stockis terrible and the mold lines are still visible in the rubber.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Yeah but it does have a gold trigger.......................................:eek :...........LOL

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Looking at Brownings website, IMO they went back a step or two in the looks department. The synthetic stock reminds me of the Remington SPS stock. As long as it functions and shoots well thats all that matters.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Bigbulls, that Eurotrash stock has some lines I don't like but feels like a fine shotgun in my hands. Pointability is big + for me and this rifle excels in that area. It is not a bold statement to say it is the best rifle in its price group. Show me something better that sells in the mid 600 range that is as mechanically well designed and has the fit and finish. This thing is better made then a Kimber 84M I bought, no comparison.


The Gold plated trigger is a plus...


I like it over my composite Abolt in 25-06 although it is not so shabby either.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

From the pics of the rifle, I didn't like it when I first seen it. Then I handled acouple and now it's on the top of my list. I don't need another rifle, but I am going to buy one.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

I plan on buying the first stainless stalker I see in .270.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

The picture doesn't totally turn me off.I would have to hold one and operate the action before I would know if I liked it or not.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

I think its a pretty decent set up. The checkering on the wood stocks are almost enough to be uncomfortable, so you don't have to worry about it slipping out of your hands... definately laser cut.

I'm not wild about the looks, at all. It does handle very nicely. The recoil pad is an improvement.

The two glaring problems with the rifle, as I see it, are the rings/bases, and that abortion of a magazine. A co-worker of mine ordered a stainless stalker x-bolt in 300 WM... should be here in another week or two. He also placed an order with Leupold for a set of mounts for it, and they gave him dealer/wholesale pricing on them.... $60... which means they will probably go in stores for upwards of $80. Browning is putting their own out as well, don't know what they sell for. We stuck some on a .270 today and the one good thing is they are damn near grunt proof... ain't no way you will put the wrong mount in the front/back or long screws in the front and bind the action like so many folks do with 700s.

All in all, its a good rifle... but I still prefer my A-bolt.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

I held one at Bass Pro and was impressed. As for its looks, I really like the X-Bolt and think it looks great!

For the record, I still prefer Remington 700s.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

Well, I, for one, believe that they took a great rifle ( the A-Bolt ) and screwed the pooch. I have handled the x-bolt, and it's looks are not " Browning ". It looks about as bad as any as I have seen on the market lately. It reminds me of the Tikka's and even Mossbergs. I don't think it is all that much better functionally, either. There was nothing inherently bad about the fit and function of the A-Bolt to begin with, but to want to change something classic, just to change it ...... is stupid. I was unimpressed with the x-bolt, and will be looking to fill my wants, with A-Bolts from gunbroker. I will not support the x-bolt. Mechanically no improvement.... astetically a piece ofcrap.

MET

RE: Browning X bolt
 

bigbulls, I hear ya! what was wrong with making a rifle look like a rifle? classic designs....

what do these new stock shapes do? anything? less recoil? call me old school but I like classic lines on a rifle.

RE: Browning X bolt
 

They have basically re-done a good not great rifle. If you don't think the trigger is better or the new bolt(without the sleeve) is better(less parts to mess up) then I don't know what to say because they are. Styling is so and so about par for Euro trash but it feels better in my hands and that is what counts. Fit and finish are exactly the same and I don't think the styling on the old abolt was classic. That is a bit of a stretch.