oldelkhunter

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.

Rammer

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.

oldelkhunter

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

Rammer

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

VAhuntr

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.

oldelkhunter

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

bigbulls

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.

oldelkhunter

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.

popeye

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.

bigbulls

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.