I'm buying a new deer/hog rifle and trying to decide between the Rem. 700 XCR and the Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker.

Just curious on your opinions of either rifle. I'm left handed and looking for an "all weather" gun. These rifles will both fill those needs and then some.

I've had a chance to look at them both and spend LOTS of time shouldering the rifles. Both are different, but feel good.

The Browning is a TAD lighter and seems to come with a TAD better synthetic stock. The Remington seems to have a TAD smoother bolt and sports a 24" barrel instead of the 22" barrel on the Browning (don't really know if there's an advantage to that other than a little more velocity).

So, is either one of these rifles more..."functional"? Better action? Better barrel? ect.

I'm looking to get out of buying and selling some many rifles and start hanging on to them so my collection builds. I'm really wanting one that's going to be my "go to" rifle for YEARS to come. Maybe even hand it down to my son after I'm gone.

The caliber will be .30-06 if it matters any

Any input would be greatly appreciated

I have neither but a friend has both. One sits in my safe right now. Personally, I like the A-Bolt better. It just seems to be put together better, plus the short bolt throw is nice. Both would very likely function fine and get the job done. It just depends on fit and feel... your choice.

Before I decided on either I would look at the Browning X bolt STainless rifle..it has some improvements over the Abolt and the one I handled had a great trigger. I would choose that one easily over the XCR

I purchased a Rem 700 XCR in .30-06 two years ago. I have been extremely happy with it. It shoots clover leaf groups @ 100 yards with off-the-shelf Federal Power Shock ammo. I now call it my lucky deer rifle as I got three with it last year, one of which was a 260 pound 8 point buck. See attached photo.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/huntingthenorth/DSCN3862A.jpg

Check out the Remington SPS Stainless. It has a plated action as well, is cheaper, and is very corrosive resistant.

Back to your question though: Both the Abolt and XCR are nice, you won't go wrong with either, I just prefer the 700 action over the brownings.

Which one feels the best in your hands. Both are top quality rifles that will last a lifetime.

In my honest opinion,the a-bolt has several advantages over the remington 700. Shorter bolt throw,3 locking lugs,tang safety,the concealed detachable magizine has X spring instead of a W spring,much larger extractor giving better "bite" on cartridge rim,factory glass bedded,free floated barrel,shaped bolt handle to aid easier operation,faster lock time,better crown,straighter,better designed stock-need I keep going?

I got a stainless stalker in 243 wssm and so far been very pleased!!

I agree with Gangly. If your not going to hunt salty coastal areas, save yourself a bunch of money and get the Rem 700 SPS in stainless steel.

A/X bolt hands down. Have the A bolt in 30-06, best rifle I have, shoots/looks great.