I found an Xbolt for a reasonable price at a local store. $589...

I don't know much about Browning, or the the ABolt. I am thinking about a .243 or 308 in the micro hunter with a 20" barrel. Is this a good gun? also with this short barrel is the 308 going to be a bear to handle?

Is the Xbolt different?

Goto Browning.com and read the differences between the 2.

I have a Rem 700 in a 308 with a 20" barrel and the recoil is very tame, so I doubt the Micro Hunter will be much different.

I have an A-bolt Micro in the 243wssm and its prob my fav rifle. I just like the feel of it. You search about a million posts that pretty much answer you question. I also have an A-bolt Medallion in 270wsm and its prob my 2nd fav rifle. I have Rems, Rugers, Weatherby's and Savages and the Brownings are my favorites for feel and accuracy but a good bit.

I don't have any experience with the x-bolt but have heard nothing but good things about them. If it fits you well go for it IMO.

You should have no issues with the quality of that gun. IMO its prob the best to have in that price range with Tikka being a close 2nd but for me I don't like the feel of them(just for me).

Good luck with your decision, depending on what other rifles you have I would lean towards the 308 for you main deer hunter between the 2 but there is nothing wrong with a 243.

I mainly reload but was given a box of 165grn Fed Fusions for my 308 and they gave me a sub 1" group at a hundred. Incase you are looking for some help with budget priced ammo.

Most reviews I've read (plus my own experience) indicates the X-Bolt is a winner. It's kind of a newer, more refined A-Bolt. Regarding the short barrel, my wife shoots a Ruger Compact short barrel (in both .308 and 7mm-08) without issue...and she is 99lbs. soaking wet.

Sorry, i meant A bolt not X bolt.

I like A-bolts. Awesome gun. Bad news about em is you can't take apart the bolt like you could a 700 bolt or sako 75. I like to be able too. I could do without the crappy clip system.

I will be picking up my X-Bolt Stainless Stalker in .338 WM for Christmas (so, I like them !!!).






MSRP = $899


http://www.browning.com/products/cat...item=035215211


20" barrel will not allow any caliber to reach it's "full potential".

Neither will a 26". How about a 30"?

I was gonna say bro, if you find an X-Bolt at that price, you better snatch it up. I'm a Browning fan so you can't go wrong with A-Bolt or X-Bolt IMO. I have two X-Bolts and one A-Bolt and have owned several other A-Bolts.

have had an x-bolt, 7mm-08, for 2 seasons. 4 shots, 4 deer. farthest 227 yds. (range finder). As I shoot left handed, love the tang safety. Had a Rem. Model 7, 7mm-08, for several yrs. Good gun, but like the x - bolt better No regrets.

The Browning Micro in 308 is a sweet rifle. A 308 doesn't kick that much, even in a "light" rifle.