Thread: browning xbolts?

They are really great rifles. I tried everything up to about $2000-2500 and it was the clear winner for me in that price range. I have the Stainless Stalker also, in 308. It puts 5 shots in half an inch with factory ammo if I do my bit.

I think you'd have to go up to a Sako 75 or 85 to beat them personally, so quite a bit more $.

Here's a copy paste from my thread when deciding on rifle. Might help you out.

Originally Posted by MattyP

270 was my original pick! Why does your mate say 270 for south island? Longer range tops shots or....?

Went and played with a few rifles in shops today. Tikka T3's, a Browning X-bolt and a Sako A7. Out of them all I far preferred the X-bolt actually.

Magazines: Extra round in the mag versus the other two + the mag sits flush so the X-bolt wins that one. I did like the feature on the A7 where you need to press up as well to release the mag though. At first I thought why bother, but those mags are expensive so a smart feature to prevent losing one.

Bolts: I liked the bolt the most on the Browning too, the half cock is really...really good. The half cock on the A7 was so easy to go right past for an amateur like me...although I guess you could get used to it. Didn't seem to compete though.

Triggers: The T3 and Sako won here, they were lighter but it was close. Easily fixed with a trigger job I'm told.

Safety's: X-bolt again. Love the safety and the firing indicator. Well located and idiot proof. I also liked the feature of being able to leave the safety on and unlock the bolt to unload, etc.

Stocks: The T3 got hammered here by the other two. X-bolt and A7 both felt great and I especially liked the X-bolts recoil pad - very soft.

So all up it was quite close between Sako and Browning but I liked the X-bolt best. The T3's do really well considering the others are about 50% more expensive. Anyway, just my opinion - I'm sure there's plenty of Sako/Tikka fans!

When I'm back next I'll compare some scopes. So far I'm leaning towards the Leupold VX-6 2-12x but I'll try it alongside the 3-18x and some lower end scopes to see just how bad I want one of those VX-6's.

Thanks mattyp that is exactly what I was after since I am a sako man at heart. I'm going to go out and have a go with one this week just to confirm its what I want.

Originally Posted by silentscope

Thanks mattyp that is exactly what I was after since I am a sako man at heart. I'm going to go out and have a go with one this week just to confirm its what I want.

Yeah I don't think I actually had a play with one of the 75's or 85's...maybe just briefly. So it could even compete with them - I don't know. The price and the magazines put me off. I think they've changed the mags now. From memory they protruded and looked ugly as fuck. I really like the look of those new Sako Carbonlights - but there's no way I can justify buying one with the nice rifle I already have.

You won't regret the x-bolt. About the only flaw i've found is that the bolt could be a little smoother, but I don't use grease on the lugs or anything and I hear most people do, so that would probably resolve that.

Edit:
Interesting comment about aging quickly. Only had mine about a year and a half but still looks brand new. It hasn't been out every weekend but has seen a bit of use. I'm anal about maintaining it though. Gets a clean and light oil after every use, or the same day I get back from a trip. I did notice one time when I didn't clean and oil it for a couple of days there was a few light rust patches. Just the beginnings of it, where it's quite watery and you can just wipe it off. I think it was due to rapid temp change going from outside to straight into the safe. So then you get mass condensation which causes that watery rust. If I had of just left it for a week or two it would've been in a right state i'm sure.