Thread: Sako a7 vs Browning x bolt in 7mm rem mag

As above. Looking for a long range rig that does weigh a tone. Willing to spend up to 2k on rifle. I have the optics sorted.

went through this a few years ago with same rifles, the x-bolt wasnt in stock and got the A7 and was very happy with it.

I tried both and preferred the x-bolt. A few reasons - the half cock, the safety, unloading with the safety on, etc. The magazine.

From memory the A7 only beat it in one area to my mind - the trigger. Once you adjust the x-bolt trigger though it's fine. Wouldn't want much lighter.

It's all subjective. Try them both in the shop and get what you like. To my mind you've gotta step up to a real Sako at double the price to compete with the x-bolt.

I agree with both points.
I like the x-bolt in terms of its features and ergos. Yet it doesn't carry an accuracy guarantee and have two hunting buddies who say they are quite picky with ammo.
As for the A7, its what you expect. its well made, lacking some of the specs offered by the A7, but does carry a guarantee.
Any other suggestions?
I am trying to stick away from rem 700 as I have just never liked them, yet shot a bedded,trued sendero the other day and was pretty bloody good. But heavy as hell.

Xbolts are farking ugly thats reason enough to stay away from them

I'd def take the A7 and I have owned both. The A7 stock is crap to me. The XBolt has a loverly stock and shot very well indeed. The XBolt was in a 7mm08 and it seemed to boot like hell for the calibre. ??
It's not me but if it were I'd put a Tikka or A7 in a Bell and Carlson, Stug or something stock. Light and better.
So A7 all the way until I could afford the stock.

Originally Posted by Toby

Xbolts are farking ugly thats reason enough to stay away from them

I was waiting for that toby. But I thought you liked the bottom wrap around metal of the x bolt more than any mauser.

I also like these new a& roughtecs but at 3.4kg bare, its one hell of a rig.

Originally Posted by mcche171

I was waiting for that toby. But I thought you liked the bottom wrap around metal of the x bolt more than any mauser.

Cheeky bastard! Speaking of mausers theres a rifle you should get

Haha. I have a Sauer 101 so close enough

Love my a7 great gun easy to carry all day
Shoots well but yeah the stock is ok nice and grippy but would also
Look at changing in the future
X bolt is a nice gun but yeah nah

I was waiting for Toby to chip in too, haha.

When I was looking most people on here poo-poo'd the accuracy guarantees as marketing gimmicks, which they are. Every rifle has rounds that it won't shoot MOA - no matter the guarantee. Yet to hear of anyone returning a rifle because it wouldn't shoot the first lot of ammo they tried sub MOA.

I don't have enough experience to dispute the x-bolt being picky about ammo. This is how my story went though: I tried about 5 or 6 factory loads and it shot them all well enough for deer within 200-300m. One stood out above the rest and basically drilled same holes at 100m though. So I was set after an afternoon at the range and will never need to bother with reloading.

Not trying to say it's more or less accurate than anything. Just making the point I wouldn't worry about accuracy guarantees. Get what you like best.

Was in my local today and the Rep for Browning was there, showed me the new stainless, fluted, threaded X-Bolt in 6.5x55. Was quite nice. Said it would probably retail somewhere round $1400-1500 mark.
He said they also have stainless, fluted 308 but not threaded.

Ahh just see you after 7mm Mag

Thanks junkie. its good to know they are coming into the country as they have been available over seas for a while now.

The next question would be, if i bought a sako a7 roughtec, then put a carbon stock on it, would anyone but the original for their a7