So while the Browning Xbolt SLR is a very nice hunting rifle, I could never manage to get consistent groups out of it.
Turns out there was someone who liked it more than I did anyway, so it went down the river.
What I did with the funds was turn them into another Christensen. This time a Mesa Long Range.
Im much happier with this rifle for my expected usage (I even like the muzzle brake which is pretty rare with factory brakes).
Its big, blocky, and stable.
The stocks harder to adjust but gives me much more range, and has more adjustments. Its also much nicer feeling and banging it into stuff doesn't "pong" the way the X-bolts stock did. Ive used bits and pieces of stuff as spacers to adjust the stock to my liking.
The barrel is a significantly heavier profile (.825 at the muzzle), and is topped with a brake that pretty much does exactly what I want it to.
The Triggertech is miles ahead of the factory X-bolt trigger (and most other factory rifle triggers) which is a plus. This one seems to be adjustable down to about 2.5lbs, so Ill have to see what model it is. Both the Primarys in my other Christensen CFs will go down under 2, but the field in my Ranger stops at 2.5.
Honestly I cant say that the rifles actually "better" than the X-bolt over all, but I like it better. It also cost about 500 bucks more than the X-bolt did......Well, It also dosent try and eject shells straight into the scope turrets....that kinda sucked......
Ive installed a Riton X5 Conquer in Riton/Contessa rings on a Weaver picatinny rail.
All of that stuff got ordered when my buddy ordered the rifle for me, otherwise, Id have had to use spare parts and leftovers in terms of optics and mounts.
Anyway heres pictures of the rifle set up.
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Needed more than 3/8" spacers could give me....so i used the thead protectors off my other christensen barrels....Ill be going to ACE to get aluminum cable stops to use for spacers in the next day or three.....
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Went to the range today with the 28 and a few other rifles for sight and load work. I only had 19rnds all using the same load (which is what i used in the X-bolt also) of 85gr RL-33 with a Coal of 3.535 for a jump of .015.
Velocity was running at 3050, and accuraccy wasnt too shabby.
I need to use my phone to add the ballistic-X measured groups but heres the raw pictures.
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