MAN! Browning's really whittled down the A-Bolts

Browning seems to be moving their attention to the X-Bolt line. I have one of each (A-Bolt and X-Bolt). My X-Bolt is fairly new, I've had my A-Bolt for maybe ten years or so.

The only thing I don't really care for on the X-Bolt (and this is completely subjective) is the plastic magazine that seems like it came in a Cracker Jack box. They work well enough (rotary, which is good), but they do not give the impression that they are very robust.

Both rifles are exceptional firearms and there really is not that much difference between the two (other than the safety changes) except styling. I prefer the A-Bolt style to the X-Bolt but I can't see the difference when it is up to my shoulder and looking through the scope. Both are crazy accurate, they actually make me look like a decent shooter.

Dan

I thought the X-Bolt's magazine looked pretty stout, considering its poly and not steel. The X-Bolt is a nice rifle. I would love to have one one the left hand Hunter models in 280 Rem.

too much "styling" on the x bolt for me although Im sure its a great rifle. I just love a-bolts.

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I agree. I especially don't care for the "sculpting" on the stock. This could be a very nice-looking rifle in the "classical" sense if Browning would just lay off the embellishments. And Browning isn't the only maker offending my sense of aesthetics: I really hate the goofy-looking trigger guards found on some pricey, contempoary repeating shotguns, particularly those emanating from Italy.
As a disclaimer, I'm fully aware that these are strictly my personal and subjective opinions. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but beauty and artful form aren't necessarily the same thing. In my opinion, the best looking bolt-action rifles ever made were the ones Browning imported to America during the sixties and early seventies (the Safari line, whether Sako or FN actions).

Gunbroker is full of used shotguns and rifles from the 1980's & 90's.

Abel said:

I thought the X-Bolt's magazine looked pretty stout, considering its poly and not steel. The X-Bolt is a nice rifle. I would love to have one one the left hand Hunter models in 280 Rem.

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They may very well be tough, they just seem cheesy when I handle them like recycled Tupperware or something. I haven't owned the X-Bolt long enough to know yet. I don't expect there will be a problem since it is a Browning after all.

Dan