Browning x-bolt

[handle02]

I'm thinking about buying a new bolt action rifle for deer hunting.I've narrowed my decision to these 3 Sako A7 stainless,Winchester model 70 extreme weather ss,and a Browning x-bolt stainless stalker.I'm leaning toward the browning for no particular reason.I've looked at all features from the manufacturers,but haven't really seen any reviews from real people that use them.Any info/advice/suggestions would be very helpful in making my decision to purchase one of these. Thanks in advance for your comments!

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I would go with the Winchester 'cause it's made in AMERICA, right......?.?.

 

[Maverick223]

Personally I like the A-bolt much better. The X-Bolt doesn't fit me nearly as well...it just doesn't feel comfortable (never shot it though). I would take a hard look at the A-Bolt and the Winchester Model 70, before the X-Bolt...but it may fit you better. I will say that I like the bolt release button (allows you to cycle while on safe), but don't care for the rotary mag and find the finish to be slightly worse.

made in AMERICA, right

Yes, it is made in SC.

 

[jbaker]

I like the Winchester M70 pre 64 classic, mine never gave me any problems I like the trigger (dont know about the new triggers they use but I hear its good also). Sako is ok just never liked the Brownings A-Bolts so never got into there other rifles.

JB

 

[tiwil]

I own both a new mod 70 fwt 300win mag and a x-bolt stainless in 300 wsm.I think both are very good rifle but different.I actually use the x-bolt more because I don't like to scratch the wood of the fwt but I like the mod 70 a bit better.A mod 70 extreme weather in 308 will probably find a way in my safe some day.Handle all of them and buy the one you like most these are all very good.

 

[TexasEd]

Buy the ABOLT they work and shoot well. My Stainless Stalker has been great and the magazine attaching to the floor plate is a nice feture.

 

[257WM_CDL-SF]

I also like the Abolt over the Xbolt,Not saying the xbolt is a bad rifle just like the design og the Abolt better.I like the Model 70 for made in USA,But for Accuracy the Sako would be hard to beat

 

[a-sheepdog]

I have an X-Bolt in 7mm-08 and have been happy with it. It is outstandingly accurate and has accounted for a few pigs. I have not put enough rounds through it to say that I highly recommend it because I always reach for my Tikka T3 Hunter first. I would see which fits you the best and let that guide my decision.

 

[Reid73]

Those three rifles are fairly close in price, features and materials; so I'd say if you are leaning towards the X-bolt then by all means go ahead and buy it.

For reviews / discussions of the X bolt, see here here, here, here and here.

I have heard that the Winchester 70 Extreme Weather's finish is somewhat lacking, but no functional problems. This is secondhand information, take it FWIW.

Personally I think the Sako A7 is little more than a glorified Tikka T3 (another rifle worth considering), but that is merely my opinion. Here are some reviews worth reading: here, here and here.

 

[Maverick223]

I have heard that the Winchester 70 Extreme Weather's finish is somewhat lacking

Interesting, I haven't seen one, so I cannot refute the claim; but I find it odd considering that the blued M70s have such a great finish.

 

[handle02]

Ok now i'm thinking winchester after reading the reviews both on here and that Reid73 supplied(BTW thank you very much!!).Sako is looking less appealing and the whole made in japan thing has me giving the browning a big thumbs down.I would rather have an american made gun ,but also want the best accuracy and reliability that I can afford.I think I might also look at a tikka t3.I've held and shot the remington's 700 and i'm not that impressed, thats why I haven't mentioned them if anyone was wondering.Thanks for everyones input!!

 

[Maverick223]

japan thing has me giving the browning a big thumbs down.

Don't knock it till you try it, Miroku makes great firearms...but I still like the Winchester a little better for the price.

 

[tiwil]

Those new winchester seem to be good shooter from my experience and from what I heard from a fair number of people who own them.Tikka are really accurate but I don't like the fact that they are all long action and I don't like their plastic trigger guard.Here in Canada tikka is almost as expensive as browning so I think you can get better than a tikka for your money in Canada.

 

[Reid73]

As Maverick223 says, there is nothing wrong with Miroku. I would not be influenced by where a firearm is made; IMO the actual quality is much more important. Of course, if you feel otherwise, that's your perogative.

Tikka 3 is not my idea of a fine firearm but it is very, very difficult to find an unhappy owner. People on a budget seem to like Savage rifles, too.

 

[handle02]

I wasn't thinking of tikka as a fine firearm either,but I have been reading some very good reviews on them.Also to me quality is more important than where its made.I just kinda like to keep my money here state side.As for a budget I would like stay somewhere between 800 to 1200 price range for the rifle.I've already got some good optics (A leupold vx-11) on a S&W i-bolt that I plan on keeping when I get rid of that gun.I will let eveyone know what I decide on here within the next few days for all of the cheers and jeers.Once again thanks everyone!!!!!

 

[Maverick223]

I just kinda like to keep my money here state side.

Nothing wrong with that...just didn't want people to get the idea that Browning is "Jap-crap" as I am sure some have surmised.

A leupold vx-11

Didn't know they went up that high ("11") yet.

 

[handle02]

LOL! ok maverick let me correct myself vx-ii or (2)

 

[bpl]

Handle02,

I'm interested to hear your thoughts and decision as well, as I am mulling over a stainless/synthetic hunting rifle in your same price range ($800-1200). I'm thinking .308 or 30-06. Another option to consider is the Kimber 84M Montana, its lighter and made in America as well! At just over 5lbs, I bet it thumps you though! I have not handled the Model 70 Extreme Weather or the Xbolt yet, but I own an Abolt and I know it is a very nice, accurate rifle.

 

[rodensouth]

I have x-bolts in .270 wsm and .300 wsm. The triggers are both nice, I had them both set at lowest, and can't tell them apart with my eyes closed. After 15 rounds the 270 shot a 1.25 inch 5 shot group with first ammo tried(winny supreme elite 130), and the 300 shot 1.5 inch after 20 rounds(winny s e 150). This was much better than the 4 - 5 inch groups I got with the BAR I traded in for the .300.

I really like the feel of the x- bolt and its features, and you can then get yourself a nice t - bolt varmint barrel .22 to practice with. My wife was so used to the .22 that she killed her first deer with the .270 and she had never fired it(perfect top of heart shot at 60 yards).

Fit and finish on both are very nice, and they have nice recoil pads. I love the magazines, very positive lock into stock, and very robust. If you feel the need for more rounds, they fit easily in pocket.

I felt the other rifles and they just didn't make me bite, but I have never fired or owned them either.

 

[handle02]

bpl, I actually went with a gun that wasn't on this list! I did a little more homework and I found one that I liked better and it's cheaper!!! I went with a Savage Weather Warrior they look good and it felt great both in my hands and on my shoulder it seemed like a perfect fit for me.I also went with this decision, because I found one locally at a gun shop.With no shipping to worry about that cut some cost as well.If I had went with one on my list it definitly would have been the model 70,but the kimber would also be a solid choice(you can't go wrong with a kimber).

 

[dullh]

!!!Ignore all nay-sayers and buy the X-Bolt!!!

Seriously.

I have two X-Bolts, one in 7mm-08 and one in .300 WSM. Each to his own,
but I'd pass by a Remington for a Browning any day.

I don't care where it's made...the Browning is a better rifle in ANY configuration.

Winchesters are clunky and heavy and were never a consideration for me.

 

[bpl]

handle2,

thanks for the reply! Enjoy your new rifle!

dullh,

Do you think the M70 Featherweights are clunky and heavy? I thought they were rather light and trim, myself.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Savage weather warrior 116/16....excellent choice, you should be pleased with it.

 

[Reid73]

Since you were able to find a rifle that fits you well, had the features that you want, was available locally and cost less than the alternatives, then I think you did well.

you can't go wrong with a kimber

Don't know if I would go quite that far. Accuracy in Kimber rifles can be excellent or mediocre; it's kinda luck of the draw. Some people have reported feeding problems too, especially with the WSM cartridges (no surprise there).

My point is not that Kimber products are shoddy, merely that (sadly) you can go wrong with any make. Sako makes well-designed, well-finished, reliable, very accurate factory rifles that typically need nothing 'out of the box' ... but I am sure that even with Sako it is possible to find an occasional 'lemon'.

 

[dullh]

That is true...you can get a lemon sometimes regardless of make, but with some makes it's less likely than with others.