Browning x-bolts and a-bolts vs. other bolt guns

[model86]

I have two Browning A-Bolts and one X-Bolt. I have not used any of them much.

Wondering if any of you have experienced problems with these guns?

We've all heard about the reliability of the old pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters and Mausers with controlled feed. I've never heard anything bad about the Remington 700, Sako, etc.

Is the controlled feed bolt gun over rated?

I am a big fan of the short "throw" of the A-Bolt and X-Bold--if "throw" is the right word. Makes working bolt lots better with greater distance between bolt handle and scope. Of course same applies to the Weatherby.

model86

 

[LoonWulf]

I think short "lift" might be a better term to describe the 60° bolts.

I have no preference either way for cf or pf, ive owned both. If i were building a dangerous game rifle i think id chose cf, but thats completely on what other people recommend.
If i got to camp and got handed an abolt/xbolt/rem700 to use than id be happy enough with that too, and it would get the same scrutiny as a fine double or mauser i didnt own before going in the field with it.

I've personally had a few issues with pair of 2000+ remingtons, one had an over size neck, the other had badly aligned scope mount screw holes. Both of which im sure rem would have fixed but i did one, and had my smith fix the other. The triggers on the 700s came under scrutiny, and were a design that could cause problems. The current ones are, in my opinion fine rifles and if i didnt like others better id buy more of them.

That said every company puts out a lemon, careful inspection of EVERY gun your gonna buy, and then some testing at the range will be well worth the effort before the hunt. Again if you find something not right you can senx the gun back to get fixed.

 

[Olympus]

I have an A-Bolt and aside from the factory trigger being heavier than like without any adjustment, it's a decent little gun. I personally think the glossy stock finish is outdated, but that's just my personal opinion. I've never been much of a subscriber to the controlled-feed vs push-feed system. I have had guns both ways and neither one has proven any practical difference to my. But you're right, the shorter bolt lift is a nice feature.

 

[greyling22]

The abolt is my very favorite action. not the best or the cheapest, but my favorite. It just wish it came in a left hand short action flavor

 

[mag318]

Anything Browning produces, no matter the country of origin, is top shelf quality. I love the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade as produced by FN.