Need suggestions, Win M70 Ultimate Shadow, or Browning X-Bolt Composite Stalker?

[RuiL]

Hi guys, I'm thinking of getting a .270 rifle. Most of the time it'll be used in the blinds or on the tree stand. But I still want to get a synthetic stock one.

My first look was CZ-550 American in kevlar stock, but ... you know budget is an issue and CZ is out.

So now my eyes fall onto the M70 (current production) and X-bolt. Local store got both but only have the stainless & walnut versions. So I have no idea how the quality of the synthetics is.

From what I saw today:

X-bolt:
less travel to open/close the bolt, safety is easier to handle, more tapped holes for scope mount, detachable mag, less (maybe? not sure...) trigger travel.

M70:
CRF, 3-position safety, a little better workmanship, a little less force to open/close bolt, metal hinged mag floor.

Dry fire is not allowed in the local store and I didn't have a snap-cap with me, so don't know about the feel of their triggers. Also I heard that X-bolt's are very, very accurate, but not sure about the current M70s.

Kind of stuck now, so I'm seeking help from your guys.

THX!

 

[joed]

Winchester all the way and don't look back. Nothing against Browning as they are good but I just prefer Winchester.

 

[jmr40]

Winchester, even if it were $100 more.

 

[usmarine0352_2005]

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I had a similiar question last year. I went with the X-Bolt. This is what I said.



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Well, I finally did it and bought my new deer rifle and had it customized with help from some of the folks on this board. My old rifle was bought for me by my father when I was in HS for an elk trip and has been my only deer rifle ever since. I've dropped many deer with this rifle and have many great memories. (And no, the .338 does not tear up meat at all.). This new rifle should be much lighter, easier to carry around and more maneuverable.


The Old Guard: Winchester Model 70 (with pre-'64 claw extractor) stainless, .338 Win Mag, Gentry muzzle brake, custom trigger job, Leupold V-XIII 3X9, Leupold dual dovetail rings. (At one time had Gentry 1 piece scope rings).




The New Guard: Browning X-Bolt stainless, .30-06, barrel chopped to 16.5", Zeiss Conquest 3X9, Talley Custom rings. (I've added a shell carrier on the buttstock, Butler Creek Neoprene sling, and Butler Creek Clear Blizzard Caps to protect the scope.)




The new rifle:






The old and new rifle:




The new and old rifle, notice the difference in length.




.

 

[RuiL]

Hi usmarine0352_2005, you pictures are great! So if both are 16" barrel, which one you would choose?
Thanks a lot!

 

[tiwil]

Well they are both really good imo but different.I got 3 of the Fn mod 70 and I got 1 x-bolt and like all of them very much, they are all accurate and well made.Go handle them at the store to see what fit you better and decide from there as you can't go wrong between those 2.