X-Bolt or Model 70

[NebrVandal]

Looking for son's 1st big game rifle. Have decided on a .308 in either X-Bolt or the new Model 70. Anyone experienced w/either rifle at the range or in the field?

Will be used for both deer & elk.

 

[jmr40]

I would get the Winchester. Do not care for the Browning at all.

 

[Runningman]

Not trilled with what Winchester did with the new style trigger on the Model 70. I just can't get into the looks of the new X bolt. If I were you I would also take a serious look at CZ 550 American.

 

[ArmedBear]

The CZ 550 is a heavy rifle.

The M70 Featherweight in .308 handles like a dream and has a better safety than the CZ's (both are CRF).

 

[Horsemany]

Nice thing about the Xbolt is it's very ergonomic. Most reviews or posters on forums like this will tell you the same thing. They are light with a slight palm swell even on wood models. The single stack magazine feeds each cartridge straight into the chamber so it's smoooooth. The trigger is improved over the xbolt and it will likely shoot better than the M70. I have some old Winchesters that I'll never part with but these days I favor light easy handling rifles like Tikkas and X Bolts. Just 2 years ago I was doing nothing but badmouthing these new rifles for their plastic parts. Now I've had a change of heart and realize they are lightweight, easy to maintain rifles that are more practical than the typical 8lb rifle made of walnut and high polish bluing that preceeded them.

 

[Slamfire]

I posted pictures and comments on my M70 PBR.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=5089642&postcount=15

I don't like 60 degree turn actions. The ones I have handled are stiffer to open than the 90 degree type.

The Model 70 action is still one of the great commerical actions. I consider the M98 the best of them all, but the M70 is a very decent sound action. Modern PBR's show better metal workmanship than any previous M70. The classics were very good, the pre 64's can be very rough.

It has been a while since I looked at a Browning, but my recollection was that it had an aluminum receiver and a pressed in locking insert. If this is wrong please correct. I much prefer an all steel receiver.

Your choice of 308 is a good one. That round provides an excellent blend of accuracy and power, and it is ultra easy to reload target grade ammunition in the 308. Other calibers are much fussier.

 

[remingtondude58]

I would get a Remington 700, I have a 700 BDL LH in 308 and I really like it.

 

[Horsemany]

Not aluminum. THe only aluminum bolt action I've encountered is my Stolle Panda benchrest rifle. An aluminum action with steel rails is not all bad though as many automatic shotguns and rifles have used this process for decades. The U.S. government currently uses such a design and has for over 40 years.

Pre 64's are generally smooth as glass since they were hand fitted and honed. I have a NIB 1950 m70 Supergrade that is one of the finest factory rifles I've ever held. But it is heavy.

 

[ArmedBear]

light easy handling rifles

The Featherweight isn't light and easy-handling?

 

[Horsemany]

The Featherweight isn't light and easy-handling?

I actually own a lightweight. IMO they are not nearly as quick to shoulder or nimble as other more modern designs like a T3 lite. A T3 synthetic(lite) in 270win. is 6lbs 3oz @42.5". A featherweight in 270 weighs 7lbs but is the same length. It is also much bigger in the magazine area where I like to carry rifles. Featherweights were named featherweights back in the early 50's when guns where much heavier. I do not consider a 7lb rifle lightweight personally.

 

[rodensouth]

Can you work the bolt with the safety engaged on the winny?

 

[Horsemany]

M70's have a 3 position safety. Mid position is safe and allows bolt to open.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Between the two... Winchester Model 70 Featherweight.

We have had favorable comments about this rifle from our customers who have purchased them....so far.

... take a look at the Savage 14 American Classic.
You might be surprised concerning the weight, length and balance.

 

[rodensouth]

Thanks. Then it seems it would be the one he shouldered best and liked the feel of, since they are both great rifles with very similar triggers and safety features. I love my x - bolts.

 

[elktrout]

I looked at an X-bolt. Nice all around except for the detachable magazine. The release for it sticks out enough to easily catch with brush or bump it somehow. And, it releases easily. I can only picture climbing up some long steep slope through scrub brush, only to find that my rifle magazine is gone.

That one feature eliminated the X-bolt for me.

On the other hand, the Win 70 Featherweight was simply solid all around. It will be my next rifle.

 

[rodensouth]

elktrout

That is an excellent observation. I just pulled mine out and it is a possibility. I will take a dremmel to those tabs so that will be much less likely. Have already ordered more mags.

thanks

 

[Float Pilot]

X bolt yucky....Older A bolts better.
New M-70s Ok

 

[frank c]

My choice would be a Browning A-bolt over the X-bolt.I own a few A-bolts that have been very dependable rifles.

 

[dullh]

I vote for the X-Bolt. I have two of them. Contrary to what somebody said above, the magazine release does NOT stick way out from the gun. You will not lose your magazine in heavy brush. I love how some people hold a gun in a gun shop for 2 minutes then make all kinds of bogus claims about it.

The Browning is lighter than the comparably priced M70 and you will NOT regret buying it. Plus you get a better scope mounting system with the X-Rings...pick Browning!

 

[tiwil]

I own both a x-bolt stainless 300 wsm and a fn mod 70 fwt 300win mag.Both have excellent trigger and smooth action and they are accurate.If I would have to choose I'll take the mod 70 because I think the crf and 3 position safetie of the mod 70 are very nice feature and all the report of the new mod 70 say that they are very accurate.But the x-bolt would also be a very good choice.

 

[rodensouth]

I agree that the magazine release does not protrude at all, perfectly flush. I think the benefits of detachable mag outweigh the slight chance of loss. Don't you guys think they are similar enough that it should just come down to his preference of look and feel?

 

[Maverick223]

Nice thing about the Xbolt is it's very ergonomic

I thought just the opposite...IMO it is a big step backwards when compared to the A-Bolt as far as ergonomics. I am strongly considering a Winchester Model 70 Featherwieght chambered in .30-06, .308, or perhaps even .243. Depends upon whether I can find what I really want...a Winchester 1895 (new-ish model) chambered in .30-06.

 

[a-sheepdog]

I have an X-Bolt in 7mm-08, wood stock. I have been very happy with it. The best thing would be for him to handle both and see which feels better. My personal favorite is the Tikka T3 Hunters (Wood Stock).