Browning X-bolt

[Chuck Spears]

Just checking to see if anyone has any beef with X-bolts from Browning. I've always liked my A-bolts and prefer them to the Remington 700's. But the gun I go to for practically everything is my Remington Mountain .280 since I've never seen an A-bolt in .280. But alas, an X-bolt in .280 has come across my path and I figured I could get the best of both worlds. So has anyone had a problem with their X-bolt or a friend who has had a problem? Given the quality of all the A-bolts I've had, I wouldn't expect to have any problems with the X-bolt but just wanted to check. I can't rely on magazine reviews since everything they test happens to be from their ad revenue companies and they never given anything less than a glowing review.

 

[OLD DOMENION]

Browning A Bolt openion

My wife has a Browning-A Bolt in 30-06
Mine is a Ruger M-77 in 30-06.
The Browning A- Bolt is more accurate that my Ruger M-77, no matter which one of us is shooting it.

 

[Tarvis]

Hey Chuck, off topic question; tell me about the A-bolt. I'm considering getting one for my next prarie dog gun, assuming the browning website is incorrect and they do make their lightweight in .223 with a right hand bolt.

Sorry, I have to resort to thread thievery after no-one responded with any decent info on the A-bolt thread I posted .

 

[Chuck Spears]

Tarvis, it's just a great all around hunting rifle. I can't speak too much for its varmint capabilities since I've never used one for that, but I know they do have a varmint grade rifle with thicker barrel that is chambered for .223. As far as the other A-bolt models I've had, I'd have to say the thing I love best is the operation of the bolt. Other rifles can match the A-bolt for looks, accuracy, finish, trigger, and all the basics which are top notch in my opinion. But what sets it apart from the others for me is the low lift angle on the bolt and it's smooth action. I've also never heard a bad word regarding the rifles either. I originally tried out the A-bolts when after listening to all my older friends/acquaintances talk about their rifles I always heard of a problem here and there with all the different brands. But nobody ever had a problem with their A-bolt. From what I've read the new X-bolt is an improved version with a better trigger. I've held off for too long now but now I'm ready to retire my Remington 700 Mountain Rifle (I've beat it to hell and back) and try out an X-bolt. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a hack job put out by corporate suits (even though I myself am a corporate suit).

 

[Tarvis]

Well, if I can find one in .223 I'll have to give it a go. Thanks for the info.

 

[janobles14]

i have an a bolt that i love. i have gotten to play a bit with one of the new x-bolts too. the bedding seems a bit better and the bolt wont seize if you jam it home in a hurry like the a bolts will. other than that i cant say that it shot any better.