Where does the xbolt sit?

C

copeland

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So I picked up my second Browning Xbolt recently and haven't seen much about them on the forums.

I did read the lack of aftermarket chassis is part of the problem. However that can't be all. Is it there price point compared to 700's etc?

Mine is a Xbolt is a max long range in 300 prc with 26" fluted barrel. I like that they are made in Japan but find it interesting they don't have a larger market share as well as a better aftermarket.
 
Browning= shoot good, some ( A-bolt ?) are hard to remove barrels, ( no firsthand experience ) I wish Brownings had more support. I enjoy the function on my A-bolt. Just wish I could get the bolt all the way apart, gave up and put it back together.
 
I tried the action on an X-bolt at my local gun store. I was absolutely floored how awesome the bolt throw is - apparently it's like 54 degrees (according to the salesman anyways). Super slick. I went in asking about a Tikka because I couldn't get the bolt to comfortably clear the scope at the lowest mount in a rifle with a 90 degree throw. He suggested I try the X-bolt, very glad he suggested that.

But...

I am leaning against it. I like the idea of a Savage or "Remage" barrel replacement system, and Tikka has a similar system with a barrel nut apparently. I haven't seen any videos or reviews online about barrel changes for the X-Bolt, and there is no AICS bottom metal options I've seen either. (If someone has seen a means of getting AICS on an X-Bolt, please pleas post a link!)

The only chassis I've seen is from MDT, their ESS system. However I was hoping for a traditional stock with AICS mag, and that doesn't look like an option. Don't get me wrong, MDT make awesome stuff, just the ESS isn't what I was looking for in this particular rifle's purpose.
 
Well I've ordered a pic rail for the two studs in the forestock (sling and bipod) . I will be mounting an Atlas vis pic rail.

I also ordered a Pic rail for the two x bolt mounting points. the plan is two run a 34mm scope with 56mm objective lense so it should clear nicely.

I'm likely going to look in the 5-25 models to find something g suitable for 300prc.
 
The lack of aftermarket really kills browning in general. They have some of the most beautiful wood available, and build a quality rifle, but you get what you get. If you get one that shoots 1 MOA - great. If you get one that shoots 2.5 MOA - not so great. But there’s no aftermarket to make that 2.5 MOA gun a 1MOA gun - you get what you get. Others experiences may differ, but this has been my general finding.
 
copeland said:
Well I've ordered a pic rail for the two studs in the forestock (sling and bipod) . I will be mounting an Atlas vis pic rail.

I also ordered a Pic rail for the two x bolt mounting points. the plan is two run a 34mm scope with 56mm objective lense so it should clear nicely.

I'm likely going to look in the 5-25 models to find something g suitable for 300prc.
Click to expand...

ATRS makes an inclined picatinny rail for the X-bolt. A solid rail is usually straighter and more rigid than any 2 piece system. All I have seen apart from the ATRS rail is aluminum stuff which may be ok for beer cans but in my opinion crap for scope mounts.
 
Browning rifles are hit an miss accuracy wise. They've been that way for a long time.

As mentioned, they're very difficult to get after market parts for. Not only that, they're very difficult to get original manufacturer parts for.

In the past, they jobbed the manufacture of some parts out to other small companies. The quality was always good but when something broke and you needed a part, you had to supply the distributor with a serial number and the model, wait for a year or longer for the part and if the supplier didn't get things right at their end, for whatever reason, you got the wrong part.

I also found them to be the most fussy of all commercial rifles concerning ammunition they like. If you hand load, it's not usually a problem, unless you have one that refuses to shoot well, no matter how well bedded or set up. They seem to have more of those than other manufacturers.

They are slick as snot to operate and have some of the best balance for offhand shooting IMHO.
 
I have a love hate relationship with the x-bolt. They seem like great value and we love them for hunting. Between my dad and I we have 3 currently. The last one I bought as a less expensive way than my other rifles to test out 28 nosler (a max long range). I've had issue from day one with it so I can't really comment on accuracy yet.

My love is that they are relatively affordable, love the short bolt throw, smooth action, and the calibers, twists, stocks that are available. I really don't like the lack of aftermarket - no chassis (for long actions that I know of), and can't buy pre-fit barrels for them. If the accuracy on my 28 nosler works out I'll buy more of them. If they aren't that accurate and I can't upgrade them then they will stay hunting rifles for me, not long range toys.

Ben
 
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