Best .270 hunting rifle under $1500
- Thread starter FineNdandy
- Start date
This has been my finding with the last 2 Xbolts I've bought. Very happy with them.
If you want a rifle under 3000$ you have to cut costs somewhere. Different companies cut in different places, or cut more than others. In this case Browning has less cost cutting than Tikka (and there is additional savings because of the currencies involved).
With the Tikka T3 you pay for a Sako barrel and a Sako trigger, and the rest is for saving money, that's simply how the approx 1000$ price is allocated. The action design, although manufactured to very high standard, is the most basic level of action design, it brings rounds in and out of the chamber and that's about it. It is one size fits all, has a basic safety, that dovetailed bolt handle, and has little to no provision to protect the shooter in case of accident.
The X-Bolt action design has scaled options, involves more machining, has a better, more expensive safety, a short bolt throw/lift, and has good gas venting measures. The rest of the rifle follows the same idea.
Now, the arrival of the T3x has leveled the playing field, before that the X-Bolt was clearly a step above. Similarly, the post-64 model 70 and the 700 are very basic action designs, the X-Bolt action design is more on the level of the Sako 75.
If a rifle cuts costs where you don't care, or don't notice, then great, that's the one you should buy. Some shooters give more importance to different things.
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Got ya, thanks for the explanation.
I was concerned about the T3 in the event of a case failure too, but talking with gunsmiths and people who had overload situations kind of eased my concerns on that one but I believe you on the Browning being more secure.
On the rest, it seems more like "its nicer" than "its better" or performs better, TBH, but I understand where you're coming from. Doesn't seem like it will actually ever outperform a model 70 of any vintage, but perhaps "more refined" or if someone is bothered by a receiver 3/8" longer than a real short action... If so, I see the subjectivity of "better"
They seem to be very nice rifles and live up to the Browning name anyway!
I was concerned about the T3 in the event of a case failure too, but talking with gunsmiths and people who had overload situations kind of eased my concerns on that one but I believe you on the Browning being more secure.
On the rest, it seems more like "its nicer" than "its better" or performs better, TBH, but I understand where you're coming from. Doesn't seem like it will actually ever outperform a model 70 of any vintage, but perhaps "more refined" or if someone is bothered by a receiver 3/8" longer than a real short action... If so, I see the subjectivity of "better"
They seem to be very nice rifles and live up to the Browning name anyway!
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pete dobinson
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Courtenay BC.
Why would you be sorry to own- use a GREAT Tikka Firearm !?? RJ
Wonderfully safe actions have existed for 100+ years, but because we’ve had such vast improvements in ammunition, "accidents" have become exceedingly rare to the point that manufacturers are turning away from those safety measures to save money. It’s cheaper to just say in the manual not to use reloads and to always wear glasses, that takes care of liability. Modern ammo has come a long way (which explains the price).
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Jack knew what he was about. A .270s meant to be a Model 70, and they abound in that price point used.
The Pre-1964 production were the OGs, with the mid 1950’s and earlier being better yet. Plus, they’ll always sell for more than you paid if you own them awhile, not making any more of them. What’s not to love.
The Pre-1964 production were the OGs, with the mid 1950’s and earlier being better yet. Plus, they’ll always sell for more than you paid if you own them awhile, not making any more of them. What’s not to love.
that says it all ...
