Ruger M77 Hawkeye vs Browning X-bolt

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5point9straight6

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Guys and gals, I need to make a decision about a new rifle for my arsenal. Not that I really need one, but the existing ones, while still fun to shoot, become boring to look at after a while:D.
So, I'd like to know what you think about the Ruger M77 Hawkeye and the Browning X-bolt.
I like the detachable mag and the 60 degree bolt lift on the Browning, and owning an A-Bolt II M1000 Eclipse I cannot complain about quality and craftsmanship and accuracy at all. The downside of the Browning X-bolt is that I haven't heard a lot of people talking about them yet, neither in praise nor in criticism.

But I also like the Mauser style action on the Ruger and the lower price (not much, though). Plus, Ruger has a pretty decent reputation for making a nice gun, at least it seems there is a lot less controversy about the quality of Rugers compared to Brownings.

I handled both guns in the store, I like them almost equally (maybe the Browning a bit better), but have not had a chance to compare them in action.

I am awaiting constructive comment.
 
5point9straight6 said:
I handled both guns in the store, I like them almost equally (maybe the Browning a bit better), but have not had a chance to compare them in action.
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I think you have solved your own dilemna with the above statement. Handling and or feel is the major factor in determining the right rifle in my eyes. These are both mid-priced hunting rifles and should perform quite similarly out of the box. I would say if you are used to the Browning already and have had good luck with the brand then stick with it.

I hunt with my Ruger bolt actions exclusively and have always found them to be solid performers with a decent fit and finish.

Better get both! ;)
Good luck,
Mad Mikey:D
 
I like the Xbolts, they seem pretty smooth and well made, nice features - I have one on order in 22-250 Composite Stalker and will give a report when it shows up someday
 
couldn't be happier with my ruger m77. I was in the market from 500 to
1200, the ruger fell into my lap at an awesome price and its been golden since.
 
Thanks for all the good comments. It seems there is a tie between the two guns.
I went back to Wholesale today to take another close look and my buddy, who works there, gave me the new T/C Icon.
Oh boy, I don't believe in love at first sight, but this was as close to it as possible. Only the price didn't compete well with the other two, but I got over that quickly looking at the features this gun comes with. It reminds me a lot of European quality. It rivals the Weatherby Mark V in craftsmanship, only cheaper and it fits my shoulder better than the Weatherby.
I am pretty close to going that route...maybe even tomorrow morning.
 
todbartell said:
I like the Xbolts, they seem pretty smooth and well made, nice features - I have one on order in 22-250 Composite Stalker and will give a report when it shows up someday
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you might be waiting a long time...Browning's website doesn't list any XBolts in 22-250....I had to check because I'm looking for something a bit different in a 22-250.....
 
5point9straight6 said:
Thanks for all the good comments. It seems there is a tie between the two guns.
I went back to Wholesale today to take another close look and my buddy, who works there, gave me the new T/C Icon.
Oh boy, I don't believe in love at first sight, but this was as close to it as possible. Only the price didn't compete well with the other two, but I got over that quickly looking at the features this gun comes with. It reminds me a lot of European quality. It rivals the Weatherby Mark V in craftsmanship, only cheaper and it fits my shoulder better than the Weatherby.
I am pretty close to going that route...maybe even tomorrow morning.
Click to expand...


Good choice if your happy with it. Personally, I found the TC to be very heavy and I didn't like the magazine that much.
 
Hope you love the Icon. I don't own an X-Bolt, but I own an A-Bolt and love it. They are usually criticized by people for the mag system (which I like) and for the overengineered trigger (which I can live with), and for the fact they are push-feed (which I couldn't care less about). I like the tang safety a lot.
I own a Hawkeye as well, and must say that, solid a rifle as it is, I would have bought an A-Bolt instead had the Browning been available in the chambering I wanted. This is no criticism of the Hawkeye, it would be the obvious preference of those who like floorplates, 3-position safety and CRF. You would be happy with either rifle, IMHO. Or, of course, with the Icon.
 
Wow....X-Bolt to an Icon is a pretty big leap. Both great guns but designed for different conditions. The X-Bolt is a great lightweight gun that's very at home in the mountains or for hunters that want a lightweight/utilitarian rifle. The Icon is, as you put it, more along the Mark V line. It's a good looking gun that is built like a tank but it is is heavy.

You won't be disappointed with either but choose the one that best fits your needs and style.
 
Kilo Charlie said:
This is no criticism of the Hawkeye, it would be the obvious preference of those who like floorplates, 3-position safety and CRF.
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all the good stuff :D

you mean people actually go out looking for guns with 2-position safeties and push-feed? :D


the TC Icon looks like a good gun. whatever you buy, buy it soon - i think gun prices in Canada are about to go up again.
 
Ok, decision made, I just got the T/C Icon. I will combine this with a Zeiss 3-9*50 Rapid Z 600, which they didn't have in stock, but ordered for me. I got the Thompson rings - pricy, but very sturdy.

Thanks for the comments about weight issues. I know it's a heavy gun, but I am not on the light side either. I really like the added stability of heavier guns. I shot my friend's Tikka Hunter 270win and I find it flimsy. He is more used to it, but doesn't group particularly well at 400yds. Currently I shoot a Browning M1000 Eclipse with a 6.5-20*50 Zeiss on it and a bi-pod and the damn thing weighs in at close to 13lbs. So with the new Icon I am still going to be lighter than that.
We'll see how it performs on the range. I'll create a new post about it soon.

Thanks folks.
 
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