In the mood for a new rifle

mpsmyth

mpsmyth

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I've been thinking for awhile now that I need a new rifle in the safe. I've been borrowing a buddy's remington 700 .308 for the past few years for deer season. I have it set already for next week (rifle season for deer here in Ontario) but thinking it's about time to pick my own deer rifle and or add to the collection. I've been looking at a browning x-bolt hunter 30-06 as a replacement to the .308 I've been borrowing and thinking it'd also be nice to add a marlin 336 30-30 to the collection.
I mainly hunt open fields so the x-bolt makes more sense, but occasionally hit a friends hunt camp where the 336 would be useful in the bush and that is more within my current budget.
I'm thinking both is the answer I'll go with, it's just figuring out which one to do first. The .308 isn't being returned anytime soon as my buddy is currently in Whitehorse and has a 300 win mag with him. I have a bnib prostaff 5 2.7-10 scope just waiting for a rifle to be installed on.
Wished the budget would allow for both at the same time, but just not the case.
Thinking the marlin now and the x-bolt when finances allow, who knows what else may pop up along the way.
Regardless I've got the borrowed .308 all sighted in and will hopefully harvest another whitetail next week with it.
 
:)Go do it before the mood passes. Then again, I would have to have a lobotomy before the mood would pass for me. I doubt you will ever regret buying the Browning.
 
I would say do the opposite... X-Bolt now and .30/30 when you have the extra coin. My reasoning is this... 1. Your scope is better suited to a bolt action 2. Your X-Bolt (.30/06 or .308) will work in the bush OR field... Where the .30/30 in a lever platform is an "under 200" platform (realistically) 3. Shop for a good used gun, it is not hard to find an X-Bolt in 08 or 06...
 
Buy the X-bolt and put a 2x7 on it. Get it chambered in .30-06. Every rifle you buy after that will only be to fulfill the wants because the needs will be satisfied.
 
This is great advice I think. Don't underestimate a bolt gun for bush action. You can become pretty efficient at cycling them pretty quick as well. Good luck on your hunt!
 
I looked at an X-Bolt on the weekend for the first time. Never was a huge fan of the A-Bolt, mostly because of the magazine so I didn't make any effort to see the X-Bolt when it came out. To tell the truth, I was quite impressed with it overall. I like the new magazine system, the bolt function and the whole gun overall.

I'd go for one of those in a short action 7/08 or 308 topped with a VX2 2x7.
 
SuperCub said:
I looked at an X-Bolt on the weekend for the first time. Never was a huge fan of the A-Bolt, mostly because of the magazine so I didn't make any effort to see the X-Bolt when it came out. To tell the truth, I was quite impressed with it overall. I like the new magazine system, the bolt function and the whole gun overall.

I'd go for one of those in a short action 7/08 or 308 topped with a VX2 2x7.
Click to expand...

I have several Brownings, mostly older, I hated the abolt, sold them all and swore I would not buy another new browning. But once I tried the x-bolt, I changed my mind. It's actually a great rifle with good features. I think the wood stocked version is fugly due to the mag well, but the rotary mag works very slick. My current go-to rifle is an x-bolt stalker.
 
Another vote for the X-bolt first then fill up the gun cabinet with whatever after that. I was never much on Browning bolt actions or synthetic stocks and stainless but one of my best hunting buddies just bought a new X-bolt in 270 and I just mounted the scope for him. I was impressed, it appeared reasonably well built and felt good in the hands. The clip system fit nice and flush. He will also use it to hunt deer in open plus bush conditions
 
Thanks guys. Looks like you've all confirmed the smarter choice in looking at the x-bolt first. Appreciate all the advice. May have to stop by the shop next week...... Thanks.
 
The OP posted: .. "In the mood for a new rifle" ...

Yes, yes ... aren't we all !
My wife is now asking me why I buy brand new rifles and never fire them.
I try to explain the 'safe queen' rationale to her
... but she just shakes her head.

She did say something about maybe she should join the band wagon
... and have a few BNIB stainless steel food processors.
Of course, I immediately protested that she only needs the one she already has!
She scowled and said something about "Men!".

Women! They just don't get it!

 
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