So I'll be on the market for a new Browning rifle in 308 later this year. I checked the rifles out (so far the long action only) and it seems that the main difference between these models is with the trigger and magazines. AB3 uses box, staggered, partially metal magazine and X-Bolt utilizes the rotary, plastic magazine. Trigger appears to be much nicer on X-Bolt, since AB3 employs a plastic one. AB3's bolt is a bit bigger. Otherwise the action looks nearly identical. What's your take on these rifles? Thanks.
In your opinion is Browning X-Bolt worth paying extra over AB3?
- Thread starter Nestor
- Start date
I'm sure you've read this, but it's an excellent comparison of the two:
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&sour...co3yp8rJv4J20fsfag&ust=1461605411727363&rct=j
I've owned X-bolt's but not an A-bolt 3. The mag system, trigger, and plastic bottom metal on the AB-3 would be enough for me to go with the X-bolt regardless. The X-bolt is also available in more configurations, as well it features a hammer forged barrel (if that's important to you)
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&sour...co3yp8rJv4J20fsfag&ust=1461605411727363&rct=j
I've owned X-bolt's but not an A-bolt 3. The mag system, trigger, and plastic bottom metal on the AB-3 would be enough for me to go with the X-bolt regardless. The X-bolt is also available in more configurations, as well it features a hammer forged barrel (if that's important to you)
gasguzzler
CGN Regular
- Location
- Southeast Manitoba
Now much of a price difference? Seems like those a bolt3 are fairly up there in price. I have 10 or so X bolt and a bolts but have never looked at the 3.
It appears the x-bolt is a button rifled barrel now. I'm almost 100% certain when they first came out they were hammer forged (at least the marketing dept and reviews at the time said it was)
I'd still go with the x-bolt.
I would love to see some iron sights option offered, but otherwise these rifles are very nice comparing to the other offerings on the market. Why don't you like them if I may ask?
We sell both and I have handled (but not shot) both extensively.
There is a difference you can see - the X-Bolt is obviously the superior build - a little more "refined" all round, a little fancier etc. In the synthetic stocked ones, the X-Bolt's stock is quite a bit nicer "in hand" then the AB3 synthetic. The (relatively) new wood stocked AB3's (Hunter models) are (my opinion) the better "value" of the bunch.
If you are going by 2016 prices there is about a 300 dollar price difference between the two. An AB3 will list in the $700 range this year and the X-Bolt's are just on a grand (not talking old stock/buck at par bought models here).
Having said all that, I ordered a wood stocked AB3 from the Shot Show for myself - I personally didn't see the "extra bucks" in the wood stocked X-Bolt just to fill a "caliber hole" in my gun safe - the AB3's which are basically out there to compete against the Vanguard II's, XPR's from Winchester or Model 14/16's from Savage at that price point, do hold their own quite well.
One thing to note - nobody but Browning/Talley is currently making mounts for the AB3. Weaver is not producing them (Browning uses a different screw size and Weaver won't do a "one off") and nobody else has yet "stepped up" - they can be difficult to find - so plan ahead if you want to be ready to go "out of the box" if you choose an AB3.
There is a difference you can see - the X-Bolt is obviously the superior build - a little more "refined" all round, a little fancier etc. In the synthetic stocked ones, the X-Bolt's stock is quite a bit nicer "in hand" then the AB3 synthetic. The (relatively) new wood stocked AB3's (Hunter models) are (my opinion) the better "value" of the bunch.
If you are going by 2016 prices there is about a 300 dollar price difference between the two. An AB3 will list in the $700 range this year and the X-Bolt's are just on a grand (not talking old stock/buck at par bought models here).
Having said all that, I ordered a wood stocked AB3 from the Shot Show for myself - I personally didn't see the "extra bucks" in the wood stocked X-Bolt just to fill a "caliber hole" in my gun safe - the AB3's which are basically out there to compete against the Vanguard II's, XPR's from Winchester or Model 14/16's from Savage at that price point, do hold their own quite well.
One thing to note - nobody but Browning/Talley is currently making mounts for the AB3. Weaver is not producing them (Browning uses a different screw size and Weaver won't do a "one off") and nobody else has yet "stepped up" - they can be difficult to find - so plan ahead if you want to be ready to go "out of the box" if you choose an AB3.
dakota1
If it were me ( I know it isn't) I would look for a used A Bolt Medallion. I have owned two and both were great rifles. I still have one, a lefty in 280, gave the 06 to one of my sons. Don't like the recoil lug used by the XBolt. If you can't abide by the somewhat unusual (but not idiotic) magazine system used for the ABolt that's OK cause I do. Guess I'm a bit strange in that regard. When you get used to it you can put in a second loaded magazine very quickly if you ever need more than four shots
.
If it were me ( I know it isn't) I would look for a used A Bolt Medallion. I have owned two and both were great rifles. I still have one, a lefty in 280, gave the 06 to one of my sons. Don't like the recoil lug used by the XBolt. If you can't abide by the somewhat unusual (but not idiotic) magazine system used for the ABolt that's OK cause I do. Guess I'm a bit strange in that regard. When you get used to it you can put in a second loaded magazine very quickly if you ever need more than four shots
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Over designed, too many parts., especially the A-Bolt and the idiotic magazine system. The triggers are also crap. Yet the fit and finish is good in this price class.
The fit and finish is always good with browning...... I credit them for that.... But As for design on their rifles I give them a solid wtf?..... They look like they should shoot laser beams....... Such a nice maker of classic shotguns that jumps the shark on rifles..... I don't get it......
sir_springer
Regular
- Location
- East Kootenays
The AB3 was designed to compete with the lower priced rifles, such as the Savages, Ruger Americans, and Remingtons. However, they didn't take it as far as some other manufacturers for the sake of rock bottom pricing.
Thus, the difference in fit, finish and feel is, IMHO, quite noticeably better than some cheaper models...the Ruger American excluded, which I think offers a pretty decent balance between price, features and quality.
And FWIW, the "new" Winchester XPR is pretty much the same rifle as the AB3, just re-branded...at least near as I can tell.
While I'm no fan of packaged "rifle/scope combos", I believe both the AB3 and XPR are available with mounted Redfield scopes for a fairly decent price. One of the better combinations, if one is looking for a bargain.
Thus, the difference in fit, finish and feel is, IMHO, quite noticeably better than some cheaper models...the Ruger American excluded, which I think offers a pretty decent balance between price, features and quality.
And FWIW, the "new" Winchester XPR is pretty much the same rifle as the AB3, just re-branded...at least near as I can tell.
While I'm no fan of packaged "rifle/scope combos", I believe both the AB3 and XPR are available with mounted Redfield scopes for a fairly decent price. One of the better combinations, if one is looking for a bargain.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
To bad they can't get the recoil pad to fit right on their wood stock. It is always to big even on the $1200+ white gold models. The pad fits perfect on the plastic stocks though.
