Moose rifle.... Browning or Thompson Centerfire?

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Garyo

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Howdy,
I'm in the market for a .300 win mag bolt action rifle for moose hunting here in Newfoundland. Any thoughts about the Browning x-bolt medallion or a Thompson Centerfire (my brother in Nova Scotia suggests a TC as he has one). Also, what would "you" do for a scope? I'd like the total package to come in less than $2,000.
Thanks in advance,
Gary
 
I have both Browning A-bolt II (300WM) and T/C Icon (308). Both have their pros and cons, but I have had more bad issues with the T/C (it's in warranty repair now). Quality of materials and craftsmanship seem a little worse on the T/C compared to my Browning, so if you're already into spending in the realm of 1 grand, take the Browning.
 
The Gun Dealer in McAdam, NB has a used/like new walnut X-Bolt in 300 WinMag with Nikon scope for $899. Of your two choices, I'd go with that.
 
SuperCub said:
The Gun Dealer in McAdam, NB has a used/like new walnut X-Bolt in 300 WinMag with Nikon scope for $899. Of your two choices, I'd go with that.
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I saw that, but I'm curious why someone would trade in a rifle "as new". I know there are problems every once in a while with all makes and wonder if this one was dumped because of that. Thanks for the head's up, but I'd prefer to buy new.
That said, after reading your post, I emailed The Gun Dealer for more info on it. Thanks again.
Gary
 
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Garyo said:
...I'm curious why someone would trade in a rifle "as new"...
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O God, If I could only keep track of all the pefectly functioning guns that I've sold for no reason other than...they didn't fit right, didn't like the feel of the trigger, didn't like the balance, a gun that was on my want list for a while became available, needed a motorcycle...The list goes on. Sure there is the odd used gun that is a lemon, but there are many many more used guns that are just fine, and most of the lemons can be made into good shooters with a little knowledge. And with this cartridge I would put money on this...That gun was bought by someone who wanted to get into moose hunting and heard a 300 WM was what they needed, then they actually fired the gun and decided that squirell hunting was more up their alley. They couldn't handle the recoil so the gun is up for sale. I'd go for the $899 if I were you
 
Garyo said:
I saw that, but I'm curious why someone would trade in a rifle "as new". I know there are problems every once in a while with all makes and wonder if this one was dumped because of that. Thanks for the head's up, but I'd prefer to buy new.
That said, after reading your post, I emailed The Gun Dealer for more info on it. Thanks again.
Gary
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See if they will let you leave your Visa card behind and allow you to go shoot it at the local/your range?
Usually good outfits will allow you to do this.
At least on used shooters.
 
I was intent on getting a 300 Win mag Icon shortly after they came out...then I handled one. Just didn't feel right. The X bolt is another story, a good friend of mine let me try his 300 WSM and I was impressed. Ergonomics are good, action was smooth and shooting off a rickety old picnic table I managed to put all rounds in just over an inch at 100 yards. My vote is Browning.
 
Don't have experience with Thompson centre. But you really don't see them in any stores. No one stands behind their products minus the muzzle loaders. At least here in ontario. Browning has never failed me. I shoot a BLR white gold medallion in the Moose woods and a maxus on the duck pond. And of my million gun purchases and sales. It's the only two guns I've kept for a long period of time. I've sold off many high end rifles and AR. And still seem to always keep my maxus and BLR
 
The Browning is the better deal. I have owned them and they are great rifles. Hard to know about the scope, But a 300 WM will reach out a long, long way. I once killed a bull moose at 600 yards and he took about three steps and toppled. AS far as recoil, ensure you've got a good recoil pad and one can get used to it. Just consider it a step up.
 
I handled both, the x-bolt won the "hold me" test. Found out after talking to a couple guys that the 300 would probably be too much rifle for the terrain here. Ended up with a Savage Trophy 111 in the 7mm caliber. Changed out the scope with Bushnell DOA 600. Figured the moose won't care what went "bang"!
Probably will still get an X-Bolt to add to the collection as time goes on.
 
Garyo said:
I saw that, but I'm curious why someone would trade in a rifle "as new". I know there are problems every once in a while with all makes and wonder if this one was dumped because of that. Thanks for the head's up, but I'd prefer to buy new.
That said, after reading your post, I emailed The Gun Dealer for more info on it. Thanks again.
Gary
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The only trouble I could foresee is the guy trading it in didnt have his Moms or his wifes permission to buy it.
That or it is a marketing ploy by the retailer to get someone who knows the value of the gun, scope, rings and bases as a pkg.
and is looking to clear the inventory for Spring Cleaning...oh yeah Spring in NB, what is that ? :)
Tight Groups,
Rob
 
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