*Updated in post #31* Winchester Model 70 or Browning X-Bolt?

Ar180shooter

Ar180shooter

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Ok, so I think I need a proper hunting rifle, but can't decide which one.

I've narrowed my choice down to either a Winchester Model 70 Super Grade or a Browning X-Bolt Medallion. Both would be in 30-06.

It would primarily be used for deer, but may also be used for moose and bear down the line. I would be mounting a Kahles Helia on whichever one I choose.

I've handled both of them and have compiled a list of pros and cons for each rifle.

X-Bolt Medallion
Pros
-Lighter than M70 (by about 1lb)
-Detachable magazine
-Engraved receiver
-Thumb safety

Cons
-Bolt throw is a bit rougher than the M70 (IMHO)
-Hi-gloss finish on stock (I like matte better)

Model 70 Super Grade
Pros
-Nice, smooth bolt throw
-Matte stock finish (personal preference)

Cons
-Heavy (around 8lbs)
-Hinged floor plate instead of detachable magazine

I'm leaning towards the M70, but am still undecided. So, what I'm wondering is what you guys think? Anyone here owned both? I'd also be interested to hear about how the triggers are on them (this could be the deal breaker). Also, how does the finish on both of these rifles stand up to good use? I'm planning on having this rifle for a long time. They're both around $1000, so price differences aren't a concern.

Anything I missed?

Thanks,
Ar180shooter
 
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I am also looking for a hunting rifle, both of those were on my list, however I think I am leaning towards a Tikka T3, I believe it is a better/nicer rifle in the same price range.
 
I just went through the same thing. I liked the x-bolt slightly better. Here are some things that may help you.

I handled 3 different x-bolts and two were smooth as glass and one was slightly rough and choppy. I say get a the model you want in the cartridge you want from the back NIB and check the bolt you might get a good one that is better than the display model you held.

Second if you like a matte finish why don't you get the hunter model over the medalion. You save $100 or better and get a matte finish stock and barreled action. You do loose the engraving and rosewood though.
 
Go with whichever one is manufactured in Columbia South Carolina and has the Mauser style extractor, improved trigger group and free floated barrel.
 
If you don't like the glossy finish on the Xbolt get the Hunter instead of the Medallion. IMO it is a no contest - the Xbolt is nicer then the Winchester. I like many of the features of the Xbolt. You also missed on your Pros: Glass bedded Action and adjustable trigger. The trigger on the Xbolt is pretty darn good straight from the factory but you can adjust it. IMO the M70 is a rifle for the nostalgic (nothing wrong with that) however practically the xbolt is much better. I now have two of these rifles (.223 and .300 WSM) and love them both. As a final point, I don't like the scope bases on the M70, at least from Leupold - the Xbolt looks cleaner plus it uses 4 screws vs 2 screws to secure the base to the receiver.
 
Here is what I would say about the "image" of the Browning Medallion over the "image" of the Winchester of the M 70 Super Grade.

The Browning Medallion reminds me of a young man that is in top condition and gung-ho for a hunt...

The Winchester M 70 Super Grade reminds me of a older man who has seen many a hunt and and is true to his experience.

I like both, and wouldn't hesitate to pick up either one... becasue my experience has taught me that both will shoot acceptably well. But, I always prefer a heavier rifle because IMHO I feel that it will be more stable at the most critical time.
In 30-06 this particular cartridge (and it's recoil) is on the cusp of deciding which one is going to work for me over the long hall.
 
If you like the Winchester, but list it's weight as a 'CON' then you should look at the featherweight model.
If you want something fancier, then you could get the featherweight deluxe.

The X-bolts are nice, but so are the Winchesters. Neither would be the WRONG choice.
 
One thing to consider...I used to like the idea of a detachable magazine, but it means one more thing to lose. The last thing you want is to arrive at the hunt and realize that the magazine is still in the safe. A hinged floorplate allows easy unloading and you can't lose it. The pro to a DM is the easy loading time, so it is all personal preference
 
Huntin' Gun said:
If you like the Winchester, but list it's weight as a 'CON' then you should look at the featherweight model.
If you want something fancier, then you could get the featherweight deluxe.

The X-bolts are nice, but so are the Winchesters. Neither would be the WRONG choice.
Click to expand...

:agree: Also, I'd rather have a hinged floorplate magazine than a detachable magazine.
 
I just went through the same process and ended up with a M70 Featherweight. I would never look back! The M70 is more appealing to my eyes, very smooth, 100% reliable, light and SUB MOA with my reloads. What else can I ask for?

Oh, by the way, all my scoped rifles have the exact same scope base screw arrangement, 2 holes in the front and 2 in the rear, and I've never had any problem at all with them. So what exactly do the 4 screws per base on the xbolt fix? I have no idea!
 
I have a Winchester M70 Featherweight. It is accurate, light, and has a very smooth action. Feeding and extraction have been absolutely perfect. I also think the hinged floor plate is a better idea than a DM.
 
I'm not clear on what a hinged floorplate is. Correct me if I'm wrong but it takes a bit to load in the bullets. This would make it very impractical for vehicle hunting (I know slob hunting at the end of the season).
 
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