When did they change the bolt design on the X-bolt

D

delboybc

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Was at bass pro this evening and noticed that they have changed the bolt design on the current x-bolt. I had one a few years ago, great accuracy, fits like a glove but the bolt sticking when running the bolt fast would drive me nuts, so I sold it.

When talking with the staff tonight the guy said he bought an x-bolt last year and the bolt runs smooth, so I gave one of their x-bolts a try and he was correct awesome action, what I did notice is the bolt is a different design from even a couple of years ago, did a quick search on google but doesn't seem like a change that made much fanfare. So glad they changed it as it is the only thing I could fault on the rifle.

Here is a pic of old bolt had from memory I think 4 flat sides
old X-bolt
xbolt-bolt-l.jpg


New bolt
x-bolt2.jpg

X-bolt.jpg



Any one know any information about this change.
 
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Really interested in this so I gave browning a call, they said they changed the bolt design 1.5 yrs ago, nothing else on the rifle was changed.

Does not seem like it was something that was announced or advertised as an improvement on their web site.

The guy on the phone said that the bolt was changed to include an anti-binding nub as some calibers would occasionally bind up when using the action, the engineers decided it was just easier to change all the calibers than just a few.

I am really excited about this as I loved my x-bolt but sold it as I couldn't get over it occasionally binding when running the bolt fast, I always thought the perfect love child would be the browning rifle combined with the slick tikka action, looks like it happened.
 
That's an a-bolt in the pic, the nub is a setscrew with a plastic tip in the receiver on long actions for the bolt to glide against lightly.
 
delboybc said:
Really interested in this so I gave browning a call, they said they changed the bolt design 1.5 yrs ago, nothing else on the rifle was changed.

Does not seem like it was something that was announced or advertised as an improvement on their web site.

The guy on the phone said that the bolt was changed to include an anti-binding nub as some calibers would occasionally bind up when using the action, the engineers decided it was just easier to change all the calibers than just a few.

I am really excited about this as I loved my x-bolt but sold it as I couldn't get over it occasionally binding when running the bolt fast, I always thought the perfect love child would be the browning rifle combined with the slick tikka action, looks like it happened.
Click to expand...

The "caliber" would have no effect on the bolt binding...
The cartridge it's built for might.
 
max02 said:
That's an a-bolt in the pic, the nub is a setscrew with a plastic tip in the receiver on long actions for the bolt to glide against lightly.
Click to expand...

I got rid of the a-bolt in the pic as could see how this was confusing things.

Totally correct just a plastic tip, I am going down to take a pic of the bolt tonight if they let me.

Main thing is that from memory like two above pics old bolt had more than two flat sides were the new one just had two.
 
Went back to bass pro and took a couple of photo's

Here is the old bolt design
xbolt-bolt-l.jpg


Here is the new bolt design
x-bolt2.jpg

X-bolt.jpg


As you can see the old bolt design had I think about 4 flat areas, were the new one is completely round except for one flat area, wonder if this is what makes it feel smoother for me.

What I am really surprised about is after talking with browning technical support today and a couple of gun stores is that they are oblivious to a major design change of the bolt.
 
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Meroh said:
Using Chrome, can't see photos.
Click to expand...

Not very tech savy not sure why this happens if something to do with an ad blocker or security settings but seems like happens to a few people. I just saved the image on google image and then copied hyperlink with the photo insert tool and shows up fine for me.

If anyone is interested I can email photo's.
 
delboybc said:
For example several cartridges made in 30 caliber e.g 308win, 30-06, 300wsm etc..

Can see how 300wsm may be harder to chamber because of the case shape.
Click to expand...

The Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the RCMP incorrectly teach/use caliber as the same as cartridge I believe... caliber is slowing losing it's true definition. I don't agree with that. Correct terminology is important.
 
guntech said:
Not using chrome and I see no photos in post 13 either.
Click to expand...

Google image is easy to use, but too bad it does not appear to work for many users. Photobucket used to be more reliable but seems liked can't be used like before.

Whats the best reliable way to post pics now on this web site?
 
delboybc said:
Google image is easy to use, but too bad it does not appear to work for many users. Photobucket used to be more reliable but seems liked can't be used like before.

Whats the best reliable way to post pics now on this web site?
Click to expand...

I switched to a free picture hosting service and it works great... only took a short time to figure it out... https://postimages.org/
 
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