Which gun to buy?

[GRiNGo]

Hello fellas, I've decided to buy a new gun. My hunting rifle is a 270 but would like something a little lighter and with a detachable mag. My choices are narrowed down to the Savage 11GCNS($560), Browning A-bolt micro hunter($650), and the Browning x-bolt hunter($820). As far as caliber I would have liked a 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5x47 or something similar, maybe 6.5 Mystic. But as these don't come in the guns mentioned. I believe I will get a 7mm-08. I have held all three guns and like them all fine, my cheapness is leaning me towards the Savage, also if I get the notion I can buy a barrel from Jerry in one of those calibers mentioned.

Let’s hear some thoughts.
-Chad

 

[todbartell]

Xbolt..much nicer rifle than Savage or Abolt. There will be an Xbolt Micro later this year too...

 

[wonksy]

I wouldnt go as far to say the X-bolts are better. The A-bolt is a tried & true Gem! You wouldnt be disappointed with one what so ever! I even find them nicer looking then the new X bolts.

 

[fbimagery]

What kind of a CGN are you?.....buy them all!....kidding, The A-bolt is one of my favorites, but it is all a personal thing when choosing a firearm.

 

[MagnumPeanut]

Don't count out the Savage. You get a lot of gun for the money in a Savage. With a lot of options down the road as well.

 

[jurban]

Hands down I would buy the a-bolt

 

[Eagleye]

A-bolt is way down on my list. Most are quite accurate, but the magazine system is an abortion, and the triggers are not much to write home about either. Eagleye.

 

[wonksy]

 

[quackquackbang]

Savage!!!,i have a savage 16fcss 7mm-08 i paid 660 taxes in!!! plus you get to spend more on a real good scope!!! and it will shoot as good or better then the browning!!!

 

[GRiNGo]

I've got a Burris 4.5-14 scope for it, but what is the "it". I think the x-bolt is out just because of price. I like that the Brownings are bedded and free floated and have a 60deg bolt lift. And I would buy the a-bolt right away if it had a normal detachable mag. I do most of my hunting on foot, but I can imagine that 50" moose walking out while I'm on my quad and having to fumble with that a-bolt mag. But I do have a browning sling with no home. What is that mag really like to use? With gloves?

 

[BigUglyMan]

I love the A-Bolt but if you want to tinker and try new barrels and the like, there is no better rig to buy than a Savage/Stevens.

 

[MuleyMadness]

IMHO you should go either Savage or X Bolt. I have a A Bolt and while it's an acceptable, reliable rifle the mag system is a disaster, and the trigger is not very good at all. Yes you can fix the trigger but should you have to? To me I say the Savage because you are getting far and away the best rifle for your dollar out there, none even come close at that price point. I don't have any experience with the X Bolt myself but Don at the Powder Keg (local gun store guy who is also considered one of the best shooters in the country...wall full of trophy's) was telling me yesterday that he had the opportunity to develop loads and shoot 4 different X Bolts and ALL of them were grouping 3 shots under an inch, including a .338 WM that was grouping at .75 in! Plus it's a very nice feeling (hold wise) rifle. But dollar for dollar, you ain't beating a Savage.