X-bolt Good or Bad?

J

Jayph

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I went gun shopping today. It's time for a new hunting rifle. me, my dad, and all friends and family are all pretty much Remington 700's. I was not too pleased with there new models so I decided to go in with a list of different brands. After shouldering many different guns the new X-bolt stainless stalker finished in the number one spot. Thing is I don't know anybody that has spend some time with one.

So if you own or owned an x-bolt please let me know what you thought of it good or bad. A close second and third place finish went to the new model 70 and a Weatherby Vanguard Sub MOA if you have owned those aswell.

Thanks

Jason


(I searched for the last 3 months and there wasn't too much on the subject)
 
I work in a gun store in Ottawa, I haven't owned any X-bolts, but I've sold a dozen or so in the past year. None have come back with problems. I have heard a couple of rumors about problems with the mags and the rings, as well as extraction issues, but nothing verifiable.

All in all, she seems to be a fine gun. I haven't heard anything substantially negative about them.
 
I don't like the short bolt lift, feels abrupt. Love the Tikka, bolt is like silk. I helped my buddy shop for a rifle and the x-bolt was at the top of his list until he handled it. He bought the Tikka in .270. I also helped him sight it in and it shot sub moa with run of the mill ammo. But you should buy what feels best to you. Cheers Roscoe
 
X-bolt is pretty sweet. I have a 300 WSM and it is really beautiful. Handles nicely and it is very light. Tikkas are nice too but they do feel more cheaply made but they will shoot. I would recommend the X-Bolt over the Tikka (had both)...
 
I love mine (270 wsm), it shoots five rounds goups that are all touching at 100 yards. I also own two a-bolts and like the x-bolt better because you don't have to take the safety off to unload it.
 
I love the Xbolt! My experience was with a 30-06 and the first time to the range with cheap factory ammo it shot well under an inch. Very comfortable to hold and shoot. I really like the palm swell in the stock and how it fills the hand.
 
Out of the three choices you list, I'd choose the Winchester Model 70. The Browing X-Bolt...can't seem to warm up to rifle at all. I too have heard of extraction problems. That said, you can't go wrong buying a SAKO. They're more than the other three, but you end up with a pretty great rifle, right out of the box.
 
I was looking at the X Bolt as well. It looked like a fine rifle and was going to buy it until the salesperson brought out a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless. Not only did I buy the Tikka, I ended up buying 2 more about a month later. Love the Tikka. Don't think you could go wrong with either.
 
X-man said:
Out of the three choices you list, I'd choose the Winchester Model 70. The Browing X-Bolt...can't seem to warm up to rifle at all. I too have heard of extraction problems. That said, you can't go wrong buying a SAKO. They're more than the other three, but you end up with a pretty great rifle, right out of the box.
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I know sako has the reputation but I held a 85 SS for about 5 mins and gave it back to the sales person. the stock felt so cheap for a 1800 rifle and the bolt well nice was not good enough for all the praise I read (my two remingtons are slicker to run)

That is not a bash sako post. I liked the older sako's I have seen and this was an example of one firearm and not the whole line up. Maybe I handled a bad example.
 
I have the X-Bolt CF and love the dame thing haven't had any problems and damn dose this thing shoot, 4 different factory loads I have tried all under an inch. It's a winner in my books.:rockOn:
 
I own both the Tikka T3 and X-Bolt both in 7mm-08 as well as various other calibers. I love them both, but if I had to buy only one or the other, hands down it would be the X-Bolt. Dura-touch stock is sooo nice. I like the rotary magazine from the X-bolt as well.
Oh yeah, and the X-bolt will lay 5 shots in the same hole at 100 yards - stock right out of the box.
 
X-man said:
Out of the three choices you list, I'd choose the Winchester Model 70. The Browing X-Bolt...can't seem to warm up to rifle at all. I too have heard of extraction problems. That said, you can't go wrong buying a SAKO. They're more than the other three, but you end up with a pretty great rifle, right out of the box.
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+1 For sure.
 
Fit and finish are always nice qualities to have in a rifle. I've always thought that Browning makes a nice looking rifle and I've found that they shoulder nicely also. Not too difficult to have the scope and mounts installed, and the Medallion sure stands out on the shelves at any gun store.

But it comes down to what you like the look and feel of. Not sure about the new Sako's as they don't make them in left handed versions any more. But they are very accurate Rifles. In regards to your question I'd probably go Browning over Tikka, and Tikka over Savage. I'm always a little learie over the reports on the Remingtons, and if the store that sells them doesn't have their gunsmith do a complete check of the issues that can be problematic, then I'd be reluctant to buy one. Not bashing Remintons, but before I ever consider buying another Remington, I'd want to make sure it was A-OK.

I suppose that leaves Ruger, and their bolt action repeaters don't look too bad but besides the 10-22 I've never even shot one of their center fire rifles. I supppose the Ruger #1 is a good choice and would be a nice one to have, but I would have a repeater as a first choice rifle.

Overall Browning is a good choice and I'm still waiting to see if they are going to make a Left hand version.
 
See what happens when you canvass a bunch of anonymous people on the internet that have no investment in your happiness? :D

If you like it, buy it. The only gun on the market from a big name maker that I would not touch with a 10 foot pole is the Remington 770. All others, it is a question of what you like. They all shoot about the same, and don't let anyone BS you otherwise. There are good and bad shooters with every make.
 
woolly said:
Of course, you mean FN Herstal Manufacturing Inc, makes good rifles.
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Yes, they're called Winchester Model 70s. The A-bolts/X-Bolts are made in Japan by Miroku.

Personally, I wish that Browning would go back to selling the Mauser-actioned rifles they used to sell, regardless of whether they were made in Japan or Belgium.
 
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