X-bolts and Model 70's

blargon

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So I was at a shop yesterday and fondled a Hunter model X-bolt .300wsm. Nice and light, but the bolt was binding hard (although it needed a cleaning) and the mag worries me. Honestly, after checking it out, I'm not sure if it is an improvement over the old mag system. Its not overly long, which won't allow bullets to be seated much over the factory spec, and it has a "clothes-pin" style spring in it. Not something I'd trust. This was the only one they had, and the supply is tight on these apparently.

Model 70. Well I'm more interested in seeing them for sure, but the guys have been told not to expect any until 2009. Hopefully we'll see them before that.:(
 
What is the magazine system like? Similar to A Bolt?
See Pic Below

Well, I'll try to describe it. It is quite wide, (the wsm is almost square), and has a cutout on top in the shape of the cartridge. It can't be loaded in the gun, must be removed. There is a flap inside with the "clothes pin" spring attached. As you feed the shells in, the flap rotates around inside the mag, hence the term "rotary".

There is a slot-head screw that holds the end on the mag (it can be taken apart), and it goes thru the spring, that's what the spring is rotating on.

I think the T3 mag is alot better designed than this thing. I've never looked at the T-bolt.
 
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I'll stick with my A-bolt then; it's one of last years model, with the newly angled bolt lever, and I love it. I've put roughly 8 boxes through it so far, and the only problem I have with it is that it's not self cleaning! LOL!
 
the Model 70 should be a great rifle again, the Xbolt..well..it's a browning rifle..not much to like there :) and I dont think I will like them any more when I finally get to see one
 
Well, I'll try to describe it. It is quite wide, (the wsm is almost square), and has a cutout on top in the shape of the cartridge. It can't be loaded in the gun, must be removed. There is a flap inside with the "clothes pin" spring attached. As you feed the shells in, the flap rotates around inside the mag, hence the term "rotary".

There is a slot-head screw that holds the end on the mag (it can be taken apart), and it goes thru the spring, that's what the spring is rotating on.

I think the T3 mag is alot better designed than this thing. I've never looked at the T-bolt.

Sounds like something I wouldn't own.:)
 
You can see the short length

clip.jpg
 
I handled both of these at the Shot Show. Of the two the Model 70 impressed me the most. The bolt on the X-bolt felt awful on the the two versions I checked out.
 
Model 70 in 2009? Ouch. I was hoping they would arrive in late summer. I heard they would be launched in the USA in June 2008. I take it they must be behind schedule as I haven't heard any recent news about them in the USA.
 
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