Browning A-Bolt vs. X-Bolt

**EKYhunter** · 12-03-2008, 01:27 PM

OK guys, looking for opinions on these two rifles. Trying to decide on which to buy. I've owned the A-Bolt in the past and love them. I've never got to look at or handle the new X-Bolt. Anybody have one, know anything about them, or have an opinion as to which model is better? Thanks!

**Randy** · 12-03-2008, 02:40 PM

I bought a new A-bolt this year only because I wanted the BOSS, you can't get that on the X-bolt. I wanted the flatest shooting rifle I could buy without a lot of recoil. I have a 270 WSM that kicks about like a .243. I think I'll be hanging on to this badboy for a while...

**EKYhunter** · 12-08-2008, 11:54 AM

Anybody else have any experience with the X-Bolt?

**bwana72** · 12-21-2008, 05:48 AM

EKYhunter.....I have long been a fan of the Browning A-Bolt. I have owned and loved several of them. As soon as I saw the add,and the promotional video for the new X-Bolt....I HAD to have one. So as soon as they came out I did a bunch of searching and finally found a place(on gunbroker.com)that had a few. And they had the one that O wanted. So I quickly sent my $$$ on it's way and a few days later I had my gun. When I opened the box I was instantly impressed. I bought the X-Bolt Hunter in .243 Win. The rifle itself is beautiful. And the fit and finish is nothing short of that. I really didn't know how they would improve on the A-Bolt...but they did. The trigger has got to be the best factory trigger out there. I love the new box magazine. Just everything about it is awesome. I topped it with a Leupold Vari-X lll 4.5x14-40. The first trip to the range...after getting it dialed in, it consistantly shot 1"-1 1/2" groups at 100 yards. Buy One...Trust Me !!!

**Grady269** · 12-21-2008, 06:42 PM

I have an A-Bolt 270 and a BAR Short-Trac 308, both came with lousy barrel crowns, Carbon stiping on the muzzles of both was not symetrical. I had both re-crowned and it made a big difference. My recommendation for a bolt action would be a Howa, I think it is hands down the best buy for the money (they also build the Vanguard for Weatherby). I have one in .243 and it is a fantastic shooter. You can even order an action and have it put togeather the way you want it. If I were buying a mass production gun from a big name it would either be an ICON, Tika, or Remington 700. I don't think I would buy another Browning, I plan on unloading my A-Bolt at the next gun show. I am sure opinions vary though. I used to be a big Browning guy, but it just seems that everything that they make right now there is another manufacturer making something better.

**EKYhunter** · 12-22-2008, 10:16 AM

Thanks bwana72. I appreciate your information and welcome to the forums! I've heard that the trigger on the X-bolt is awesome. Grady 269, welcome to the forums also and thanks for your post. I've owned several Brownings in the past and have never had any issues with any of them. Sorry about your bad luck.