Kimber Hunter Pro vs Browning X Bolt Hell's Canyon vs CA Mesa

[Freezing Moon]

A shop nearby has used models of these three rifles all around $900-1000. All in comparably good condition. More than I was looking to spend, but since these look to go for $1200-1400 new I'm tempted. Browning's X Bolt portfolio is a nightmare but as far as I can tell the gun I'm looking at is the discontinued Hell's Canyon Speed.

I want a light (sub 6.5 pound) rifle that I don't have to mess with. Something that will shoot factory ammo reliably and function well while out hunting. I'll probably never shoot past 400 yards.

What would you choose? Or should I Just Buy A Tikka (TM)

 

[jaredg]

One vote for the Browning HC Speed. I have one in 6CM. Love it. Nice rifle. Take a look at the review Form did on the XB2. I'm not aware of a lot of changes in the XB1 vs XB2

 

[jaredg]

This:

WTS - Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed 6mm Creedmoor 17" Barrel

Sold this to a friend. He decided he would stick to his .243 for Coyote. It is up for sale again. Browning X-Bolt Hells Canyon Speed in 6mm Creedmoor. Nice looking medium weight rifle. Very nice Timney trigger. Barrel has been cut to 17" length and threaded 1/2"-28. Includes thread protector...

rokslide.com

 

[Freezing Moon]

One vote for the Browning HC Speed. I have one in 6CM. Love it. Nice rifle. Take a look at the review Form did on the XB2. I'm not aware of a lot of changes in the XB1 vs XB2

Thanks, appreciate the opinion. What's the difference between the regular X Bolt and the Hell's Canyon subbrand? All I can see from the website is a camo paint job, Cerakote, and a fluted barrel that saves 3 oz. Is there a more substantive difference to justify the higher price?

 

[jaredg]

nope, you covered it.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Xbolt is your safest bet, out of the box, no tinkering. I’ve had 2 HCs in the past and both were shooters.
Kimber is a good starting point if you want to make a true UL rifle but you’re likely going to have to work on it.
Mesa is solid IF you get a good one. If you were going to swap stocks or shoot a barrel out, this would have the most aftermarket support.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Avoid the Christensen arms rifles. Get the browning or the Kimber, I’d get the Kimber.

 

[Jr4]

Considering your max is 400 yards, all should do just fine, I have had issues with all the options, but that’s only in my expectations of 1/2 moa or better with hand loads, at 400 yards shouldn’t have any problems

 

[Matt G.]

No experience with the browning. I picked up a the kimber hunter a few years ago and sat in safe. Finally getting more into rifle shooting this year My initial trial was less then stellar. Such a light platform and I haven't shot much. A few things, I shortened the front scope ring screws to make sure no barrel thread contact, added pic rail to fit bipod front, arca rail, then torqued the take down screws (I believe this was part of my issue). Either way I got hornady 140, 147 ELD M, 143 ELD X under 0.75 inch, and the norma tipstrike under 0.5 inch 3 shot group. Issue is the pencil thin barrel, I will have a flyer if not allowed to cool after the 3 shots.

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[tuffcity]

I have 2 kimbers, a montana and a varmit pro. I'd buy a 3rd in a heart beat. I also have a couple of sakos... so i personally won't buy a Tikka.