Opinions on Browning X-Bolt vs X-Bolt 2

[Loper]

I was recently presented a good deal on a short action X-bolt. Thinking about picking it up, but began asking myself, why not just get the X-bolt 2 as it is supposed to have a better trigger, smoother action, and adjustable stock. I had an original X-bolt a few years ago and didn’t think the stock, action, or trigger were bad.

Anyone have an X-bolt and an X-bolt 2 and can tell me if the changes on the 2 are significantly better than the original?

 

[Lou270]

I have an xbolt 6.8W Speed SR and it is excellent. Very accurate and ergos, fit, finish great. I think the xbolt 2 added a bunch of adjustability to the stock and improved the trigger so if that is important may find it worth it. I put in a mcarbo spring on trigger which was a cheap upgrade. I have not noticed any issue with action except I originally had a scope with a bigger adjustment knob on side and the cases would hit it and go back in the chamber. I did not want to use higher rings to fix so put a different scope on without the big external turrent. An adjustable comb would have allowed the higher rings and still get cheek weld

Lou

 

[Loper]

Thank you for your assessment.

 

[DesertDroid25]

I recently picked up an x bolt 2 and couldn’t be happier. I had been looking into a t3x, wilderness sierra and the x bolt as a last resort.
Went to the local Bass Pro and cycled the action on all the above. The Bergara felt a bit choppy, the t3x was amazing but the rest felt somewhat lacking or cheap for such a high price tag. The x bolt 2 checked all the boxes, super smooth action, adjustable stock, decent butt pad and a crisp trigger… but the price was just above my cash on hand so I walked and decided to check some pawn shops. To my surprise I found one on my way home, it had a case, bipod and crossfire ii 3-9x50 on it. All for $600 below msrp.
Obviously I’m looking to upgrade the glass but I can put that scope on my son’s starter. The only thing that gets in the way is my lack of experience but I’m working on that.

 

[CMcCormick1805]

I haven’t had much time with an x-bolt 2 but like them. For left handed guys like me they are a great rifle option. My experience is with the older x-bolt. I can say it is my tried and true hunting setup. It shoots great with my pet load and has a good amount of animals taken with it. I would not hesitate to buy an older x-bolt simply because the price will be lower with the new gen coming out. I think the changes are too small to justify getting one over a lower priced first gen.

 

[Kauaihunter]

The X-bolt 2 trigger won’t go below the factory 3.5 pound setting if that matters to you. The Mcarbo doesn’t work in the 2. I had to go to a Timney but you lose the bolt locking feature. LR SPR in .308 shoots very well, better than I can. Feels like it’s built like a tank.

 

[CMcCormick1805]

The X-bolt 2 trigger won’t go below the factory 3.5 pound setting if that matters to you. The Mcarbo doesn’t work in the 2. I had to go to a Timney but you lose the bolt locking feature. LR SPR in .308 shoots very well, better than I can. Feels like it’s built like a tank.

That’s a major bummer. The MCARBO spring is the best 20 bucks you could spend on a rifle part for the x-bolt.

 

[Kauaihunter]

That’s a major bummer. The MCARBO spring is the best 20 bucks you could spend on a rifle part for the x-bolt.

I didn’t check first, assumed it was good to go. Went to put it in and the factory spring is smaller than the MCarbo. Put it in anyway to test it out and trigger went to almost 5 pounds.

 

[kirk61]

I have an Xbolt in 26 Nosler. Shot really well on box Nosler ammo for about 60 rounds then the group started to open up. Might have to with a custom load. Overall, I like the Xbolt overall.

 

[mwoolsey5]

Had an Xbolt for 10+ years. The feel and finish were excellent, shot decent, trigger was heavy but ok, but I hated the action to the point I sold it. It was so much more stiff and harder to lift than than my dad’s old model 70, that I would literally have to get out of the scope, take my eyes off the animal and kind of do that thing where you have it pointed down with one hand while trying to work the bolt for a follow up shot. Meanwhile the animal I just shot was running god knows where because I was fiddling with the damn action. I know I looked at the xbolt 2 a few years ago when they first came out, but I honestly can’t remember how it compares. I just don’t think I could see myself buying one over a Sako at that price point.