X-bolt or T3X?

[wind gypsy]

I don't understand the gripe about the trigger on the original x bolt. A 10 dollar spring turns that trigger into something nicer than a stock Tikka trigger (don't get me wrong I like my Tikka better overall).

No, it doesn't. Might get it close to the same pull weight but it's not as nice of a trigger.

 

[BCD]

No, it doesn't. Might get it close to the same pull weight but it's not as nice of a trigger.

Both of mine are great after the spring replacement. I have a Timney as well and I cannot tell the difference. Sounds like people may be seeing some variation here.

 

[rodney482]

I concede its not plastic, some type of pot metal. mine was a total pos.

 

[IDMNT17]

My Browning X bolt LR is a absolute tack driver. Its a great shooting rifle. I just wish there were more aftermarket stocks available like Stockys or the Rokstok, but also I can't complain too much about the factory stock as the rifle is crazy accurate.

 

[pharmfisher]

No, it doesn't. Might get it close to the same pull weight but it's not as nice of a trigger.

In my experience yes, it does. My Tikka is not nicer. But like another said seems to be some variability.

 

[House21]

I had the original x-bolt, tikka T3 & T3X & now the x-bolt 2, I have a tikka T3 in 300 wsm that I’ll never get rid of but right now I think I’d pick the x-bolt 2 over any of them. If it was the old x-bolt, I’d prefer the tikka.

 

[BCD]

I had the original x-bolt, tikka T3 & T3X & now the x-bolt 2, I have a tikka T3 in 300 wsm that I’ll never get rid of but right now I think I’d pick the x-bolt 2 over any of them. If it was the old x-bolt, I’d prefer the tikka.

I'm curious- what do you like better about the Xbolt 2 over the original Xbolt and what caliber did you get? I wish they made it in 7MM-08.

 

[pugwylde]

That Browning is a full pound heavier, assuming I have the models right. I had a LR Max and it was brutal for carrying. Conversely, I have a Speed that is as manageable as they come. My Tikka action feels smooth, my Browning feels precise. But I feel like this comes down to preference.

 

[House21]

I'm curious- what do you like better about the Xbolt 2 over the original Xbolt and what caliber did you get? I wish they made it in 7MM-08.

The stock for one, like the rubberized texture they used on the handling surfaces, the ability to change the grip rather than the traditional grip, the comb adjustment is nice, trigger is better (still not perfect but better) and the action is definitely smoother. I got mine in 7 PRC with 20" barrel. The 7mm-08 is still one of my favorite rounds, took quite a few animals with my wife's old tikka in 7mm-08

 

[BCD]

The stock for one, like the rubberized texture they used on the handling surfaces, the ability to change the grip rather than the traditional grip, the comb adjustment is nice, trigger is better (still not perfect but better) and the action is definitely smoother. I got mine in 7 PRC with 20" barrel. The 7mm-08 is still one of my favorite rounds, took quite a few animals with my wife's old tikka in 7mm-08

Are you talking the speed models? I thought the older Xbolt Speeds and Xbolt 2 Speeds both had the same rubberized texture?

 

[House21]

Are you talking the speed models? I thought the older Xbolt Speeds and Xbolt 2 Speeds both had the same rubberized texture?

my old xbolt was a synthetic blued after they stopped using the duratouch finish, the new one is the speed spr and its just rubberized on the forend and grip by the trigger

 

[Brock63]

I am a fan of the Brownings...first rifle as an adult40 years ago was an A-Bolt 30-06...highly accurate with Nosler Ballistic Tips and Winchester Silvertips. Sold it regrettably....so around 2012 bought another A-Bolt (2) in 30-06 as a replacement. Just as accurate in my opinion.....is topped with Trijicon 2.5-10x56. Just ordered Browning X-Bolt Pro Carbon. I wanted the McMillian version but could not find one in 280 AI.....almost got 300 PRC but decided I wanted the 280 AI....so got the Carbon model that comes with Recoil Hog brake and the carbon fiber stock. I personally think it is about perfect but wish it had a hunter/target stock like the McMillan or AG Composites, etc.....as became a fan of the vertical grip and more natural reach to trigger after shooting my B-14 Squared Crest in 6.5 PRC the past year....
Never found any plastic or what I would consider cheap parts in my trigger assemblies....though heavier than I like they are always crisp and reliable. Nothing a Timney spring kit or similar from other vendor wont fix.
Looking forward to figuring out a load for this 280AI after deer season ends to try next year.
My buddy loves the Tikka because of the smooth buttery bolt feel when cycling but just feels cheap to me with the stock. Maybe the new Roughtech or other stocks on newer ones feel better. I also am fan of the Howa 1500..just wish they would go to cerakote on metal......and then the Weatherby Mark V is a dream gun but never could justify cost over Browning, Bergara, Howa for half the money...but maybe my 300 PRC will be a Mark V.
Hope all had great Thanksgiving...and a good season so far hunting.
Good luck everyone...

 

[meta_gabbro]

and then the Weatherby Mark V is a dream gun but never could justify cost over Browning, Bergara, Howa for half the money

Bit late, but you might want to have a look around again. $1250 will get you a Mark V in 280AI, which is a good bit cheaper than I'm seeing that XBolt in the same chambering. Of those listed, only Howa is going to regularly be half the price of a 6 lug Mark V, and not if you're comparing rifles of similar spec.

 

[Brock63]

Bit late, but you might want to have a look around again. $1250 will get you a Mark V in 280AI, which is a good bit cheaper than I'm seeing that XBolt in the same chambering. Of those listed, only Howa is going to regularly be half the price of a 6 lug Mark V, and not if you're comparing rifles of similar spec.

Yes the Mark V Live Wild...is 1695....but wasnt sure about that stock either. True on all acounts...I tend to over think things...so went with what I have experience...Browning. Got it for $1800 plus tax new.