Xbolt 2 vs 307 Alpine

Backcast88

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 19, 2024
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Concord, NC
I've been wanting to add a 280AI to the safe for a few years now. I had made up my mind i was going to get a Browning X Bolt 2 Speed as a Christmas gift to myself. Well, now I've come across the 307 Alpine CT and ST. One has a steel barrel and the other has a carbon barrel.

I owned a X Bolt Hells Canyon a couple of years ago in 270 Win and regret selling that rifle. It was a sweet shooter and was well under MOA. I loved the tang safety and had no objections to the rotary mag.

Both 307 Alpine models intrigue me being nearly a lb lighter than the Browning. I love the trigger tech triggers in my Seekins and R700 so I think i would prefer this trigger over the Browning. My old X Bolt trigger was okay. Broke clean but was heavy so if I get the X Bolt 2 I would likely replace it with a Timney.

My 2 reservations with the 307 rifles are with the stock and overall accuracy of the guns. I've not seen a ton of 307 accuracy reports and some reviews have them shooting about MOA but not many seem to shoot great. Maybe they are worn out review samples but I would hope to see better accuracy with them. And for the stock. It looks nice. I like the higher comb and vertical grip. But the vertical grip looks rather thin and slippery. Anybody have any input on the Peak 44 stock they use?

So I guess my question is, should I stick with my plan of a X Bolt 2? Or should I look at the 307 Alpine ST? Or get the 307 CT?
 
I have the X-Bolt 2 Speed in 7PRC (20” barrel.)

Ive only shot it once so far, but it did not really like the factory ammo I tried (Hornady outfitter 160gr CX.)

I plan to load some rounds for it and try again but overall, it’s a nice rifle. I’m still trying to fall in love with it, but it feels a bit heavy compared to my favorite, my Winchester Model 70 Extreme Weather MB in .308.

I think I’m not a fan of the tacky/rubbery feel on the grip portions of the synthetic stock. It may just be my own personal preferences but I enjoy the stock on the Winchester, and I also like the carbon fiber stock on my Weatherby Vanguard Talon.

I think I still want to get a tikka or 2 and outfit them to my liking. A short barrel 308 or 7-08, and a 300wsm I think. I enjoy variety.

Just my $0.02. If you like the weight and the feel of the stock, go for it! The trigger is fine. It’s not a triggertech, or even close, but it’s a fine trigger for a hunting rifle.


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My first rifle was/is an XBolt SPR in 6.5CM. Love the rifle but absolutely hate the limited aftermarket support. I can get a trigger from one brand. That's it. No stocks/chassis, no barrels, no extended mags, nothing. I won't be buying another Browning.

FWIW, I bought a Waypoint 2020 which is a direct competitor to the 307 Alpine CT. Smooth R700 action, fluted bolt, BSF barrel, Triggertech Field, similar stocks. I liked my Waypoint so much, I got the Redline 2020 to replace my XBolt. Same combo with a slightly shorter barrel and a lightweight Grayboe stock
 
I’m a big Xbolt fan and have owned 7 of them but it is my Alpine CT that will be with me this fall. I love everything about it BUT do wish it had the 60 degree bolt throw and lock down bolt of the Browning. I am a huge fan of the Peak 44 stock… it is very easy to control and carry. With an Trijicon 2.5-15x42 the rifle is under 8# and shoots great.
Even with the bolt caveat, it is a better rifle in every way in my experience.
 
I’m a big Xbolt fan and have owned 7 of them but it is my Alpine CT that will be with me this fall. I love everything about it BUT do wish it had the 60 degree bolt throw and lock down bolt of the Browning. I am a huge fan of the Peak 44 stock… it is very easy to control and carry. With an Trijicon 2.5-15x42 the rifle is under 8# and shoots great.
Even with the bolt caveat, it is a better rifle in every way in my experience.
Is the stock slick on the Alpine?

My last x bolt was post duratouch and had slight texture which was nice.

Since you’ve owned both, how’s the accuracy between the 2? I’ll likely load on Peterson brass but curious to what I could expect with the Alpine accuracy wise out of the box.
 
Is the stock slick on the Alpine?

My last x bolt was post duratouch and had slight texture which was nice.

Since you’ve owned both, how’s the accuracy between the 2? I’ll likely load on Peterson brass but curious to what I could expect with the Alpine accuracy wise out of the box.
I wouldn’t call it slick… there is slight texture but definitely not slippery. Not any issues with grip and I’d gladly buy the stock and put one on one of my brownings if they made them for xbolt.
Im shooting 7prc factory Federal 175gr eld-x. Consistently .6 or better at 100 when I do my part and averaging 3” at 496yds. The rifle sits and shoots well off a pack for a sub 8# gun.
Here is a target from two weeks ago at 496. I pulled one just under 4” high but that was me… don’t think I can expect more from any rifle than that.
 

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Peak 44 stocks are a great shape. If you're worried about texture of the grip, there's multiple ways to make a surface more grippy.

The only xbolt 2 i played with in scheels had a bolt that was rough. Had a big hitch in the middle of bolt lift which was a surprise because I always thought the original xbolts had great bolt manipulation.
 
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