Local shop has one, dark wood, 7-08. I've got the hots for it. Opinions??? And don't say buy a Rem 700, have two of those and love them.. I like variety in women and guns...:)
On previous threads, there have been some mixed opinions posted about the X Bolts.
As with Tikkas also, I`m not a big fan of detachable magazines and loading from the bottom. Prefer the `ol fashioned way from the top. Secondly, there have reports of past feeding problems with their "S" curve feeding system. Other than those two things, everything else looks very good.
Their satin wood/matte barrel finish, makes for a very good looking rifle. They have a different but functionally designed stock in the fore-end and as usual the nice 60 degree bolt lift.
I think I'm going to get it Saturday. I'm going to fondle it one more time. He's got a good deal on a stainless A bolt 243 WSSM. It feels good too. Maybe a package deal, who knows..
The X-Bolt is a good rifle, well designed and manufactured, but it is not for me. I like Model 70's, but that's my problem for which I am getting treated.
I have only shot one X-Bolt, a .308 which shot VERY well with Winchester factory loads. I liked the rifle. It functioned perfectly, including loading from on top, and was light but very well balanced. The trigger was good too.
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.” John Steinbeck
I've been very happy with mine in 270win. It's lighter, smaller, and shoots better than my Sako 85. The magazine system is excellent, lightweight, and feeds single stack super smooth. Trigger is excellent and I turned mine down to 3lbs. I like the slender fluted forearm and small buttstock. Recoil pad is possibly the best I've ever seen. Great rifle. I'll probably get another.
Thanks all. Good info. I'll have to say I'm a Browning fan. Got several A-bolts, and for me, they can't be beat. To each his own, but I love them. Now what kind of glass to put on it.......
As far as the scope is concerned, don't do what I did.
I bought a Nikon Monarch X 2.5x10x44 with a 30MM tube. Great scope and I really like it.
I mounted it in a Deadnutz game reaper 1 piece low mount. Everything was great until I went to eject a round.
The large windage knob made contact with the spent case as it was coming out of the chamber and would knock it right back into the chamber
I moved the scope a little forward hoping to correct the problem, but it didn't help. So, I decided I would have to get higher mounts. In the mean time, I kept shooting it and learned how to sling the shell free with a quick flip of both wrists while pulling the bolt back.
This idiot decided to leave it as is, since it shot so well, and was so comfortable in the original set up, I hated to change it.
Just make sure if you buy a scope with turrets and mount it really low that you have the clearance to eject spent shells. Bring an empty with you when fitting your scope.
Thanks.. Good advice. I was leaning the Nikon route. Had my eye on the 4-16x42 Monarch The older I get, I find I like the higher power. I hunt alot of clear cuts and planted pines. You can literally see a mile in every direction.
The scope I put on this rifle is my highest power yet. I usually lean towards fixed 6's and 4's and have a couple of 3x9's, but like you me old eyes is getting tired so I wanted some help.
I had my mind made up on the Monarch X 4x16, but when it came down to it, I just couldn't make myself get it, so I bought the 2x10.
I am slowly learning and changing from my old ways, but I must take small steps....
Well, I ended up with the x-bolt in 7mm-08. Also did something I haven't done in ages....bought a Weaver scope. It went something like this: Saleskid: can i interest you in a scope? Me: Naw, i have one at home. saleskid: we have a great special on this Weaver. They make a great scope. Me: son, I was hunting with Weavers before you were a spark in your Daddy's eyes....
At any rate, I put a 4-16x42 Weaver on it. The optics look pretty good here in the yard. Now what to do this afternoon, bow hunt, or shoot the new weapon... Thanks for all the advise, I'll let you know. I've got some Federal 140's with Barnes xxx.
Bought a stainless stalker version over the summer and mounted a Zeiss Conquest 3x9 in factory Browning X-lock mounts (Talley) and it turned out to be a great package. 7-08 too! It will shoot Nosler BT's into the .7's and .8's. Gun is a little picky about how it rides the front rest for the best accuracy. Probably because of the lightweight and slender forearm. But I echo all the great comments others have posted. You won't be sorry!