New Xbolt target max thoughts

[Plumbguncrazy]

I’ve been considering the new Xbolt target max but I’m not finding much feedback on them yet. I was hoping someone with hands on experience could chime in on them. I’m juggling between that and a b-14 hmr wilderness. Thanks in advance.

 

[drop_point]

I don't own that particular X-Bolt, but I have two hunting rifle X-Bolts. Both of them will shoot sub-1/2 MOA with hunting ammunition.

I like the short bolt-lift as well.

The trigger, on the other hand, is a bit heavy. I replaced the springs on both mine and the trigger gauges around 2.5 lbs, but it feels more like 4 or 5.

 

[Plumbguncrazy]

Sounds like they redeveloped the trigger in this target model, it’s right around 10lbs without optics.

 

[K22]

I don't own that particular X-Bolt, but I have two hunting rifle X-Bolts. Both of them will shoot sub-1/2 MOA with hunting ammunition.

I like the short bolt-lift as well.

The trigger, on the other hand, is a bit heavy. I replaced the springs on both mine and the trigger gauges around 2.5 lbs, but it feels more like 4 or 5.

Exactly my experience with two X Bolts, 223 Rem and 243 Win. Very accurate, 1/2 moa to sub 1/2 moa with tuned reloads.

However, I am not happy with the triggers. Adjusting them requires removing the stock. They were sealed with some kind of wax, and it was difficult to remove. Also, I could not adjust either one below 3.5 lbs. While adequate for big game hunting, that's too heavy for varmint and predator hunting, at least for me. I like 2.0 to 2.5 lbs. My smith tuned them, so they are now about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 lbs. but feel heavier because I suspect the design of the pistol grip which makes it difficult to obtain a good trigger finger position, at least for me. On the plus side, they don't have any creep or over travel.

I wore out the 223 Rem poly magazine in one season of heavy varmint / predator hunting. Cartridges would not feed reliability from the magazine. Browning replaced it free of charge. Maybe I just had a bad one.

I would much more prefer a Tikka over the X Bolt, all the time. With the aftermarket pistol grip insert replacement and the easily adjustable trigger, I can shoot my Tikka's much better although the inherent accuracy between the two is about the same.

 

[drop_point]

Exactly my experience with two X Bolts, 223 Rem and 243 Win. Very accurate, 1/2 moa to sub 1/2 moa with tuned reloads.

However, I am not happy with the triggers. Adjusting them requires removing the stock. They were sealed with some kind of wax, and it was difficult to remove. Also, I could not adjust either one below 3.5 lbs. While adequate for big game hunting, that's too heavy for varmint and predator hunting, at least for me. I like 2.0 to 2.5 lbs. My smith tuned them, so they are now about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 lbs. but feel heavier because I suspect the design of the pistol grip which makes it difficult to obtain a good trigger finger position, at least for me. On the plus side, they don't have any creep or over travel.

I wore out the 223 Rem poly magazine in one season of heavy varmint / predator hunting. Cartridges would not feed reliability from the magazine. Browning replaced it free of charge. Maybe I just had a bad one.

I would much more prefer a Tikka over the X Bolt, all the time. With the aftermarket pistol grip insert replacement and the easily adjustable trigger, I can shoot my Tikka's much better although the inherent accuracy between the two is about the same.

With mine, I have a .308 Winchester and a 6.5 PRC. Browning was the only company making one with a trumpeted barrel I could use suppressed. I "like" my Tikka T3X SuperLite .308 Win better, but the Browning does shoot better and I can suppress it when I take my kids hunting. Tikka didn't do a 6.5 PRC at the time I bought the X-Bolt. I'm happy with them, other than that dang trigger. If Tikka did a similar configuration, I wouldn't have the Brownings.

 

[K22]

With mine, I have a .308 Winchester and a 6.5 PRC. Browning was the only company making one with a trumpeted barrel I could use suppressed. I "like" my Tikka T3X SuperLite .308 Win better, but the Browning does shoot better and I can suppress it when I take my kids hunting. Tikka didn't do a 6.5 PRC at the time I bought the X-Bolt. I'm happy with them, other than that dang trigger. If Tikka did a similar configuration, I wouldn't have the Brownings.

I understand, the X bolt is a high-quality rifle and mine shoot very well off the bench. After all I did buy two of them. However, I would like mine a lot better for field use if it a had a better trigger or pistol grip design like the Tikka's vertical pistol grip. But after thinking about it, I don't think it's the trigger so much as the pistol grip design that give the trigger pull the "feel" of being heavier than it is in reality.

PS: I love suppressor shooters at the range.

 

[nakneker]

I don’t own an a Xbolt, I’ve owned two Abolts and enjoyed them. If I’m buying a new factory now days the first place I look is Tikka but I’d still try an Xbolt of curiosity. I do see aftermarket triggers made by Timney and Jard, Im sure there’s more.

Browning X-Bolt

Best replacement triggers available

timneytriggers.com

JARD Trigger System for Browning® X-Bolt

 

[drop_point]

I understand, the X bolt is a high-quality rifle and mine shoot very well off the bench. After all I did buy two of them. However, I would like mine a lot better for field use if it a had a better trigger or pistol grip design like the Tikka's vertical pistol grip. But after thinking about it, I don't think it's the trigger so much as the pistol grip design that give the trigger pull the "feel" of being heavier than it is in reality.

PS: I love suppressor shooters at the range.

The little 18" .308 is a dream suppressed. I wish there were more aftermarket triggers and stocks for them.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

With the lack of aftermarket parts and the fact that you never see anyone at a range with an X-bolt...the Bergara would be my choice, if I had to have a factory rifle. My smith won't even rebarrel a Browning. Others will disagree.

or go look at a Tikka

 

[Plumbguncrazy]

With the lack of aftermarket parts and the fact that you never see anyone at a range with an X-bolt...the Bergara would be my choice, if I had to have a factory rifle. My smith won't even rebarrel a Browning. Others will disagree.

or go look at a Tikka

Bergara is the direction I’ve been leaning, it’s also about 400 cheaper, but I was curious to check out others opinions on this “redesign”from browning. Thanks again!

 

[Sandstorm]

go look at a Tikka

Exactly the right idea my friend.

 

[Plumbguncrazy]

Might be a viable option for my target purposes. They are very accurate from what I’ve seen and the ones I’ve handled are well put together. I know this may start an uprising here but I never paid much attention to them after the first one I picked up. Do you still have to put the safety in the fire position to unload them. I am fully prepared for the grilling I am about to receive for that comment.

 

[JB10]

My friend had 2 of the xbolt max. One in 6.5 prc and other in 6.5 creedmoor. The prc has shot very well right out of the box. He sold the creedmoor to fund another toy and never shot it. As far as the triggers i put the timney trigger in my xbolt right when they released it. Made a big difference. The xbolt i have is now discontinued. My brother in law has 2 different ones and installed the mcarbo trigger spring. Way cheeper than the timney and feels just as good. I love my xbolt just dont care much for there stock color offerings right now. I had a chance to buy a 204r ss stalker years back and passed. Then they discontinued it and i have kicked myself since. This is mine

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Afterthought...it's odd what the "factories" call a "target rifle". Just a longer barrel and a bit more plastic in the stock... Jeez, if it won't group at under 1/2 MoA - I don't want it! 'cos the targets I shoot at demand it.

 

[Damon555]

I've got the X-bolt .308 Varmint/Target which appears to be discontinued. It's has performed much better than expected. I'd buy another in a heartbeat! The rifle is very accurate and will probably never leave collection......