Browning X-Bolt

[shaner72]

Hi.. I was looking at the Browning X-Bolt Medallion in 223 or 243 for target and varmint fun. From what I read about the gun it has some good features. Dose anyone own one. I would like to hear from someone who can tell me how it performs. I was also wondering about the SSA and Short Action is that ammo hard to come by. most of the 223 ammo I see is the standard style ammo if you know what I mean.

 

[K22]

I have the X bolt, Composite Stalker, in 223. The following is my evaluation:

Accuracy: outstanding - mine groups slightly under 1/2 moa with 25.0 grains of Benchmark, 50 grain Noslers. Not bad for a 22 inch sporter weight barrel. I like the 1:12 twist since I want to shoot 50 and 55 grain bullets.

Handling: outstanding - slimmer than the A Bolt, you can unload on safe, the magazine feeds the rounds flawlessly, bolt is smooth, non slip butt pad keeps rifle from slipping off shoulder, magazine detaches, a feature I like, at 6 lbs (w/o scope) it's a joy to carry and ideally suited for stalking. I mounted a Leupold VX3 4x 14 on mine, still a joy to carry.

Trigger: better configuration than the A bolts, crisp, no creep but even after lowest possible adjustment it's still a little too heavy for me at about 3 lbs.

Bottom Line: A well made, well designed, and accurate rifle that could have been made better with a better trigger. Browning just can't seem to get totally right with their triggers althought this new "feature trigger" is an improvement. If it had a Jewel trigger it would be my dream rifle for stalking. Unforturnately, I don't think there are any after market high quality triggers available for this model.

I would have bought a Tikka sporter in 223 if they had offered it with a 1:12 twist but I didn't want a 1:8 twist.

 

[EFR]

Shaner: I recently bought my daughter (12) an X Bolt Micro .243 for her first center fire rifle. My impressions are very similar to K22. Fit and finish are excellent, trigger is very crisp with no overtravel or takeup, but around 3lbs at lowest setting. Wood is very nice. Accuracy is excellent. My daughter has fired several sub MOA groups with Federal 100gr softpoint (Walmart ammo). We drew antelope tags in Wyoming this year and this is what she will be taking. I hope to have a load worked up for her within the next two weeks.

Erik