New Rifle Time

[SFD2015]

Alright, so it's time to put the Remington 770 away and step up my level of rifle. I have pretty much decided on the 7mm Mag. Now, just looking for some insight on the brand.

I am leaning towards the Browning A Bolt, X Bolt Stainless Hunter and the Winchester Model 70.

I am leaning towards the Browning A or X because I prefer the box magazine. I also prefer a stainless steel barrel. Having said that, and because nobody here has EVER been shy about sharing opinions on rifles, what do my fellow Hunt-Wa peeps think about these choices? I know that a rifle is a very personal thing, so I am looking mainly for people that have experience with these rifles and more importantly with either Winchester or Browning customer service. How are they? Did they leave a poor taste in your mouth? Did you have any concerns while shooting these rifles? Do you prefer a wood or composite stock and why?

I know, I am asking allot, but I figured that my research should also include peoples experiences and opinions!

Thanks all!

[PolarBear]

Out of the three... X Bolt

[Bob33]

I recently purchased a Browning X Bolt Stainless Stalker in 270 WSM.  To date I've taken six shots at game and killed five antelope and one elk with it.  I have not done enough testing to convince myself of its accuracy potential yet.  Stainless is nice but a bit overrated.  Same with synthetic.  You can do fine with wood and chrome moly if you take care of them.

[hoyt2002]

the winchester model 70 is my favorite out of the 3. I've only HAD one rifle with a sinthetic stock and hated it. felt like a toy and didn't shoot better than anything else i have. so my vote is model 70 wood stock

[birdwacker]

Check out the TC Icon or venture they guaranty 1moa and mine does it with all loads tested.Also the weathershield finish is 50 times more rust resistant than stainless steel.

[deleted BGS]

I have 2 browning a bolt stainless stalkers! Black synthetic stock stainless barrel, box mag, floating barrel. I have one in .270 and the other in .300wsm. Love them both. The grip is perfect for my hand, its a feel thing. Custom checkering through out the gun. THe bolt and throw of it is sooooo smooth!! The saftey is nice, its a slide up one for the thumb. I love both calibers, i have a boss like muzzle break on the .300 and it has less recoil than my .270. Shot 2 bears this summer one shot each (200 lbs) with the .300 and several deer one shot with the .270.  Overall great guns and worth the price!

[high country]

all are solid choices. do you prefer a timeless classic that has a proven failsafe history and lots of aftermarket support for accesories, a trendy new style rifle that may or may not become the new wave, or a combo of the two.....

[Bofire]

of those the Winchester, do a search for the Browning factory, there is none and has never been one. it is a low bidder design built firearm.
Carl

[Rick]

Of those choices,I'd go Winchester. Never been a fan of Brownings.

Synthetic stocked for sure. I don't buy safe queens. My rifles are tools. Would you buy the wrong tool to work on your car?

Wood stocked rifles are the wrong tool for the NW IMO.

[wsmnut]

I bought a new Model 70 last year.  Best rifle I own.  I got the new Extreme Weather Stainless.  Very smooth action, and safety.  Awesome shooter.  I own them in both stainless and blue, wood and synthetic.
The synthetic is lighter.  I still wipe them down after using them or hunting with them, whether they are blue or stainless.

Good Luck.  You have several good choices!

wsmnut

[Wacenturion]

Browning Medallion A Bolt in a limited 2007 gun show run.   They didn't make a lot of these....just so many in different calibers.  Made for Browning by Miroku of Japan....enough said.  Octagon barrel, Grade III  wood, etc.  I have two in .325 WSM.  Great feel, balance and quality....lot of gun for the money.  Here's one in 7mm mag on Gun Broker..........used, like new with scope...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=203374062

[swanny]

Being that I just looked at the Browning X-Bolt and the Winchester's tonight...I would say X-bolt. The bolt was smooth and it felt really good in my hands.

[SFD2015]

Thanks to everyone for their input... I am taking it all in.

I have never purchased soemthing from Gunbroker, how does it work? Can I choose a gun shop to have it shipped to? Any FFL holder?

[norsepeak]

just bought a Tikka T3 lite in 7mm, stainless.  Great price, and great gun, very accurate and lite, might be another option..

[carpsniperg2]

Thanks to everyone for their input... I am taking it all in.

I have never purchased soemthing from Gunbroker, how does it work? Can I choose a gun shop to have it shipped to? Any FFL holder?

yes you can choose the shop. But you need to talk to the owner first. Some charge a small flat rate fee around 25.00. Other will only take used guns. Because they want to sell you the new one. That is how my local shop is. Only used guns. So talk to your local shop, see what they charge and have at it. The ffl holders will have to exchange info and then you will have your gun.