Post by: Westside88 on January 02, 2021, 07:56:17 AM
I am looking to set up a lighter weight rifle in a lighter caliber that will be primarily a deer rifle. I've pretty much narrowed it down to three choices and intend to use a Leupold Vari-x 3 3.5-10 40mm scope that I already have. I'd love to hear feedback from those who have experience with the Browning X-bolt or Kimber Hunter. I have a few criteria that are important to me. Synthetic stock, Stainless Steel or Ceracoat, 22 inch barrel length ( I believe Kimber is 24" but keeping open mind), detachable magazine and most likely 270 win or 30-06. I'm also still considering the A-bolt 2 in stainless if I can find a super clean example. Thanks for any input you may have.
Post by: h20hunter on January 02, 2021, 08:05:01 AM
Post by: MADMAX on January 02, 2021, 08:12:37 AM
270 WSM
Love it
Light
Shoots great
I do wish it had a detachable mag
Otherwise A+
Post by: Bob33 on January 02, 2021, 08:17:03 AM
Either would be an excellent all around rifle. :twocents:
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 02, 2021, 08:25:30 AM
Step up to a modern long bullet cartridge - 6.5 CM or PRS variant.
Or get an xbolt 300 wsm and use for everything.
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on January 02, 2021, 08:34:19 AM
My friends that I hunt with all use mountain ascents, none of them have had issues with them shooting once you find the ammo they like. They shoot great and are lightweight, cycle smooth.
I currently use a Christensen Ridgeline .300 wsm which I honestly like more than both of them, but it has a floor plate not detachable box mag. I think the mountain ascent is a lighter gun.
All that to say, what gun fits you better? Shoulder both of them and take home the one you like in a caliber you like. You can't go wrong with .270 or .30-06, I wish I still had my old .270.
Post by: jrebel on January 02, 2021, 08:36:47 AM
Post by: 300rum on January 02, 2021, 08:41:26 AM
Post by: Westside88 on January 02, 2021, 09:50:33 AM
Imo my Kimbers shoot great but hear reports here and there about one that doesn't. I believe my 25 06 is a hunter and my 6.5 creed is a Kimber Ascent. If nearby you are welcome to look them over.Thanks, I appreciate the offer. I live in Grays Harbor, but have a couple kids that live up near you. I'll message you sometime if it looks like I'll be in the area.
Post by: h20hunter on January 02, 2021, 09:51:28 AM
Post by: Westside88 on January 02, 2021, 09:52:33 AM
Post by: Buzz2401 on January 02, 2021, 10:47:28 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 02, 2021, 10:49:14 AM
Hunted with a Kimber for years and never let me down. Wish I could say the same for my hunting partners ABolts. Two different rifles had frozen firing pin issues. One it fired the second time. Two other times he missed a spike elk and the Blacktail of his lifetime as he puts it.
rusted ? not lubed or ????
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 02, 2021, 10:50:53 AM
Even with a big ziess scope it's still what I consider mountain light.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 02, 2021, 11:10:58 AM
Absolutely love my xbolt hells canyon in 6.5 PRC...
Even with a big ziess scope it's still what I consider mountain light.
:yeah: or any of these all under $1100.
https://gundigest.com/rifles/tactical-rifles/8-affordable-6-5-prc-rifle-options-for-precision-work (https://gundigest.com/rifles/tactical-rifles/8-affordable-6-5-prc-rifle-options-for-precision-work)
Post by: Buzz2401 on January 02, 2021, 12:34:36 PM
Hunted with a Kimber for years and never let me down. Wish I could say the same for my hunting partners ABolts. Two different rifles had frozen firing pin issues. One it fired the second time. Two other times he missed a spike elk and the Blacktail of his lifetime as he puts it.
rusted ? not lubed or ????
Well two different guys two different rifles. The one guy religiously cleans and lubes after missing the big blacktail and it happened again. Other guy takes good care of his stuff but watched with my own eyes as gun didn't go off.
Post by: bustedoldman on January 02, 2021, 12:39:19 PM
Post by: zwickeyman on January 02, 2021, 01:14:07 PM
Post by: Westside88 on January 02, 2021, 01:44:30 PM
Hunted with a Kimber for years and never let me down. Wish I could say the same for my hunting partners ABolts. Two different rifles had frozen firing pin issues. One it fired the second time. Two other times he missed a spike elk and the Blacktail of his lifetime as he puts it.
rusted ? not lubed or ????
Well two different guys two different rifles. The one guy religiously cleans and lubes after missing the big blacktail and it happened again. Other guy takes good care of his stuff but watched with my own eyes as gun didn't go off.
I’ve never had an issue, nor has my dad who has an older A-bolt Medallion in .270 Win. I do have a friend who had some freezing problems in Montana. He cleaned it and used a different oil and had no more issues.
Post by: Westside88 on January 02, 2021, 05:00:48 PM
I have 2 HC xbolts, .308/6.5PRC. Both shoot .5 MOA or better depending on shooter. My next go to rifles are Tikkas, can’t go wrong there either.....How’s the finish on the HC X-bolts hold up? Both the stock and cerecoat. I’ve heard good things about Tikka as well. I looked at one many years ago, but there was something that didn’t grab me. I’ll have to check them out again
Post by: JL on January 02, 2021, 05:10:21 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on January 07, 2021, 07:06:04 AM
I don't think you can go wrong with either of those rifles. I have an X-bolt in 7-08 that will be my son's first rifle when he starts hunting. Great lightweight good feeling gun.
My friends that I hunt with all use mountain ascents, none of them have had issues with them shooting once you find the ammo they like. They shoot great and are lightweight, cycle smooth.
I currently use a Christensen Ridgeline .300 wsm which I honestly like more than both of them, but it has a floor plate not detachable box mag. I think the mountain ascent is a lighter gun.
All that to say, what gun fits you better? Shoulder both of them and take home the one you like in a caliber you like. You can't go wrong with .270 or .30-06, I wish I still had my old .270.
Can always have your CA Ridgeline converted to mag feed
Post by: Shaqdiesel on January 09, 2021, 07:53:34 PM