Just picked up the new Browning 2013 Master Catalog (289 pages) and looked at the X and A bolts. Hard pressed to see the advantage of one over the other. Prices are not that different, more models in X than A. So called X "feather trigger" (except in target models) is 3 lb minimum, same as A. More calibers in X, A sporting models available w/BOSS. The RMEF X would be neat if it were available in something beside the "one foot in the grave" 325 WSM. In both, all standard (old) caliber barrels are too short except the 375 H&H.

Brownings get little respect from the M 70/Rem 700 crowd but they are all fine rifles.

Just wonder why two bolt actions that have no big differences ?

Just a guess, but looks like the A bolt is being phased out.

Rather like the A-Bolt Stainless Stalker w/BOSS (buy both ends) in 375 H&H. Get it Cerakoted
for couple hundred more. A serious sub MOA thumper for under $1500 (retail). It even has sights ! Top it off with an FX II 4X in QD mounts and ready to go anywhere.

Thoughts ? Opinions ?

I saw one of their x-bolt micros at a gun show recently. Picked it up and surprisingly it was only a little short for me (32 sleeve length) and thought it would fit great once I had my hunting coat on. It was new, but the price was very good so I bought it. With a jacket, fits great. Was accurate with sub-moa groups right out of the box. Caliber is .243 and will be my "bumming around rifle" for antelope, deer, and coyote.

My two granddaughters (teens) have seen it and are disappointed. This is a lefty for grandpa and they are both right-handed. They think it is "pretty".

I think the A-Bolts are left overs from the previous years. I think they only manufacture new X-Bolts. I prefer the A-Bolts, only because I think the X-Bolt stock is butt ugly. But that is a personal thing. You can buy springs for the A-Bolt trigger to make it lighter.

The A-Bolt is about the same price as a new Remington 700 BDL.

I thought the same thing about A Bolts being leftovers but there are so many models that are new to me (Stainless and blue target, three thumbhole stock models) and cartridges from 22-250 to 375 H&H, I'm left wondering.
Some A bolts are more expensive than X bolts too.
A grin is that among the available magazines, they still list the A Bolt 12 gauge shotgun. Too bad they still don't make the gun. With today's high tech slugs and the right scope, 300 yards would be simple.

An A bolt with a Boss in 375 H&H will produce severe hearing damage with one shot without hearing protection. Don't ask me how I know - I have one in .300 Win Mag.

while you are correct, anyone with BOSS equipped rifles should know that the vented end is only used off a bench rest with plugs AND muffs and no one next to you. For final sighting in and hunting, the CR end is installed and the rifle is no louder than any other in the same chambering and barrel length.

It was/is a GREAT product spoiled by the stupidity of Winchester and Browning not shipping every rifle with both end and detailed instructions on how to use them.

Muzzle brakes in general are a terrible idea for hunting and many Guides/PHs won't let you use one.

When a bone stock light weight Browning A Bolt 22-250 will shhot 1/2 dime 10 shot groups @100 with Winchester "white box ammo" because of the BOSS, there is proof it works.

It does take all the "fun" out of handloading as "working up a load" goes away. Any load I have ever made up will shoot 1 MOA or better regardless of the cartridge.

quote:

Originally posted by larrys:
I I prefer the A-Bolts, only because I think the X-Bolt stock is butt ugly.

Me too.

Wait, isn't this supposed to be the Browning bashing forum?

Personally I like the Brownings. The 60 deg bolt, decently designed magazine, high out of the box accuracy are all good things. Though I don't have one for myself, I liked it enough that I bought one for my dad.

On the a vs x bolts, to me the x bolts look like an effort on Brownings part to make changes that keep costs down. The way the recoil pad is mounted, well, it looks like it was done as a cost cutting design. I'm not saying it doesn't work, just that it looks cheap compared to the a bolt.

I have owned 3 A-bolts and just bought an X-bolt. Haven't even fired it yet. I read an article from a few years back which said the X-bolt is intended to be a "style" option and A-bolt production would continue. Just like the Browning Citori and the Browning Cynergy.

At first, the look of the X-bolt took some getting used to but I wanted a Browning and no A-bolt Stainless Stalkers without the boss with a 26 inch barrel were available so I opted for the X-bolt. So, we'll see how she shoots. If she's a dog then I'll send her down the road. Life is way too short to hunt with a rifle you don't like.

I've owned my Browning X bolt stainless stalker (300 win Mag) for over 2 years now and my brother and a good friend own A Bolts and I've shot both many times. Both models are fine, well balanced rifles and are very accurate. The 60 degree bolt throw is smooth and the actions are seamless in both models. I purchased the X Bolt hunting purposes because I like the magazine. I can have a fully loaded backup if necessary. I don't think the A Bolt is going to be discontinued and I would not hesitate owning either model. For comparison purposes, I also own a Rem 700 BDL, Ruger M77 Hawkeye, and a CZ 550 American. I like them all for one reason or another but, both Browning models are fine rifles and I would be proud to own either.

Well I found a good deal on an A Bolt II. Stainless 26" bbl, 375 H&H, one of four made in different camo patterns for 2007 Shot Show. The one is a Mossy Oak Brush pattern that goes well with the stainless. Even comes with Leupold bases and rings !