Wow, just wow, is this experience talking (with the X-Bolt)? Or is it just opinion based on a different rifle? Admittedly, MO is not Alaska, but so far - for the past 5 seasons, both the X-BOLTS I've owned and shot and hunted with have functioned flawlessly. This does include one Colorado second season elk hunt in snow, rain, mud, cold and wind.
I sold my Extreme Weather Model 70 to a 'fire member and kept the X-bolt and don't regret it. It's lighter, more accurate, and fits me better. If you have personal experience with this rifle, that's one thing, but to disparage a rifle that you may have never owned, shot, or hunted with smacks a little bit of bias and group think. If a guy asks an honest question, give an honest answer based on your experience, not your opinions garnered from others. And Redneck, I am not including you in this response, I do very respect your opinion, but some of the responses are of no value to the OP.
Elsewhere, I have defended and praised Browning quality, while dumping a bit on the metro-sexual influenced styling in some of their offerings. The OP asked for input/thoughts. I
think that the X-Bolt's complicated design could be a liability under the rough usage he describes, partly because there's more stuff to go wrong, and also that it'd be harder to disassemble for cleaning and lubrication in the field. Detachable mags are another potential source of trouble including simple loss. I don't have to experience any of that to anticipate it and choose to avoid it by going with simple, rugged, proven designs like the Mauser and its kin.
I didn't say the X-Bolts were bad, or inaccurate, or even not worth having, just that something else might be a better choice out in the goop. Sorry your feelers got hurt.
