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Joined: Aug 2013
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Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,047 |
I've never owned either. Both are 25-06 with 24" sporter barrels. Both are available for about the same money. Any reason I should lean one way or the other?
Last edited by waterdoctor; 07/31/15.
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,271
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,271 |
My Winchesters shoot great. No significant experience with a Browning.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,006
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,006 |
I picked up a Win 70 Featherweight and later in the year a Browning X-Bolt Eclipse in 25-06. The X-Bolt was more accurate and has found a home. The Winchester has gone down the road.
I also have an X-Bolt Stainless Hunter in 308 and a T-Bolt in 22LR. Guess you could say that I prefer the Brownings.
"An open message for all Democrats; "Look you are nothing and your work is worthless. Anyone who chooses you is detestable." Isaiah 41:24 (HCSB)
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,753
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,753 |
The XBolts have some interesting features, but the styling is a bit much for my old-reactionary-fart tastes. I tend to favor simple stuff that works. If the M70 has the new funky trigger, I'd be tempted to try the Browning just for kicks.
What fresh Hell is this?
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,024
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,024 |
I've never owned either. Both are 25-06 with 24" sporter barrels. Both are available for about the same money. Any reason I should lean one way or the other? OF course, all Winchester model 70's are created equal aren't they???
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,756
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,756 |
I would go with the X-Bolt Myself, I have had a dozen or more X-Bolt rifles and found them to be the most accurate out of the box rifles I have ever owned and I have owned most all the popular brands including Winchester, Ruger, Tikka, Sako, Remington and CZ.......Good luck with your purchase.......Hb
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,559
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,559 |
That funky black piece on the side of the bolt I guess is supposed to make bolt travel straight, but all it does in my two rifles is make the bolt travel sticky and difficult to cycle. I wonder if it can be removed.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,742
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,742 |
That funky black piece on the side of the bolt I guess is supposed to make bolt travel straight, but all it does in my two rifles is make the bolt travel sticky and difficult to cycle. I wonder if it can be removed. The bolt doesn't ride on that black piece. It's there to depress the cartridges in the magazine I think. I've also been very impressed with the accuracy of now 4 X-Bolts I've had experience with. The barrels and triggers are excellent.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,126
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,126 |
I think they are similar in quality, I would compare them in my hands and to the shoulder, and let my body choose.
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,296
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,296 |
I think they are similar in quality, I would compare them in my hands and to the shoulder, and let my body choose. I think you've got your best answer right here. John
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 860 |
I like my X-Bolt, it shoots MOA with factory fodder and well under with hand loads. The only thing I'd do differently is buy the stalker version instead of the hunter.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,249
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,249 |
I would vastly prefer the 70 over a half dozen X Bolts, but that's just my opinion
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,985
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,985 |
I have had better luck with out of the box accuracy with X-Bolts over Winchester. I prefer both or either over Rem, Savage, Ruger or Tikka. I much prefer the X-Bolt over the A-Bolt.
"Blessed is the man whose wife is his best friend - especially if she likes to HUNT!"
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,755
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,755 |
Browning has the worst customer service of any company I've ever dealt with. That makes the decision easy.
He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.
- Albert Einstein
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,691
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,691 |
Browning and Winchester are now sister brands from FN, unless I'm mistaken. No difference in service these days.
While the Mormans still owned Browning, I had both bad and excellent services from them. Their repair facility in MO had extremely capable craftsmen. Sometimes they had to be motivated.
Jack
"Do not blame Caesar, blame the people...who have...rejoiced in their loss of freedom....Blame the people who hail him when he speaks of the 'new, wonderful, good, society'...to mean ,..living fatly at the expense of the industrious." Cicero
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 59,140
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 59,140 |
I would vastly prefer the 70 over a half dozen X Bolts, but that's just my opinion And I'd echo that.. If the M70 has the new funky trigger, I'd be tempted to try the Browning just for kicks. And you'd be terribly disappointed....and most here know I am NO fan of that MOA trigger.. Gives ya a hint..
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69 Pro-Constitution. LET'S GO BRANDON!!!
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 18,508
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 18,508 |
I've got 2 X-bolts and 2 Model 70's. The Brownings are better shooters, but the Model 70's fit me better.
I also prefer the trigger on the Browning, but the Model 70's aren't bad either, just seem to have more creep.
I've got lighter trigger springs and probably have close to 700 rounds through both the Brownings and half that many through the Winchesters.
No problems with either.
Buy what fits you.
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