That's funny you ask Nessmuk. My last two firearms purchases were a Ruger American in 30-06 and a Browning X-Bolt Medallion in .300 wsm.
Just got both of them in the last two months and haven't even had a chance to shoot the X-Bolt yet, but its a sweet looking rifle.
I paid $370 for the Ruger and $765 for the X-Bolt. Without shooting them both yet, I imagine they'll do about the same thing by laying a deer or hog low.
The difference is, when I scratch and dent up the plastic stock on the ruger, while it's pouring down rain, I won't squirm as much.
. But on that rare, bright, crisp, sun shinny day hunting in a padded tree stand, I can look at the Browing and say "gee whiz that's a pretty rifle."
End the end I would say yes, if quality fit and finish is of value to you, then easily the X-Bolt is worth twice the price. There simply is no comparing the two in the aesthetics department.
Not to take away anything from the Ruger's function, it was built for hunting hard, but it will never win any beauty contests.
As far as detachable magazine fed rifles for hunting (or in general), I much prefer them to standard top load rifles. The biggest advantage is not needing as much scope clearance. When loading a non detachable mag, you have to jam the shells in under the scope.
With the detachable mag, you can also run a one piece scope base, giving you more mounting options.
Other reason I prefer the detachable mag. Include ease of unloading the rifle. Simply drop the mag and empty the chamber. With a non-detachable mag., you either have to open up the bottom and drop all the loose shells out, or work them all through the action with the bolt.
