CrossBolts-Worth doing???

[Seven Oaks]

Hi ,

I recently bought a Browning X-Bolt Hunter in 7MM WSM and was sending it off to have the action trued and other work done.

I am partial to Browning having 4 A-Bolts. All have been fine rifles. I like the x-bolt but there were some things that concerned me about the rifle.

If you look at the stock with the barreled action removed it appears quite thin in some areas. I'm not an expert, but it's obvious when they designed this rifle they were intent on making it trimmer, the result being that the stock is rather slim in some places.

I was wanting to know if installing crossbolts would significantly strengthen the stock. At 99.00 each, I would like to know I paid for getting more than 4 fancy walnut plugs in the gun.

Thanks,

Dee

 

[J E Custom]

Hi ,

I recently bought a Browning X-Bolt Hunter in 7MM WSM and was sending it off to have the action trued and other work done.

I am partial to Browning having 4 A-Bolts. All have been fine rifles. I like the x-bolt but there were some things that concerned me about the rifle.

If you look at the stock with the barreled action removed it appears quite thin in some areas. I'm not an expert, but it's obvious when they designed this rifle they were intent on making it trimmer, the result being that the stock is rather slim in some places.

I was wanting to know if installing crossbolts would significantly strengthen the stock. At 99.00 each, I would like to know I paid for getting more than 4 fancy walnut plugs in the gun.

Thanks,

Dee

Cross bolts can help a little but not much.

They are normaly used in the recoil lug area to help prevent splitting the stock on heavy
recoiling rifles like 375s,416s and 460s.

But at $90.oo a pop I would look for a heaver/stronger stock like the varmint style or maby a
laminate and do a good bedding job on it and you should be ready to go.

Normaly if a stock breaks it's in the pistol grip area due to poor grain orientation through
the pistol grip.

The 7WSM doesent have much recoil so I would'nt worry to much .

J E CUSTOM

 

[Seven Oaks]

Thanks J.E. I remember when rifles were built and had "Recoil Crossbolts" as you mentioned.

I just didn't know if they really helped stock strength as a stand alone install.

Your right, I was also thinking at $200 for the crossbolts, I'm not far from a decent replacement stock.

Thanks.