Difference between Browning's A-Bolt and X-Bolt??

[Litehiker]

I have a stainless Browning A-Bolt (gen. 1) in .300 Win mag. It's a nice rifle with all the right features and quite accurate when the BOSS brake is adjusted to the load.

So is there any qualitative or feature difference between my A-Bolt and the X- Bolt?

Eric B.

 

[manitou]

X-bolt has a different receiver, different bolt, same style bolt handle. X-bolt has rotary magazine (i like a lot), bolt unlock button (i like a lot) and x- lock mount 4 screw bases. The inflex recoil pad on the X-bolt is amazing and really reduces felt recoil and jump.
They are two very different rifles but both have quality workmanship IMO.
I like A-bolts but I REALLY like X-bolts!

 

[MudRunner2005]

I don't like the plastic detachable mags of the X-Bolts... But other than that, they seem like good rifles. I've always been an A-Bolt II fan...Had 2 of them, still have one that's been built into a custom.

One huge advantage to the X-Bolts is that Timney offers completely replacement triggers for them, and the A-Bolts you can only buy a spring kit that only lessens the pull pressure, and does nothing to reduce the creep or break timing.

 

[therifleman556]

I also like the AB 2 magazines better. I like the fact that the rifle can be top loaded conventionally. The magazine stays with the floor plate, so when the release is pressed the top of the magazine is presented to you for topping off while the bolt remains closed and the rifle shouldered: ready to fire quickly again if needed.

This gives it an advantage similar to a lever action rifle or a tube feed shotgun. It can stay at the ready while reloading.

 

[257Tony]

Both are excellent hunting rifles, and each has it's strong points. My experience is that the x-bolt is a more accurate rifle, on average.

 

[Litehiker]

I posted the same question on the 6.5 Creedmoor site in the "Rifles" forum and got a link to a post from "The DIY Hunter" site that compared the two. I can say after reading it I'd take the X-Bolt over my gen.1 A-Bolt.
But my .300 Win mag A-Bolt is still an excellent rifle and very accurate.

Eric B.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I prefer the x-bolt. Everything about the x-bolt seems to be alittle better made than the A-bolt minus the magazine which I haven't had any issues with and I actually like it. As far as accuracy, I believe it's a wash. My brothers A-bolt2 in 280 rem shoots the 168 berger vld very well. Definitely sub .5 moa. My x-bolt 7mm rem mag likes the 168 vld and 162 eld-m both as well shooting them into sub .5 moa groups.

Also, to touch on what Mud said, Romney is now making aftermarket drop in triggers for the x-bolt. My X-bolt will be getting one of these.

 

[Memberberries]

Jard offers a drop in trigger for a bolts

 

[MudRunner2005]

Jard offers a drop in trigger for a bolts

Yes, but I'm not a big fan of the trigger shoe on the Jard... I wish Timney would offer one at a good price. As many millions of A-Bolt and A-Bolt II rifles as there are out there, you'd think they would.

 

[Nieko]

I had Gentry Custom (Dennis) work over my A-bolt trigger, a crisp 1-1/2lb break. Probably my favorite trigger. I have Timney, Rifle basix, and Trigger Tech for comparison. With that said we couldn't get the x-bolt trigger just right so Timney it is. Tried a Jard on an x-bolt when they first came out and was not impressed (a 250.00 trigger that needed some stone work)

 

[manitou]

I would recommend the Mcarbo spring kit for 13 bucjs first. Minor investment and could save you a couple hundred. They made a world of difference on my rifles.

 

[257Tony]

I would recommend the Mcarbo spring kit for 13 bucjs first. Minor investment and could save you a couple hundred. They made a world of difference on my rifles.

Ditto. I have them in both my x-bolt rifles, both break right 2lbs, very cleam break. Definitely worth trying before dropping money on a replacement