Getting a new rifle

genesis273
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Getting a new rifle Dec 17, 2019 19:12:48 GMT -5 via Tapatalk lawrencecountyhunter, butlerj, and 1 more like this

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Post by genesis273 on Dec 17, 2019 19:12:48 GMT -5

I sold my AR10 the day after our firearm season closed. It shot well however, that thing is a chunk to carry around in the woods. I thought about keeping it anyways but, I really want a new bolt gun.

I've been looking at a lot of rifles. Although Remington should have their trigger issue resolved but, after my "Remington moment" during a live training session, I just have a hard time trusting them again. It scared the living daylights out of me. Anyhow, after looking at several different models I have narrowed it down to 2. The Bergara B-14 Timber...

www.bergara.online/us/rifles/b14/timber-rifle/

Or the Browning X-Bolt Hunter....

www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt/current-production/x-bolt-hunter.html

I've read quite a bit on both these models and am impressed with what I've read. Although I did want to test their customer service. I sent emails to both companies with questions on different aspects of the rifle. Browning always replied within 24hrs or sooner. Their responses did not feel like the standard cut and paste you may receive from other companies but, rather, it felt to me like an actual person read and sent back a thoughtful, well detailed response. Bergara on the other hand, nothing. Not one single reply. That, to me, is a little worrisome as it gives me a glimpse of what I can expect IF an issue should arise with the weapon system.

That being said, I am leaning towards the X-bolt. My next decision is caliber. My initial thought was .308, no questions asked. I have a lot of experience with .308 and trust its capabilities. However, a friend encouraged me to look at the 270 Win ammo. So I did. And I have to say I'm very impressed. I read a real long article last night on 270 vs 308 and it almost has me convinced.

Here's a link to the article I read.

thebiggamehuntingblog.com/270-vs-308/

The next selection will be which ammo to use. In today's hunting world, there are so many different options to choose from. But, I suppose I need to choose the caliber first before I chase the rabbit down that hole.

I have decided on my scope, rings and bases, sling and case. I just need to choose a rifle and caliber.

So, if any of you ladies and gentlemen have any thoughts on either firearm and caliber selection please feel free to opine.

Thanks,
Brandon.

freedomhunter Major Contributor Posts: 3,625	Getting a new rifle Dec 17, 2019 19:51:27 GMT -5 via mobile genesis273 likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by freedomhunter on Dec 17, 2019 19:51:27 GMT -5 You will be happy with the x-bolt. Caliber is really personal preference. Mine is in .243 and drives tacks with federal ammo
	BOILER UP!!

medic22
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Getting a new rifle Dec 17, 2019 20:12:28 GMT -5 via Tapatalk genesis273 likes this

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Post by medic22 on Dec 17, 2019 20:12:28 GMT -5

I dont think you can go wrong with either. Bergara makes some great barrels, so I expect their rifles will be fine. I plan on buying a B-14 in 7mm sometime soon.

I had narrowed my choices dowm to these same rifles.

genesis273 Major Contributor Posts: 6,167	Getting a new rifle Dec 17, 2019 20:19:44 GMT -5 via Tapatalk Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by genesis273 on Dec 17, 2019 20:19:44 GMT -5 Well so far it seems that I'm one the right track!

esshup
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Getting a new rifle Dec 18, 2019 0:34:00 GMT -5 schall53, genesis273, and 1 more like this

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Post by esshup on Dec 18, 2019 0:34:00 GMT -5

genesis273:

Let me say one thing about the article or blog that you linked to. If they can't get the parent case correct of what the .270 Winchester was derived from, how much can you trust the other information in the blog?

The parent case of the .270 Winchester is the 30-03 Government, NOT the 30-06. The .270 Winchester case is 0.136" longer than the 30-06. (The 30-06 was also derived from the 30-03 Government......)

.270 has a poorer bullet selection. .270 is considered a long action, while the .308 is considered to be a short action. The .308 has a MUCH greater bullet selection. I'm talking about factory rounds, if you get into handloading the selection is even greater between the 2 cartridges.

What distance do you plan on shooting? The .308 will be more enough to kill a moose with the proper bullet selection.

While I agree with some aspects of the blog, if you really compare apples to apples, (i.e. 150g bullet to 150g bullet) the .308 shoots flatter. If you are using factory ammo for hunting, there is a greater selection of .308 ammo than .270 ammo.

Inherent accuracy wise, I'd go with the .308. They don't have too many shooting matches that are won by .270's.

Due to the longer action, if the rifle has the same barrel length, the .270 will be a little bit heavier than the same rifle in .308.

Another thing to look into when getting a bolt gun is the bolt throw. Most have a 90° throw, Browning and Weatherby have a 60° bolt throw. I won't go into what the Blazer rifles have. LOL

One thing to double check on the Browning is the trigger. Is it all metal or all plastic like the Gen 2 A-bolt? If you don't like the trigger pull on the Gen 2 A-bolt there is no aftermarket trigger or spring kit that really works. I have both a Gen 1 and a Gen 2 A-bolt and there isn't a reliable fix for the crappy plastic trigger in the Gen 2 A-bolt. I forgot, there is no aftermarket trigger or spring kit for the Bergara rifle either.

Last Edit: Dec 18, 2019 0:36:48 GMT -5 by esshup

www.hoosierpondpros.com

lawrencecountyhunter Major Contributor Posts: 5,064	Getting a new rifle Dec 18, 2019 6:58:50 GMT -5 greghopper, genesis273, and 1 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by lawrencecountyhunter on Dec 18, 2019 6:58:50 GMT -5 I think an X-Bolt in either caliber would be just fine for anything you'd want to hunt without crossing an ocean.

genesis273
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Getting a new rifle Dec 18, 2019 7:07:23 GMT -5 via Tapatalk

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Post by genesis273 on Dec 18, 2019 7:07:23 GMT -5

Essup,

I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. Very good information to look into. I'll definitely look into the trigger.

As for the distance I plan on shooting, I would like to feel comfortable shooting at 400-500 yards. I will not be shooting at deer at those distances though. Although I do have property to take shots that far, I simply will not do it. I'll stick to 250-300yds at most. But, like shooting my bow at 60-70 yards in my back yard, I just want to be a the best marksmen as I can be and feel confident with my weapon system. Besides, I do enjoy shooting at long range.

Again, I've never considered the .270 before because I'm such a huge fan of the .308 round. And, if I'm being honest, the thought of switching right now isn't as appealing as I had hoped. Especially since I currently no longer own a .308, I think that's going to be the next caliber in my gun safe. In the event I decide to purchase another bolt gun, I would possibly consider the .270 at that time.

I really appreciate the information and I will definitely be digging into the trigger.

Thanks

genesis273 Major Contributor Posts: 6,167	Getting a new rifle Dec 18, 2019 7:29:47 GMT -5 via Tapatalk Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by genesis273 on Dec 18, 2019 7:29:47 GMT -5 This is what their website is advertising on the X-Bolt "Feather" trigger. www.browning.com/news/tech-terms/feather-trigger.html

genesis273
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Getting a new rifle Dec 18, 2019 7:33:30 GMT -5 via Tapatalk butlerj likes this

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Post by genesis273 on Dec 18, 2019 7:33:30 GMT -5

Just to further test the customer service, I did send an email regarding the trigger information. Again, customer care is very important to me. Making big purchases, for me anyhow, isn't something I take lightly and I kind of like the partnership feeling when I'm dealing with a business. Browning has been great so far with their responses and response time.

greghopper Major Contributor Posts: 14,813	Getting a new rifle Dec 18, 2019 7:48:15 GMT -5 via mobile genesis273 likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by greghopper on Dec 18, 2019 7:48:15 GMT -5 I look here also.... www.brownells.com/firearms/rifles/bolt-action/index.htm?avs%7cMake_3=Browning
	Last Edit: Dec 18, 2019 7:50:05 GMT -5 by greghopper ONE BUCK RULE ....RULES!!!... There has never been a "STATE" go to a OBR then go back....

jjas
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Getting a new rifle Dec 18, 2019 13:30:39 GMT -5 genesis273 likes this

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Post by jjas on Dec 18, 2019 13:30:39 GMT -5

Based on what you're saying, it kind of sounds like the Browning X-bolt in .308 is what you are after.

I have a buddy with an x-bolt chambered in .308 and it's a nice rifle. Accurate, well designed and manufactured.

I don't see how you can go wrong.

Last Edit: Dec 18, 2019 13:31:12 GMT -5 by jjas

genesis273 Major Contributor Posts: 6,167	Getting a new rifle Dec 18, 2019 14:26:23 GMT -5 via Tapatalk Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by genesis273 on Dec 18, 2019 14:26:23 GMT -5 Dec 18, 2019 7:48:15 GMT -5 greghopper said: I look here also.... www.brownells.com/firearms/rifles/bolt-action/index.htm?avs%7cMake_3=Browning Those are some great prices!

genesis273 Major Contributor Posts: 6,167	Getting a new rifle Dec 19, 2019 13:34:00 GMT -5 via Tapatalk esshup likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by genesis273 on Dec 19, 2019 13:34:00 GMT -5 Trigger is all metal or alloy. No plastic.

genesis273 Major Contributor Posts: 6,167	Getting a new rifle Dec 26, 2019 20:56:20 GMT -5 via Tapatalk parson, dbd870, and 8 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by genesis273 on Dec 26, 2019 20:56:20 GMT -5 Well I went with the Browning X-Bolt Hunter in .308. It should be in on Monday. It's now time to start saving up for a scope.

medic22
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Getting a new rifle Dec 30, 2019 13:21:42 GMT -5 via Tapatalk lawrencecountyhunter likes this

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Post by medic22 on Dec 30, 2019 13:21:42 GMT -5

I put that Bergara B14 on layaway today, mostly just cause I had both kids and didnt fill like filling out the paperwork.

My 6 year old is trying to blackmail me into buying her toys or shes gonna tell my wife I bought a gun.

Sorry to steal your thread for a moment, did t think it was worth starting a new one.

genesis273 Major Contributor Posts: 6,167	Getting a new rifle Dec 30, 2019 15:27:48 GMT -5 via Tapatalk lawrencecountyhunter likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by genesis273 on Dec 30, 2019 15:27:48 GMT -5 Congratulations! I hope you enjoy it. They really do look like nice rifles. BTW, how many toys did your daughter end up with? Lol!

medic22
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Getting a new rifle Dec 30, 2019 15:39:44 GMT -5 via Tapatalk whitetaildave24, lawrencecountyhunter, and 1 more like this

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Post by medic22 on Dec 30, 2019 15:39:44 GMT -5

Dec 30, 2019 15:27:48 GMT -5 genesis273 said:

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy it. They really do look like nice rifles.

BTW, how many toys did your daughter end up with? Lol!

Just 1

And she snitched on me anyway

Post by genesis273 on Dec 17, 2019 19:12:48 GMT -5

Post by freedomhunter on Dec 17, 2019 19:51:27 GMT -5

Post by medic22 on Dec 17, 2019 20:12:28 GMT -5

Post by genesis273 on Dec 17, 2019 20:19:44 GMT -5

Post by esshup on Dec 18, 2019 0:34:00 GMT -5

Post by lawrencecountyhunter on Dec 18, 2019 6:58:50 GMT -5

Post by genesis273 on Dec 18, 2019 7:07:23 GMT -5

Post by genesis273 on Dec 18, 2019 7:29:47 GMT -5

Post by genesis273 on Dec 18, 2019 7:33:30 GMT -5

Post by greghopper on Dec 18, 2019 7:48:15 GMT -5

Post by jjas on Dec 18, 2019 13:30:39 GMT -5

Post by genesis273 on Dec 18, 2019 14:26:23 GMT -5

Post by genesis273 on Dec 19, 2019 13:34:00 GMT -5

Post by genesis273 on Dec 26, 2019 20:56:20 GMT -5

Post by medic22 on Dec 30, 2019 13:21:42 GMT -5

Post by genesis273 on Dec 30, 2019 15:27:48 GMT -5

Post by medic22 on Dec 30, 2019 15:39:44 GMT -5