If the triggers gold the Elk will fold ~Rut Daniels

Fun review guys! I bought an X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed in 30-06 a few years ago and mounted a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 scope on the top. I had the trigger set as light as it would go by my local gunsmith - which is about 2.7lbs, so it's perfect for hunting. I agree with pretty much everything you say in your review, except the accuracy. In my hands, shooting prone, using an Atlas bipod and a rear bag, the best I can get CONSISTENTLY is about 1.5 MOA. I have fired this rifle from 100, 200 and out to 300 yards and in reality, 4.5" groups at 300 yards are very achievable. I typically fire strings of 3 (the maximum number of shots you'd likely ever take when hunting) and use a chamber-chiller to cool the barrel between strings, as this lightweight barrel really heats up fast. I have tried a variety of good quality hunting ammo and do find the rifle is very picky; I get the the best accuracy with Norma 170 grain Tipstrike (which will deliver 2200 ft-lb at 200 yards, 1850 at 300). Other hunting rifles I own (6.5mm Creed, .308, .223, .270 win and 7mm Rem Mag) are true sub-MOA rifles using factory ammo, so my X-bolt does really seem less accurate. That said, of course, a 1.5 MOA rifle is perfectly suitable for any medium/large game ethical hunting scenario that I can imagine, even considering that, in the field, most shooter's accuracy drops and group sizes will double vs. at the range; remember the vitals on a white tailed deer are about 12" across and Elk are a whopping 25" across! Though just for fun, I do plan on playing with some handloads to see if I can tighten the groups up...

Bought this gun in .300 WSM last year, put the mcarbo spring in and topped it with a Leupold VX3-i. I love it. I have taken 2 shots at animals since then and both dropped in their tracks. A Montana bull elk and a Vermont white tail buck. Mine loves Hornady 200 gr. Precision hunters, took it out for pre season checking the other day and my 3 groups @100 yds. measured .75" .55" .55"

I love how brutally honest you guys are. No question one of the best review channels on KZfaq

I have this rifle and I personally love it! Browning x-bolt is a excellent product and the trigger is a preference thing but all together I would say this was a fair review. Not everyone is going to spend the extra money but its well worth it in my personal experience.

I love the trigger, I adjusted mine, and I love how crisp and easy it is to pull. Extremely accurate rifle.

I want the Browning X BOLT chambered in the 7mm rem mag 26 barrel

Another good review. Having too many choices, definitely makes it a tougher choices especially when all of them are quality choices. I am sure you guys reload and would have plenty of brass to do so, that way Covid ammo shortage shouldn't come in effect with your choice since all three guns so far are different calibers. I know that subscribers are voting, which makes it fun. My brother put a spring kit in his Winchester M70 Shadow Warrior from the early 2000s and it cut the trigger weight in half for him and he hasn't had an issue. I have that exact same Battleship target, was going to use it for rimfire fun, but that face off was fun even though once again ending in a tie. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to the fourth and final review.

Love my X-Bolt. Put a 2lb trigger spring in it and now it’s shooting .39 moa with Barnes factory ammo. Great review!

I'm a big fan of mcarbo spring kits! I put one on each of my Thompson center compass rifles. What a huge difference in accuracy! Especially from a standing position. You should do a video on those! Great video and thank you for your time and hard work.

I own 4 xbolts, one of which is a Hells canyon speed in 7mm-08. Great rifle. I changed the spring in my HCS and I get a 2 pound release every time now. I did change the springs in all my xbolt triggers and now they all break right around 2 pounds. Great shooters that are well worth the money

I've got this exact gun, same calibre. I've found the trigger to be great right out of the box. It's probably the best trigger I've shot to be honest.

Literally just thought about wanting u guys to do a review on this gun

I have this gun in .308. I’ve developed hand loads for it and it shoots 3/8” groups at 100 yards with 130 grain barns ttsx bullets. Mine has a 3lb trigger. Great hunting rifle. Good review guys.

I have a6.5 PRC in this rifle, my trigger adjusted and breaks at just under 3 lbs. , happy with this.

I have 4 Hell's Canyon rifles. I rank them higher than my 3 Bergara B14 and Premiers. I swear that Xbolts shoot every ammo great,...I have never had an issue shooting any ammo accurately out of them. My Bergaras however are super sensitive to ammo, same with my 3 Christensen Arms rifles.

Just got a hunter model today and the trigger out of the box is coming in at 3.02lbs. Have not looked into adjusting it yet. May not if I hit fine with it the way it is. I love the crispness of this trigger, zero creep, and no over travel.

When you compared the Hell's Canyon to the Tika T3x, you could also compare it to it's sister rifle, the Stainless Stalker. I like the stock better than the Tika and then it's got all the rest of the great X-Bolt attributes.

Fully concur with your points about the X-Bolt's trigger, the price point to features comparison, and the accuracy my rifle has produced. For these reasons, I plan to sell my X Bolt SS chambered in .300 WSM for something like an MRC X3 or CA Ridgeline. I will admit, however, I have always been a bit partial to the CRF. On that note, I did short stroke the aforementioned X Bolt on a follow up shot oppurtunity while bear hunting in Alaska. I was thankful for a faithful hunting partner shooting a CRF in .338 WIN MAG that day. Thanks for the great content!

well, it was between the Tikka T3x and the bolt canyon speed... this made it really easy, thanks

Have one in 6.5 prc, .5 inch groups with factory ammo and .25 groups with handloands. Awesome shooting rifle.

Awesome gun, yes minus the "feather trigger". Ive got the Max long range in 300prc that I will be using for elk. I did put a Mcarbro spring in, its under 2lbs now. Now its a "awesome feather" trigger. I really like the 60 degree bolt throw. The finish on the stock does not hold up very well, its brush camo now. As in the brush scratched it all up and it looks like went through the brush. lol. Other than that, super nice rifle.

Regarding those 2 cons, you may get the same features in other makes' packages; those features are not made equally. A Tikka and a Vangaurd is not a Sako and a Weatherby and often people need to be reminded of that. How they stand the test of time is where you'll see your money and that is something Browning has proven for over 120 years. Buy a 300 dollar Savage and the machining tolerances and tooling will reflect that. As far as the trigger weight goes, that higher poundage is "supposed to" prevent a premature shot when the hunter is full of adrenalin and in gross motor skills when they have their chance. I'm sure if this were designed as a bench gun the trigger weight would reflect that..that's my 2C.

I’m so glad I grew up with bb/pellet guns and 22s with crappy triggers in a hunting/shooting culture. I had a good teacher who taught me proper trigger pull. I'm still getting used to these super light triggers on all the centerfires I own now. I did have a gun with a crappy military Mauser trigger in it once and was able to eek out a 3/4" consistent group in 270win. I changed out that trigger with a 2.5lb Dayton Traister for Mauser 98 and my groups shrunk to 1/4-3/8". I was amazed. But my proper trigger pull was still able to achieve sub moa. Better equipment is still not a good replacement for improper technique. My 2 cents.

Good review. Its okay to be critical. Manufacturers may not think so but you are giving the audience what we need. Truth

What you’re getting with the Browning in certain calibers is a tighter twist rate. You can stabilize the heaviest 6.5 bullets in the Browning. You can in the others.

Hey I just ordered macarbo trigger spring 12.95 drop trigger pull to 2

I looked your review. For having both in different caliber, I can talk about it. Tikka , two lug design, 70 degree bolt lift no muzzlebrake. Plastic bolt shroud. Browning, three lug design 60 degree bolt lift. Cerakote,threaded barrel with muzzlebrake included. Accuracy,: Tikka tends to be more accurate but When you find when the Xbolt likes, its even. Weight, put the numbers on the table instead of perception. Trigger, put the numbers on the table instead of perception. Stock: the Browning is way nicer. recoil pad : Browning is better. with the Xbolt you can essily replace the trigger spring with the Mcarbo for ten$ if you dont like the weight ( adjustable) of the factory one. Good job by the way !

I have this gun in a 270 and it shots under 3/4" with Nosler ballasric tip 140 gr bullet everytime. I couldnt be happier with the performance of this gun. Took an elk at 300 yards with one shot. It is a great elk gun.

I am so glad this has not gone unnoticed. They would have the best rifle on the market if they put a decent trigger in their rifles

Good honest review guys. I am looking at this gun now. This helps me make a decision, and I appreciate your honesty.

Had the same problem with the trigger. I got mine to go down by tightening it all the way down and then backing it off to the desired weight. Now it’s a crisp 2.5 lbs. Give that a try before you put new springs in.

Have one in 300wn mag and love it, swings well and on par with my sako Bavarian so cant fault it. Nice review and honest👍

You guys are hilarious! And awesome in your realistic reviews.

lol "Its like 2 tiny peeps........Uh it's a 1/4 pound" haha

Have anX-Bolt Long Range and put the Timmney Triger in it. It is a much needed upgrade. Have it down to 2 pounds. Love the gun, but a $1000 gun should come with a good trigger.

I have a Browning X-Bolt 300 WM and shoot Barnes Vor-TX and it's the first time I've ever shot 2 bullets in one hole. It does have a heavy trigger, but it's so precise and crisp it works for me.

Great video on the X Bolt, I have one myself and I love it. Jim needs to cover the ground in front of him when he shoots prone with a piece of cardboard or whatever before he gets miner's lung from inhaling all that dirt & debris!

This rifle shooting 165 grain Accubonds, Partitions or Barnes TTSX and watch out elk.

I have this gun and it’s amazing!!! Highly recommended.

I bought an x-bolt carbon lite .223. loved the action, features and feel of it! 10 types of ammo tried through it including 3 quick hand loads. It shot 2-4inch groups at 100. I sent it back saying it wasn't right. They fired two 5 shot groups of one ammo type which were 2inches+ and told me it was fine! I traded it in for a tikka - 0.5- 1.5inch groups with the same tested loads. I'll never buy browning again as they don't have an accuracy guarantee.

That was a great comparison and i especially liked the friendly competition at the end.

Yeah I love the browning a-bolt and was never on planning on getting an x-bolt until Sportsman’s warehouse put a 300win mag on clearance for 420 dollars

I like the browning, just not the feel of the stock, and the fierce fierce, but I have 3 Kimbers. A Montana, classic and mtn ascent. I agree with everything you have said about Kimbers. However, when I go Elk Hunting I will pack a Kimber, Weatherby MK V or my lucky Tikka t3 stainless non-x. Don’t think you will go wrong with any choice you make, good luck.

Great perspective & review. We are all eagerly anticipating the last rifle. Do you all intend to put out a visual comparison on paper of the rifles. That will help some of us immensely? Weight, $$$, accuracy, etc... Thank you gents. You guys are a pleasure to follow. Good job.

I thought my Tikka had a cheesy stock too. so I sent mine out to be hydro dipped in a gold snake skin wrap. Its slick now!

Very accurate! I have a 7mm-08. But it will heat up. ♥️ it! Barnes Ammo is awesome. I actually like the forearm grip..

Man, I think the trigger is great. The gun is exceptional. It’s no mil-spec AR trigger for sure.

You guys should review the savage 110 high country

You guys do the best reviews. I buy mostly hunting rifles, so your videos are a great help.

The sting of the ammo shortage is real. Been looking high and low for .270 win.

Browning's Led Feather Trigger .

Now this is a rifle. I have this same rifle in .243 Winchester. Using Hornady Superformance SST 95 gr I consistently shoot 1/2" groups.

I have a Browning X-Bolt FLD .30-06 topped off with a Swarovski Z5 3.5-18x44 P BT held together with Talley scope mounts. I also have a sweet X-Bolt Composite Stalker topped off with Zeiss V4 Conquest 4-14X44 with a custom turret from Kenton Industries designed for the same ammo as I use in the FLD. I am shooting Hornady 150gr SP American Whitetail. It'll shoot sub MOA at 100 yards which is way more than adequate out to 150 to 200 yards. The standard 150gr SP offered by Hornady, Remington, Winchester and others are lethal out to 450 yards after that the loss of energy prevents the bullet from expanding. As far as the trigger you guys have to know that the trigger is set due to liability reasons. If the trigger is not to your liking then you have to spend time on the range so that you become acclimated to the trigger pull. If you read Browning's documentation if you replace the trigger you void the warranty and you are on your own in the event a negligent discharge. You're going to be steadied by a tree, backpack or something to steady the rifle. For most hunters the factor set trigger is fine. Don't screw with the trigger unless you're very well insured.

I have this rifle in 7mm rem mag and it is phenomenal, I have no issue with the trigger pull weight from factory, have a midline vortex viper on it and first grouping after sighting was quarter size. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this rifle again, I just wish they made it in a larger caliber like 338 win mag or 338 lapua

My brother has an XBolt Pro in 300 win mag. He bagged his mule deer and I used it afterward. I bullseyed my mule deer at 330 yards with 12-15 mph cross wind. I would recommend the gun. I'm looking at getting one, but also considering a Fierce Edge after looking at a lot of other models.

I have an x bolt and a tikka. What do you get for the extra $350? A fluted barrel with a muzzle brake, a much better stock, a 3 lug bolt that locks up a lot tighter than the Tikka, and a good magazine compared the the crap mag in the Tikka and 8 screws to mount your scope. My Tikka is lighter and as accurate or more accurate than the x bolt. I like the fit and finish and overall quality feel of the Browning over the Tikka, but the elk and deer are just as dead.

Great video guys. Keep up the good work. Greetings from South Africa!

I like the X-bolt best. The cera-kote and three-lug bolt makes it along with the radial muzzle brake.

Take the spring out, cut one coil off, re-insert, screw all the way down, then back it off. We got 1.88 to 2.2lbs consistently. And, 100% safe. Just like the old A-bolts.

I have the same gun in the same caliber, I get 3/8" groups @100 yards with 168 grain Barnes TTSX handloads. Killed several deer in the last 4 years with it. I was able to get the trigger pull on my gun down to 3lbs

I had a. 308 hunting rifle and it had a 3 oz trigger. The gunsmith said not to mess with it. It was pretty funny to watch people who knew nothing about the trigger ask to shoot it.

Ive got 2 X bolts in 300WM and 25-06, and they shoot excellent groups at every distance i practice at (100-600y). Mine like Nosler ammo

Bergara bolts are smoother. Trigger tech triggers They don't hop at all with a muzzle brake, you see the impact. Best bang for your buck.

Well to answer the question. What you getting for the extra $300 is the option to have a muzzle break or no break, 60 degree bolt throw, free floated barrel, glass bedding in the action, metal trigger guard as opposed to tikka and dura touch stock which helps on wet or snowy days when other synthetics get slick.

I was looking for reviews on this gun today

My x-bolt hells canyon long range, we got it down to 2.5 pounds on trigger. I shoot at 1000 yards with federal cheap ammo which it likes 7mm rem mag. 175 grain. At 100 yard grouping about 1/2- 3/8 inch. When I shoot at 1000 yards recoil is reduced to the point where I see the bullet hitting target thru my scope (leupold mark 4 lr-t 6.5x20x50mm mil dot) just unreal and unbelievable.

Nice review. As a european user of the X-Bolt (.308win Stainless) I can say, that the european trigger pull is much lighter, at around 1100g. Anyways, I replaced the original with a McCarbo spring wich I highly recommend. I tuned it a bit and the trigger breakes at 950g (33oz) A drop test is not a problem. In my optinion the X-Bolt ist the best push feed hunting rifle in it´s pricerange. Shooting 0,5 MOA with my goto 130Ttsx handloads.

Got one in a 300 rum. Love it!

Guys, you are super :), Thanks, I do have Tikka T3x 30-06 Superlite, but shoots better then you are showing 👍

that is SUCH a beautiful gun!

I have 3 of these 6.5 cm, .308, and .300 wm. All great rifles and sub moa.

"Its a really solid polymer mag". I have the A Bolt, circa 1990, and love it. Lots of whitetail and my first elk in '91. But I despise all the plastic that is put on newer rifles these days. You'll save six ounces on your gun, then pack three pounds of electronics in your pack. Sorry, but I like the feel of steel.

The extra $350 gets you a browning sticker on your truck

Love the ending dual , NOW that’s interesting

Completely agree about trigger. I love how it breaks, but mine will bottom out at 4 pounds

As an older hunter 67 and prior military, the trigger is the least of your concerns. Steady hold and breath control are the key to success. PS I also shot NRA high power for years. the minimum trigger pull is 4.5. Achieved Master rating. USN Retired.

Remington and Winchester both claimed that their proprietary triggers were adjustable down to about 2 lb. A trigger pull gauge showed that the screw fell out at around 4 lb. A $160 Timney trigger fixed the issue.

Excellent review/video 👍. I liked the cool battleship targets. Never seen them before.

Originally I could only get my trigger down to 4 pounds. But I turned the adjustment screw all the way down and until it bottomed out and left it for 30 minutes. Now my trigger Pull can easily get to 2 and a 1/2 pounds.

Browning makes good rifles but I've always hated their triggers. I much prefer my Bergara and Trigger Tech triggers on my other rifles. If I could change the Browning trigger to a Trigger Tech, I'd definitely use it more

Guys good job , relevant feedback and comparisons

I have Browning x bolt, a bolt, bars,and I like the trigger pull in all of them. X bolt I adjusted to the 3 lbs it's not bad ,I can live with it. But you will not find a better performing rifle ,the accuracy is always there,if you the shooter are capable. I have used Browning guns for 40 years in trap, hunting, and they never let me down. Remember, Browning, THE BEST THERE IS !

The magazine also removes from the gun nicely, when you pull the front tab it falls right into your hand. I have an Xbolt in .308 and absolutely love it.

I have the X Bolt Varmint/Target 65CM with a Vortex 5-25/50 PST G2. This is the best rifle I own as for short action targets. What most people don’t know is that the Target shooters made the 65 popular. Before that it was the 308 die hards. I do have a M1a which is the most fun to shoot open sights 100 yds Great!

Great review thanks! ,,,all the rifles I own have needed trigger work to be in the 3 lb range and be acceptable.

I’m really surprised that you guys didn’t like the trigger. I bought that same exact rifle this past summer in 6.5 Creedmoor, and I thought it was the nicest, lightest, crispest trigger I ever squeezed!! Perhaps it’s just my personal shooting style and comfort zone I’m not sure. But I really love it. The gun is very comfortable, and fits me perfectly! And with the 140 grain Hornady “Precision Hunter” cartridges, it’s a literal TACK DRIVER! I love mine from A-to-Z ! I don’t like my Leopold scope mounts though. I do want to change them out. What kind of mounts and rings are on that rifle?

That's awesome information thanks 👍👍👍👍👍👍💯💯💯

The one thing I'll say is my dad has had Manny guns old and new. I went and got an xbolt 308 win and it was the best trigger I've ever felt. Idk how heavy it is but it has no travel and it feels like it breaks super easy because of the wall maybe. Idk maybe I need to go shoot it more. It was 1200 for a fully fit scope and ring hunting rifle.

You guys should review a Weatherby Mark 5. Also do a best scope for around $350 review. That would be amazing. Thanks

What are you getting for the extra $350 - The name, Browning!!!! That's about it - I would also throw the Bergara B14 hunting series in this discussion. Excellent review - thank you for your honesty!!!

I can’t remember if I read it somewhere or called in to browning and they said to screw the screw in all the way once then back it out and it will adjust properly, I did that to mine and got it to 2 3/4 pounds, I still don’t prefer the trigger but it is a lot better now.

Any chance you could do one on a Winchester model 70, I like their super grade and featherweight wood better but idk how they shoot next to a tikka or the others?

Appreciate the reviews you guys do, made my choice a lot easier... When with the Browning x bolt Hells canyon speed with Element Nexus scope and the Tikka t3x super lite with Element Titan scope for the wife ... Should be pretty happy I think .. Cheers for the reviews guys 👍

I bought a Tikka T3x 30-06 last year for elk, and I had a terrible time getting it dialed in. The recoil was bad probably because it is such a light weight gun. Looking at the Browning for the 2021 elk season.

Love my X-Bolt Stalker Long Range 30-06.

Mcarbo spring turns this trigger into one of the best triggers I've ever shot. I say it's as good as my timney.

Love y’all’s reviews. I just wish you’d work up handloads to see the real potential. Keep on keeping it real!!!!

I’ve had more than a few xbolts and really like them but I agree and really dislike the trigger. Like you, even after adjusting it’s still hard. I’m keeping one x bolt but that’s it.

Hand load and install a Timney trigger and you have a awesome weapon!