Browning Max Target Competition Heavy Barrel 6GT

[RichardG]

Good morning, been awhile since I've posted. I found the above rifle for a good price as I've been looking for something off the shelf with great accuracy. This rifle looks great on paper (super heavy barrel, and it's a 6GT) but wanted to get you guys' opinion before I got too interested. Primary use will be as a bench rifle just for recreation. Pros, cons? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Tha is,
Richard

 

[Harman117]

If it is a good price, it's probably worth trying out. Not sure how much aftermarket support there is for the X-bolt, something to keep in mind if you like to tinker.

Many on here would recommend looking into a Tikka or saving up more $$ for a low-cost custom option: Zermatt Origin, Aero Solus, Mac Bros EVO II, etc.. You can put something together for not much more than some of the factory options.

 

[RichardG]

If it is a good price, it's probably worth trying out. Not sure how much aftermarket support there is for the X-bolt, something to keep in mind if you like to tinker.

Many on here would recommend looking into a Tikka or saving up more $$ for a low-cost custom option: Zermatt Origin, Aero Solus, Mac Bros EVO II, etc.. You can put something together for not much more than some of the factory options.

Thank you for the reply, the out the door with tax, shipping, etc is a little under 1500. I found triggers for around 200 if I don't like the factory trigger. I can replace the stock with a chassis later if I feel like the factory stock is holding it back. But since I'm not doing any prs or competitions I don't foresee that being a huge issue. What attracted me is the 26" heavy contour barrel and very short bolt throw and it weighs 12 lbs naked.
Building one isn't really an expense issue but time as I work a lot of hours and don't have much free time for research or building one.
I'm leaning towards trying it out.
Thanks again for your reply.
Richard

 

[oldrifleman]

If you are going to replace the stock and trigger, you can spin together a Shouldered prefit onto an Origin action for close to the same price or check the PX for lightly used action.

 

[Darryle]

Price?

Are you going to reload?

 

[Darryle]

Browning X-Bolt Target Max Competition 6.5 Creedmoor

$1042 + shipping

Stock is heavy, with the ARCA rail and spacers installed, 48oz. The Target DLX trigger is fantastic for a factory trigger. The recoil hawg works, I did replace mine with a Terminator T2. Unless you plan to reload, I would choose the 6.5 Creedmoor, and then, I would probably still choose the 6.5.

No chassis for the X-Bolt, even though it's available in Europe. McMillan does make stocks inlet for the X-Bolt and they will save weight. There is no reason to replace the factory stock, it's rigid and fairly adjustable for a factory stock.

 

[RichardG]

Price?

Are you going to reload?

Total is a hair under $1500 with shipping and tax, and yes I do plan on reloading. GA precision has some hornady 6GT in stock for break in. If I get this one I'll get the RCBS matchmaker set that comes with the .266 Bushing, GA precision also carries cases that I'll get. I already have plenty of powder and small primers.

 

[Darryle]

If you are in the Colony, Grab A Gun has in store pickup to save the transfer fee.

 

[Hickswr]

A $1500 browning rifle is never the answer to any question, especially a bench rifle. Let that itch pass to avoid buyers remorse.

 

[Turkeytider]

A $1500 browning rifle is never the answer to any question, especially a bench rifle. Let that itch pass to avoid buyers remorse.

Is it safe to assume that this assertion is based on relatively extensive experience with the particular model Browning rifle mentioned by the OP or a general condemnation of all things Browning?

 

[oldrifleman]

A $1500 browning rifle is never the answer to any question, especially a bench rifle. Let that itch pass to avoid buyers remorse.

I have to agree, You will not be very happy in the long run. Factory barrels always leave a lot to be desired (don't assume a heavy barrel equates to accuracy), triggers and stocks can be less prevalent and you never see X-bolt actions listed in winners lists. I know the thought process, I have gone down this path several times (yes I am a very slow learner) and always end up spending larger sums trying to overcome the limits of the purchased item.

 

[Hickswr]

Is it safe to assume that this assertion is based on relatively extensive experience with the particular model Browning rifle mentioned by the OP or a general condemnation of all things Browning?

I’ve owned numerous browning rifles and they all served their purpose fairly well, hunting rifles costing about half or less of $1500.

There are just so many better options available today for a $1500 bench rifle than a browning. Bench rifle is synonymous for a “tinkering” rifle. Meaningful tinkering is a severe shortcoming of a Browning rifle.

 

[KYAggie]

Building one isn't really an expense issue but time as I work a lot of hours and don't have much free time for research or building one.

The research and testing has already been done for you, not to mention the gross lack of aftermarket support for the Browning. As others have noted, grab an Origin action, a Trigger Tech or Bix-n-Andy trigger, a PVA Osprey barrel or one of the other good prefits like Proof or Criterion, a KRG-B stock and be done with it.

If you don’t want to spin the barrel on, get a barreled action from PVA.

If you buy the Browning and find in the future you want to upgrade, its resale value will be poor. Not so with a Origin.

Browning Target rifles are for people who don’t even know snipershide exists and you have taken yourself out if that category.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[Hickswr]

If you must buy a browning, at least buy the one currently on sale for sub $700 so you won’t lose as much when you sell it.

https://lockedloaded.com/product-details?id=1058753&utm_source=wikiarms&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=deallistings&utm_campaign=wikiarmslistings

 

[Darryle]

Is it safe to assume that this assertion is based on relatively extensive experience with the particular model Browning rifle mentioned by the OP or a general condemnation of all things Browning?

The latter, Browning's aren't cool

 

[RichardG]

The research and testing has already been done for you, not to mention the gross lack of aftermarket support for the Browning. As others have noted, grab an Origin action, a Trigger Tech or Bix-n-Andy trigger, a PVA Osprey barrel or one of the other good prefits like Proof or Criterion, a KRG-B stock and be done with it.

If you don’t want to spin the barrel on, get a barreled action from PVA.

If you buy the Browning and find in the future you want to upgrade, its resale value will be poor. Not so with a Origin.

Browning Target rifles are for people who don’t even know snipershide exists and you have taken yourself out if that category.

Good luck with your choice!

I was hoping for some honest answers and it looks like I got them. I didn't want to make a 1500 dollar mistake. I'm also looking at the ruger rpr custom 6mm creedmoor and the christensen mpr competition is 6mm creedmoor. A little more money but I hear these shoot very well. I'll also look at pva for a complete barreled action. Looks like a long lead time unless I want to pay for rush service. Decisions decisions!!

 

[oldrifleman]

Also check out the PX, there are deals on actions/barreled actions and pretty turn key packages.

 

[KYAggie]

I was hoping for some honest answers and it looks like I got them. I didn't want to make a 1500 dollar mistake. I'm also looking at the ruger rpr custom 6mm creedmoor and the christensen mpr competition is 6mm creedmoor. A little more money but I hear these shoot very well. I'll also look at pva for a complete barreled action. Looks like a long lead time unless I want to pay for rush service. Decisions decisions!!

You will typically find honesty on here, not necessarily delivered in a tactful manner, but honesty non the less. The RPR could be a good choice, they seem to have a good following and after market support is better. I don’t have any experience with the MPR, but others here likely do.

Hopefully others will chime in regarding barreled actions. There are several other well respected companies that offer them, but I’m not sure about lead times. Altus, Bugholes, Keystone Accuracy, etc come to mind, so check around.

 

[Turkeytider]

I’ve owned numerous browning rifles and they all served their purpose fairly well, hunting rifles costing about half or less of $1500.

There are just so many better options available today for a $1500 bench rifle than a browning. Bench rifle is synonymous for a “tinkering” rifle. Meaningful tinkering is a severe shortcoming of a Browning rifle.

Thanks. Just curious.