Accurizing an X-Bolt

[@aklaunch]

Yeah... You are the best. Very few people get my respect like you do. Thanks for all the good videos. You can stop making them anytime. Someday the crowd will figure out about this channel. A Lot of content exists that can help many people. It takes a bunch of time, thought, preparation and concentration to do things like a professional.

[@shoothuntride9456]

As always, quality video. Appreciate the work you do! I had an interesting experience with my xbolt trigger. Like you mentioned, I could not get the trigger pull to drop hardly at all even unscrewing the screw all the way. Was pretty let down. Then I read on a forum somewhere to tighten the adjustment screw all the way in to just slightly snug. Then start unscrewing it and the pull weight should drop. It worked. I don’t have a tool to measure trigger weight but, I got the weight set where I like it and still had room to go a little lower. Worth a try for someone having the issue. I really like the trigger now. No creep or grittiness. Nice clean break. Very comparable to a Timney trigger I have in a different rifle.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I used the MCARBO trigger spring on my cheap Savage Axis. It took my rifle from consistently shooting 2 inch groups down to half MOA. It took it from a 6 pound trigger down to a 2 pound trigger. Also I love the performance of the Hammer bullets. I'm getting .3 inch groups with the 92 gr Hammer Hunter bullets in my 257 WBY. I'm getting 3880 FPS, what velocities are you getting in your 25-06?

[@radagastthefool6661]

A couple of years ago I bought a x bolt pro with the carbon stock. I changed the trigger spring to make it lighter and made an adjustable cheeck rest. I love the damn thing.

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

That came out great! I’ve never had one, that tang situation and half cut out pillar would drive me crazy though. Have a great weekend DD!

[@DerekMichaelAnderson]

So little on this particular rifle and you’re out here dropping gems! Underrated but I’m sure not for long. Thanks for the content!

[@bobross3215]

I see you spared no expense on your bedding compound, I half expected you to use JP weld on the bedding job after watching your video on bedding compounds. Keep up the good work on your videos I can appreciate the informative and educational value of them also entertainment this video will probably be one of the most informative videos on the X bolt out there at least that I’ve seen so far. it pretty much sums up the aftermarket situation of the X bolt, what you did to upgrade your X bolt is pretty much the farthest extent I personally would go if at all, when I look at a X bolt it’s a one and done thing for me.

[@daveaver]

Nice bedding job. I misaligned a Boyd’s in my past (pillar). Wasn’t perfect so I sold it with the caveat. Great video DD.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

As you found out, it's very easy to misalign a stock while pillar bedding.

[@michaelrihel9584]

Man, great gun and video, I recently, well in the last year have been working on upgrading a savage axis .25-06. My upgrades included the MCARBO spring kit and boyds stock also in coyote. The stock has one pillar installed and the mag catch acts as another pillar. I shoot H4350 with 100 grain barnes TTSX and it is a tack driver. I'm still getting just under 3300 FPS with I believe 52 grains of powder out of a 22" barrel. At 300 yards, I had a 1-3/4" 3 shot group.. The reason I tell you all this is because you answered one of my questions earlier this year in one of your videos. I really appreciated that and wanted to tell you I really enjoy your content!

[@ASimao71]

Bang! There it is... So... The XBolt can be accurized! Don't own one, but friends do. Now, I can help them! Thank you, Sir for sharing! 👍👍

[@davevancise]

Great video! I just bought a new X Bolt this past weekend. My first one at 57 yrs old. Your video is so well done. Thank you sir! you have another sub

[@paulsimmons5726]

Great job of explaining the modifications and how to achieve better results. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience!

[@BobK-d7x]

Loved you video. I just pillar bedded my X-bolt synthetic stock before doing my Boyd's stock. I purchased some 1/4 inch ID steel sleeves, 3/8 inch OD. I used a 3/8 inch cone shaped burr in my drill press to enlarge the factory mounting holes, resulting in a perfect press fit. Also, rear sleeve required no cutting. It clears the magazine.

[@swampdonkey3278]

Thanks for the video and passing on the knowledge I have went through these issues with my xbolts and had to find out the hard way I hope this will help other

[@mikesteenblik8085]

My Xbolt 2 is shooting 3/4" groups from the box with Hornady 175 gr ELD-X ammo and 2 piece base on the Vortex Scope as I'm still waiting from my 20moa base to ship. I was able to set the trigger to 3lbs.... I couldn't be more happy with a purchase of a rifle than my 7prc Xbolt.

[@zacktaylor3441]

Great video DD. Thanks for the thoughtful organization and step by step instructions. Ive always liked the x-bolt even though its ugly compared to the model 70s and mauser 98s that hold my heart.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I agree.

[@currituck]

I also agree. My 1985 A Bolt Medallion looks so much nicer and feels bettter. I also don`t like the trends towards these skinning tapered forends on the new stocks.

[@danryan3146]

Just brought an X-bolt hunter .308 today for a moose hunt in the fall. Very informative video.

[@CZ49]

First thing. Ensure stock /receiver screws are torqued to spec. While doing so check if the receiver moves vertically when fore or rear screws are torqued. Check at the barrel / forend joint. If it moves the last 1/4 turn, then bed the action. Shims can be used to check for high or low bed. Make sure the trigger parts are clean. Desert Dog knows the deal.

[@Xbolt1969]

I absolutely love my Browning xbolt Huntet in 300wsm.

[@chaddfry5345]

Excellent video!

[@falba1492]

I’d like to mention that in an Europe article I read some years ago (I cannot remember the periodical), they stated that Europeans demanded a much lighter trigger pull form the X-Bolt. In turn, Browning designed the trigger for a 2 lbs pull. Even so, the biggest complain in Europe with the X-Bolt, is the trigger.

[@dependsonwhoyouask9574]

I like how he just comes out and says “can be a real pain in the ass” blunt and funny

[@Superbison-t1d]

I installed a Mcarbo spring and it’s 2 lbs consistently on my xbolt Love it.

[@mdirtydogg]

Thank you for another instructional video.👍🏼

[@kurtwilhelm3823]

Your videos are fantastic!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Thank you.

[@johnfrederikson2002]

nice job, thanks J

[@johnmollet2637]

Great video DD, as always I learned a thing or two. Had to believe that model is already 15 years old, where does the time go?

[@jonhagar4171]

Love All your videos.

[@t.dizzle6386]

Fantastic video! Thank you

[@Lucysdad66]

My A-bolt stainless stocker is perfect right out of the box it is a 270wsm with the boss system and will put three barnes tsx130 under one inch at 200 yards and i have 4 sako's that won't do that.

[@jackbuendgen389]

I wonder if that's the big reason why people fawn over the Tikka rifles. They shoot pretty good out of the box but have lots of after market support

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Tikka became very popular back when they were a great bargain at under $500. Now they are overpriced. People fawning over them don't know any better.

[@jackbuendgen389]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 I agree.

[@misterlewgee8874]

I own xbolt predator hunter in 204, synthetic stick. I did the spring change and I still don't like the trigger...it's not gritty...its very useable...but I'm bit spoilt with lighter Timney single stage on rem 788 and Bix n Andy tacsport pro 2 stage. I'm being finicky for sure...but...I disliked it enough to order a Jard with the extra springs...so I could change them to suit....but....they never arrived. Now I'm not sure if to sell it or get gunsmith to improve the trigger.... Bought extra magazines,5 and 10 round....I'd probably lose half the money spent if I sell. Liked your bedding work with the blind screws in action. My gunsmith promotes "point bedding"...just rear of recoil lug and rear screw ..to give action relief....no judgement... I'd love to be able to get a very light 2 stage trigger to help with finer longer range shots for the xbolt. Another great video. Thank you.

[@Rippinsmallies]

I have a 243 Browning xbolt medallion, and love it. Accept my triggers a little tough. I have a Thompson Center Encore And if I could get my browning like that I would be happy. My Thompson center trigger is always surprising me.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Get the Mcarbo spring.

[@dansaver8247]

Good video. Thank you.

[@Chuck1284-]

Great video, especially on bedding the action. I had a Timney trigger that I got for mine but went with the Mcarbo spring instead when I figured out the bolt lock issue. I damaged the factory hunter stock when it got dropped during a hunt and I replaced it with a Boyd's which I'm very happy with, still sub-MOA. Lemme ask you - are pillars a must to bed these rifles or is bedding w/o them a bad idea? TIA

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

If it's shooting sub MOA consistently right now, you can leave it as is. Eventually though, the wood will start to compress and pillars are a better long-term solution.

[@briansteele1378]

Highly recommend MCARBO spring kit, best $15 I've ever spent.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

But if you have a gritty trigger that has overtravel or doesn't break cleanly; The M*Carbo spring will not fix that.

[@briansteele1378]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 I think a lot of the gritty triggers stem from the overspray on the models that have cerakote such as Hells Canyon.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

@@briansteele1378 I had to polish the sear on this gun (standard hunter model), due to a rough surface.

[@rosswitte]

Thanks for sharing this video.

[@Cedarsunrun]

Would love you to do the X Bolt 2! Just ordered one

[@the_watcher_abc]

I have an xbolt in 300wm that shoots 3 to 6 inch groups with the most expensive store bought match ammo. When a friend hand loads for me with H1000 powder and Sierra match bullets I can get 1/2 inch groups. Any ideas on how I can get it to shoot store bought better? I like everything about this gun except it’s lack of accuracy, otherwise I would have gotten rid of it years ago.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

All barrels are going to like or hate certain ammo (barrel harmonics). If you don't handload to find the right accuracy node, you need to test various types of factory ammo until you find one your gun likes.

[@dongonzales7077]

Great video

[@mr.mr.3301]

I had a tikka I could not get below 3lbs and most trigger springs are below 2 lbs. I took the spring out to see if there is an issue and there was not. So I screwed the trigger spring down for about 24 hours and it lightened the trigger where I needed it.

[@22vampyre]

Superb video!👍

[@lordzlomek]

Awesome video. Really appreciate. Could you please tell me what was the internal and outer diameter for the back and front pillars? The commercially available pillars look very, very beefy and I'm a bit reluctant to drill a big hole in my stock. Also, do you remember what was the length of your pillars? Did they have a direct contact with the receiver or did you make them a bit shorter and have the bedding compound flow between the pillars' top and the receiver?

[@jeffhuffman6136]

Nice bedding job and video

[@Davis18361]

Have much experience with weatherby and the Mark V? Would love to see some content there

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

@@Davis18361 I don't believe the quality is worth the price.

[@igorchumakov7584]

For this price Tikka the best! Franchi is super good! Good luck!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

The Tikka is an inferior rifle compared to the X-bolt .

[@jamesmooney5348]

Almost makes me want two an X-Bolt (two speed) but don't another bang bang

[@longstar550]

Bell and carlson makes a great stock option

[@rockylavigna5977]

Why does Browning button rifle when most go cold hammer forged? Is that a concern?

[@lylewalters909]

Sold.

[@nancyfazenbaker3567]

Desert Dog this is off topic but i hear in many of your videos about you "drawing a tag" in CA. Where i hunt in the mountains of western Maryland and West Virginia, in both states we simply buy our tags. For example if you want to hunt deer with a muzzleloader you just buy a black powder stamp and same for archery. What does it mean to draw a good tag in California? Is it some kind of lottery similar to Maryland bear hunting where only so many tags are given? Big fan of your videos!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

California is a huge state that is mostly public land (same with most western states). In the west, land is broken into huge zones or units for hunting. The wildlife in each zone or unit is managed differently accounting to factors such as herd health, carrying capacity, rut times, or areas of environmental concern. Some zones have easy over the counter general tags; but those zones are very overcrowded and the success rate and genetics are usually bad. Then there are premium zones, which only a limited amount of tags are available, and tags are distributed by a drawing. To complicate things, these drawings often use "points" that hunters can collect over the years to improve their odds. In the zones I applied for, bucks are all 5.5 years and at least big 4x4s; and the success rate is 50%. In the general zone I had to hunt this year, bucks are very small and rarely get bigger than a 2x2; and the success rate is 7%.

[@misterlewgee8874]

Re X bolt trigger. I've replaced the trigger spring with a lighter spring sold as such for Xbolt. I find it's still too heavy...I'm used to lighter 2 stage aftermarket triggers on my other rifle...or Timney 1 stage adjusted to be reasonably light. So I'm now dissatisfaction with the XBolt...makes it harder to take an accurate shot quickly off a tripod etc. Do you have any suggestions? 1.polish sears carefully? 2. Lighter shorter spring with longer grub screw? Happy to hear any suggestions. Thanks

[@Superbison-t1d]

I have .007 between barrel at the front of the stack is enough .?

[@jeremiahthompson43]

Have a 25 wssm in a browning x bolt hunter. Can not shoot it accurately . Any advice???

[@REDNECKROOTS]

Ill buy it. Seriously

[@samrichards589]

I have one in .308 I literally can’t get a group over 1.5 inches with all ammo. Most are 1 inch groups or less

[@REDNECKROOTS]

Surprised you dont recommend the xbolt pro. Tgat comes factory w a classic hunter style stock. But its carbon fiber. Best verson xbolt is the pro carbon i feel.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Even if I had that version, I'd still pillar bed it and do trigger work.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

@desertdogoutdoors1113 nice. I actually thought the pro was pillar bedded already. 😆 that's a big negative! Well I kno what my next project is. 😏 thanks for pointing this out to me.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

@@REDNECKROOTS I might be wrong, but I thought the only Xbolt with pillars was the version with the McMillin stock.

[@REDNECKROOTS]

@desertdogoutdoors1113 no your right. I just assumed it was cuz it cost arm n a leg. But it's not. Soon to remedy that though. 😆

[@tonkatoyzz1]

would you say a m70 and mauser 98s are a more superior rifle compared to the xbolt.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

A CRF M70 is definitely a better design. A 98 with a 3-position wing safety is also better IMO.

[@chrispy398]

Hate how the xbolt has a plastic mag, makes it feel like junk to me

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

It's probably the most durable plastic magazine ever made.

[@chrispy398]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 and I’ll take a steel mag over it any day lol. I got an xbolt and that’s what makes me want to sell it

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

@@chrispy398 What hunting rifle comes with an all-metal detachable mag these days?

[@chrispy398]

@@desertdogoutdoors1113 pricey ones 😂

[@HerrGesetz]

GRS stocks look terrible! Never owned one but I wouldn't just because of the appearance. You can't beat a good slim hardwood, laminate or composite pillar bedded stock.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I agree

[@ronsroom]

Check out the GRS Hunter light. It’s their wood laminate option. I got one to replace my black plastic xbolt stalker stock. It’s gorgeous and I really like the offset grip.

[@falba1492]

@@ronsroomI did the same with a Stainless Stalker, in 300 H&H, I set up for ELR. I also use it for the occasional boar hunt. I love it, and I like the added weight for the extra recoil.

[@rocketshipsoapys]

Made in turkey now

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

I don't know who told you that, but you should stop listening to them; and DEFINITELY stop repeating what they tell you. The X-bolt (even the new X-Bolt 2) is still made at the Miroku factory in Japan. I'm holding a new X-Bolt 2 right now that says "MADE IN JAPAN BY MIROKU" on the left side of the receiver.

[@ckiefner715]

I didn’t even know they still made $100 bills and you had three of them.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

Even today, the $100 bill is the most common bill in circulation, and is printed in larger abundance than any other bill.

[@KevinBrown-r7d]

That one still looks like it came out of a hot glue gun.

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

it is real epoxy, unlike most factory bedding. That's pretty much as good as it gets for a factory rifle (which is why I bed all my personal rifles myself).

[@larrymac1700]

Sold my x-bolt because of the plastic magazine,I’m old and old school so I went back to my 1980 Remington model 700!

[@desertdogoutdoors1113]

That is a huge downgrade IMO.

[@dawwlo]

​@@desertdogoutdoors1113couldn't have said it better 💪