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The Test
The testing took place over two days at Tamarack Preserve in Millbrook, NY. All shooting was done at 100 yards except for the Walther air rifle, which was shot at 10 meters, which is just under max range for air rifles.
Everything in .30/06, .308, or .223 was shot with Federal Match ammo. This simplified matters, and if a gun won't give its best results with this stuff, it probably can't shoot anyway. The Browning X-bolt was fed Winchester Supreme 130-grain Ballistic Silvertips and 140-grain Nosler Accubonds. The Walther Falcon shot RWS Superdome .22 pellets. We used a variety of scopes, made by Bushnell, Zeiss, Leupold, and Nikon.
Each rifle fired three three-shot groups for record, each tester shooting one group. If any of us felt that he had shot a poor group, or had pulled a shot, we discounted it. All rifles were checked for trigger weight, general function, fit and finish, and personal hygiene.-- David E. Petzal
Winner
Browning X-Bolt Hunter .270 WSM
DON'T THINK OF this as a restyled A-Bolt. This is a new firearm, and as high above the A-Bolt as heaven is of hell. Its styling is modern—a combination of sharp angles and sweeping curves—and it works. The receiver is curved so that the detachable plastic magazine blends with its contours.
The Feather Trigger, which broke at 3 pounds even and had a terrific pull, was consistent to a degree I had not seen before in a factory rifle. The Inflex Technology recoil pad is a sensual delight. There's a target crown on the barrel, and the action is glass-bedded, all of which pays off in superior accuracy.
Four versions are available: the Composite Stalker, Hunter, Medallion, and Stainless Stalker. Prices vary, from $800 to $1,000.
There is a new sheriff in town. · 800-333-3288 · browning.com
Caliber: .270 WSM
Weight: 6 lbs 11 oz.
Barrel length: 23"
Stock: Satin finish walnut
OTHER TESTER PICKS
Walther Falcon Hunter Edition
The first air rifle we've ever had entered, the Hunter is a single-cock spring gun that comes with a good trigger, terrific iron sights, and a variable-power scope. • umarexusa.com
Calibers: .22 or .25
Weight: 8.25 lbs
Barrel length: 19.75 inches with built-in muzzle brake
Stock: Synthetic, camo
Remington 700 VTR
The 700 VTR has a barrel triangular in cross-section and an integrated muzzle brake. It's a very innovative gun, but its trigger is too heavy for a varmint gun. • remington.com
Calibers: .204, .223, .22/250, .308
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Barrel length: 22 inches; built-in muzzle brake
Stock: Synthetic with overmolded grips and vent holes in fore-end
Sako A7
This superaccurate rifle is designed to sell for considerably less than Sako's regular lineup. It has modern styling, an excellent adjustable trigger, and loads of class. • beretta.com
Calibers: .22/250, .243, 7mm/08, .308, .270 WSM, .25/06, .270, .30/06, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag.
Weight: 6 ½ to 6 ¾ pounds, depending on action length
Barrel length: 22 ½ or 24 3/8 inches
Stock: Synthetic
Marlin XL-7 (BEST VALUE!)
Everyone loved this bolt gun. The XL7 is light and very accurate, with a fine trigger. It is not something you have to baby, and it comes in black or camo. • marlinfirearms.com
Calibers: .270, .25/06, .270
Weight: 6.5 lbs
Barrel length: 22 inches
Stock: Synthetic, black or camo
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