I cant speak to the Winchester but I love my browning x-bolt it is an amazing shooter right out of the box. No there isn't an after market trigger but the stock trigger is amazing so who cares. It is my favorite to shoot and actually new shooters I bring out love it as well, it makes them feel like they are better than they are lol.

I have to 20" Atacs in .223 with the medium heavy barrel.

 

The winchester model 70 in super grade with maple wood stock is my pick. Walnut is a classic and great, but the maple looks so much better. It might not look that great in the online pictures, but in person and up close it's really awesome. It has almost like a tiger stripe pattern to the wood grain.

 

That's an easy pick for me ..........the Super Grade all day, every day.

 

I would get the Browning because it handles better for me.

 

I love Browning Shotguns, but for rifles, i would have to give the nod to the Winchester.

 

If you watch deluxe how can you beat the Super Grade? With the shadow line cheek, inleted sling swivels, sharp checking, beautiful high grade walnut, ebony tip,*jeweled bolt, engraved steel crossbolts and deep blue finish. I just wish they haden`t switched the red but pad to black.

The only choice is caliber.

Did I mention that they can really shoot too.

 

I own Model 70 and X-Bolt rifles. The X-Bolts are a more modern design whereas the M70 is a more traditional design. They both work extremely well. The Brownings are more accurate and IMO better put together but there's a certain Old School Cool about the Model 70 that can't be ignored.

I'm not a fan of high gloss fancy stocked rifles. I just can't get comfortable taking them to the field. I wanted a 300H&H and I had to choose between a Browning Safari Medallion X-Bolt and a synthetic stocked stainless X-Bolt. I chose the plain Jane version because I wanted a hunting rifle not a safe queen but the Safari Medallion was a gorgeous rifle.

If aesthetics is the main goal I'd pick the M70 Super Grade in maple. It's an awfully good looking rifle. OTOH, Browning also makes maple versions of the X-Bolt and they're good looking rifles too.

It's a Cadillac problem. Either one will be a great choice.

 

American vs Japan

The Winchester is made by FN in USA. The Browning is made in Japan.

That's a no brainer for me. I choose USA made whenever I can.

 

Love my pre-64 70. Gold standard for deer hunting for me.

 

I would go with the Winchester Model 70 w/walnut stock. I love a good bluing job (ie: not matte). It has a lot of features that usually only show up on much more expensive rifles at a very decent price.