X-Bolt 2 Heritage
Drawing from its predecessor, the Browning A-Bolt, the X-Bolt rifle added some more modern features while preserving the best of the A-Bolt design. I’ve had a few experiences with both over the years and was impressed. The smooth action and short bolt throw make these rifles pleasant to shoot, and with easy feeding, they are always ready for action.
The release of the X-Bolt 2 brought an incredible diversity of products, with too many models to mention here. Rest assured there is a model for everyone’s taste, whether it be walnut or polymer, steel or titanium. You can get an X-Bolt 2 with a carbon-fiber barrel, McMillan stock, AICS magazine, and many other options, with applications for nearly any shooter.
Generational Changes
Some of the changes on the new X-Bolt go beyond simply different configurations. The X-Bolt 2 action at the heart of the rifle received a restructuring, adding material in various places to increase strength, along with additional support of the bolt in its stroke for even smoother operation. Changing the bolt knob for better purchase and adding flutes and other facets to the bolt body improved the feel.
Also new in this generation is the DLX trigger, which has adjustable weight with no creep or overtravel. The composite Vari-Tech stock is also adjustable and handsomely finished with Browning’s Ovix camouflage. The soft Inflex recoil pad helps with heavier recoiling calibers.
Perhaps one of my favorite improvements of the X-Bolt 2 is the belled muzzle, with industry-standard thread pitches allowing you to install your favorite muzzle devices. My previous experience with an X-Bolt required a thread adapter to use my suppressor, but that isn’t necessary here. This X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR model also comes with a radial muzzle brake to reduce recoil.
Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Win
- Barrel Length: 18 inches
- Overall Length: 38 inches
- Length of Pull: 13.625 inches, adjustable
- Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces
- Capacity: 4+1
- Muzzle Threading: 5/8x24 TPI
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MSRP: $1,569.99
Configuring the X-Bolt 2
The Vari-Tech stock of the X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR can be adjusted for length of pull and comb height, but neither is what I would call quick or field-adjustable. Both require tools and removing the rubber buttpad. This is a small concern considering that you don’t need to adjust those things often, and it’s also a great feature not seen on many other rifles this style.
Upon inspecting the X-Bolt 2 after disassembly, I was even more impressed. Aside from the adjustable buttstock, you can replace the rubberized grip from a sporter angle to a more vertical-style grip. Pulling a screw from under the action, they are easily swapped. I greatly preferred the vertical grip, so it went in place for the duration of the test.
I also noticed the factory bedding job, which is a great way to improve the marriage of action and stock, generally helping accuracy. I also like the four-bolt attachment of the scope bases – double what most scope bases use.
My Kit
Hunting the deserts and mountains of the western U.S. can often be feast or famine. The X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR seems to be made for just such country. John M. Browning himself used to traverse these same mountains, so I wanted to optimize the rifle that bears his name.
A rifle like this one deserves a good companion optic like my Vector Optics Continental 2-12x44. The Continental offers bright and clear images, a sharp focus, and an excellent turret system for long-range shooting. I attached the scope using a pair of Nightforce medium 34mm rings.
I also added a Harris SL bipod for supported shooting. It’s a simple option that works for me. For transporting the rifle, I attached a Quake Industries rubberized sling. It’s simple, light, and its rubber exterior keeps it from slipping off your shoulder.
Lastly, a Banish Backcountry titanium suppressor would make this Browning a bit more polite. The light weight would also keep the rifle easy to move through the high Rocky Mountains.
On the Firing Line
I brought a spread of ammo from different manufacturers: Hornady 155 Black and 150-grain American Whitetail, Barnes VORTX 130-grain, and some DTM 175-grain Match. With everything together and the scope bore-sighted, I laid on my shooting mat and set up my Athlon Chronograph. With a few adjustments, I had a good zero and fired a few three-shot groups at 100 yards.
Removing the three-round magazine from the rifle is done by pulling a small lever at the front of the magwell. The lever is recessed enough to not be exposed; this avoids accidental release. The polymer magazine uses a paddle-like follower to push the cartridges up. Each cartridge is easy to press in and slide to the back of the magazine. The slippery plastic surface makes the cartridges glide easily.
The bolt on this rifle feels great. The smooth contact and short throw make it easy to run the bolt quickly. I love three-lug actions for their short throw. The trigger felt immaculate, so I saw no reason to adjust it. Others said it felt heavier than needed, but I think it’s fine as it came.
The tang-mounted safety has two positions clearly marked in the typical fashion. When the safety is engaged, the bolt is locked in the closed position. If you need to operate the bolt while on safe, you can push the button at the base of the bolt handle to open the bolt. On the left side of the rifle, you’ll find the bolt release.
Accuracy Testing
The X-Bolt seemed to prefer the Barnes 130-grain and the 175 Match ammo over the others. Both produced sub-MOA groups, more than accurate enough for most hunting. My first group with the 175 Match measured under .4 MOA, which immediately sent my eyes searching downrange.
I quickly punched the data into my ballistic program and turned to an opposing canyon face that represented almost exactly the kind of shot we often get during a deer hunt. In fact, we have shot several bucks on that very face. I picked out a small white stone exposed by the melting runoff. The wet dirt around it would be perfect for spotting impacts. A quick glance through the rangefinder said 430 yards, and I adjusted the turret on my scope.
Holding a touch into the breeze, I fired a shot that pounded the small rock into the soft dirt. Reloading, I repeated the process with the same impact. Next, reaching to 715 yards gave the same satisfying result.
On another trip into the high country, I shot the X-Bolt 2 as far as 1,043 yards. The thin air required a correction to avoid hitting high, and of course there was wind to consider. That said, the vertical stringing was minimal, and had the wind not been against me, I could have hit a 1-MOA target at that distance repeatedly.
Pros and Cons
I’ve spent days hiking around these Rocky Mountains with the X-Bolt 2 on my shoulder, picking and shooting one target after another as described above. I had a hard time finding something to dislike about this rifle. I suppose if you can’t afford a rifle like this, you might put that as a problem. I also wish it had dual front sling studs for both a sling and bipod.
On the positive side, there is a great deal to mention. The adjustable Vari-Tech stock and its features are about as nice as you can expect before stepping up to fiberglass or carbon fiber. The improved action feels fantastic and handles cartridges flawlessly. The trigger and other controls are crisp and easy to operate, and the magazine system is smooth-feeding and intuitive in its control.
With so many variants of the X-Bolt 2, you can pick one that will fit into your shooting practices. And perhaps the most important feature, at least for me, is the sub-MOA accuracy and often half-MOA or better.
Last Words
Having spent some good time with the Browning X-Bolt 2, I can say with confidence that it would fit right into my collection. I would happily take this rifle on just about any hunt here in the wide-open West.
With a street price of around $1,400, I find the Speed SPR model to be a great option. It brings all the classic Browning quality that fans are after, but not without the feature-rich innovation modern hunters crave. I look forward to putting this little rifle to work once the cold bite of fall grips these mountains.
