Browning X-Bolt 2 Series — SHOT Show 2024

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Browning’s X-Bolt 2 series has something to offer for various shooting styles. The action is smoother and bedded, the new stock is completely customizable, and the new magazine options keep your bullets’ precision unmarred.

Check out this review of the former model.

Close up view of the X-Bolt 2's bolt. and magazine.
The X-Bolt 2 has added surface area for guiding the bolt to make it smoother.

Bedded Action

This action was already smooth, but Browning added a little more surface area to help guide the bolt more smoothly. Plus, the action is now bedded at the recoil lug and the action screws, which also free-floats the barrel.

Internal Adjustable Stock

Browning paid attention to the aesthetics of a hunting rifle and gave this Vari-Tech stock many chassis-like features without making it look like a Lego build. The butt pad has shims that are added internally to adjust the length of pull. Similarly, the cheekpiece has six adjustments you can do, but they are all inside the stock.

Each gun comes with two grip options. One is a slimmer, classic sporter profile, while the other is a vertical competition-style grip. These are user-swappable.

At the front end, you can remove the forend and there are cutouts for pic rails or Arca rails. But you don’t have to see all that stuff every time you look at the gun, and the stock remains trim and smooth.

SEE ALSO: Super Affordable 2011s from SDS Imports — SHOT Show 2024

Close up view of the butt stock's adjustments.
This stock has windows cut to show the shims and adjustable comb.
Close up of the pistol grip.
You can use this vertical grip or a slimmer sporter profile.
Exploded view of all the stock adjustments.
Close up view of the new box magazine.
This new Plus magazine option prevents bullet deformation during recoil.

Detachable Plus Magazine

The Browning X-Bolt 2 includes options with a new single-stack box magazine. They call it the Plus magazine and it is a center-feed design.

It also has the shoulder holding feature from the rotary magazines that keeps the bullet from slamming forward during recoil, which can deform the bullet or seat it deeper in the case. This magazine helps you be more accurate by keeping your bullets precisely seated.

Other New Features

All X-Bolt 2 rifles come with a muzzle brake, but the new Recoil Hawg brake is standard with some models. Likewise, you can also order a carbon fiber barrel from Preferred Barrels.

close up view of the end of the barrel with the Recoil Hawg brake.
The Recoil Hawg is a new brake that eats recoil.
Close up view of the barrel and branding.
Carbon fiber barrels from Preferred Barrels are available.

Browning’s X-Bolt 2 series rifles come in various setups, but they all include the same excellent action and trigger system. They will begin shipping in March 2024, and the MSRP starts at $1,500.

Specs

The specs shown are for 6.5 Creedmoor. Other calibers include .308, 6.5 PRC, 6.8 Western, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .300 PRC.

Action Length Short ActionCaliber 6.5 Creedmoor
Barrel Length 18Overall Length 38
Length of Pull 13.625-ADJDrop at Comb ADJ
Drop at Heel ADJWeight 6 lbs 3 oz
Magazine Capacity 4Twist Rate 7
Barrel Finish Smoked Bronze CerakoteStock Finish Ovix
Receiver Finish Smoked Bronze CerakoteChamber Finish Polished
Barrel Material SteelBarrel Contour Sporter SR
Stock Material CompositeRecoil Pad Inflex 1, 1.25
Checkering Textured Grip PanelsSling Swivel Studs Matte Blued
Receiver Material SteelTrigger Finish Gold Plated
Bolt Slide Finish High GlossMagazine Type Detachable
Muzzle Threading 5/8 – 24 SRTrigger Material Alloy
Trigger Guard Material AlloyTrigger Guard Engraving Buck Mark in Gold
Floor Plate Material CompositeDrilled and Tapped for Scope Yes
MSRP$1,499.99

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About the author: Levi Sim Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work and he’d love to connect on Instagram: @outdoorslevi

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