The Browning X-Bolt- Review

The Browning X-Bolt rifle is one of the gun maker's newer offerings. I took a brand new specimen out to the ranch this past weekend for a trial run with the intention of reporting my experiences to you should you be in the market to purchase a new rifle. Of course, I do not work for any gun maker nor do I have any deal with any company. I traded a Savage 116 in 7mm mag for this Browning in .270 and will be using it as my "across the canyon" long distance provider in the 2017-2018 deer season in Edwards County, Texas.

 My first impression was "Wow! It's purdy!" It has beautiful sleek lines and curves. The stock is ergonomically designed making it very comfortable to handle. The action is buttery smooth and the gold plated trigger is a nice touch in presentation. 

Mounting a scope on the Browning is a little more involved that that of a Savage, which is too easy. On the Browning, unless you use the base/ring set BY Browning, it will take a little finesse and patience. I bought Leupold bases and rings. It took some doing to get the rings on the bases lined up so they would receive the scope properly. I believe that the Browning all in on piece rings/base set is about $50 - $60 and you can't get it wrong. The Leupold bases and rings cost me about $50 from Academy. If I had it to do all over again, I would make sure of exactly which Browning ring/base set my gun needed and order from Amazon.  With the Browning set it 8 screws and off the the range.

 For my test I used cheap no name ammo. I found that the rifle shot sub MOA groups effortlessly. The trigger is very pleasant and crisp and the luxurious butt/recoil dampening pad has a jell like substance inside that made shooting the X-Bolt very nice. 

I am very pleased with my new rifle and highly recommend the X-Bolt to anyone who is looking for a high quality rifle that doesn't have a Tupperware stock but is by no means a safe queen that you are afraid to put in the field.

-Steve Smith- 
HillBilly Mojo 
Stay Wild & Free

The X-Bolt uses a detachable magazine