Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.5 PRC 24in Threaded Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable stock provides 1.25 inches of length-of-pull variance via 3 spacers
- Threaded 24-inch barrel optimizes 6.5 PRC velocity—expect 2950-3050 fps with factory 143gr ELD-X
- Trigger adjusts from factory 3.5 pounds down to approximately 2.5 pounds with supplied tool
- Spiral-fluted bolt reduces friction and sheds debris, 30% smoother cycle than non-fluted models in testing
Trade-offs
- Metric 13x.75mm muzzle threads require an adapter for most common 5/8x24 suppressors—adds $50+ and 0.5 inches
- Fixed 3-round magazine capacity; no factory extended options available for 6.5 PRC
- Sporter contour barrel heats after 3-4 rapid shots, impacting point of impact—not for sustained target strings
- 44-inch overall length makes it cumbersome in dense brush or standard 42-inch rifle cases
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.5 PRC 24in Threaded Rifle is a purpose-built sporting rifle engineered for hunters who demand repeatable accuracy and ergonomic adjustability under field conditions. It pairs a 24-inch threaded sporter-contour barrel with Browning's match-grade trigger system and an adjustable composite stock system that accommodates multiple shooter physiques. This combination positions it between basic hunting tools like the Stevens 334 Rifle and dedicated competition chassis.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.5 PRC 24in Threaded Rifle used for?
The X-Bolt 2 Hunter is engineered for hunting medium to large game at extended ranges where the 6.5 PRC cartridge excels—think elk, mule deer, and pronghorn at distances from 200 to 500 yards. Its 24-inch barrel optimizes the cartridge's high ballistic coefficient projectiles for maximum velocity, while the threaded muzzle and included radial brake allow for suppressor attachment or recoil management. The adjustable stock lets you fit the rifle to multiple users or shooting positions without tools, making it suitable for multi-user households or guides.
How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.5 PRC 24in Threaded Rifle compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The X-Bolt 2 Hunter is a more mechanically sophisticated and adjustable platform than the Stevens 334, justifying its higher price point for serious hunters. While both are bolt-action centerfires, the Browning offers a user-adjustable trigger down to 2.5 pounds of pull, a spiral-fluted bolt for smoother operation, and a stock with 1.25 inches of length-of-pull adjustment via spacers. The Stevens 334 is simpler, cheaper, and 1.7 pounds lighter, making it better for rough backcountry hunts where absolute minimal weight is the priority. The Browning is the clear choice for shooters who value precision tuning and long-range ballistic performance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle ships at 6.8 pounds (108.9 ounces) and measures 44 inches in overall length with the 24-inch barrel. The magazine capacity is 3 rounds of 6.5 PRC ammunition, and the muzzle thread pattern is 13x.75mm (directly compatible with many 5/8x24 adapters). The adjustable stock allows for a length of pull ranging from approximately 13.5 to 14.75 inches, accommodating most adult shooters from smaller-statured individuals to those over 6 feet tall.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious buyers seeking a basic deer rifle for sub-200-yard woods use, where a shorter, lighter, less expensive .308 like the Stevens 334 makes more sense. It's also not ideal for pure long-range target competition—while accurate, the sporter-weight barrel will heat faster than a heavy-contour varmint barrel during extended strings of fire. Finally, hunters who prioritize ultra-lightweight backpack setups may find the 6.8-pound weight and 44-inch length cumbersome compared to dedicated mountain rifles.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with the 3-round detachable magazine installed, the radial muzzle brake threaded and timed (with a crush washer), and a set of three stock spacers for adjusting length of pull. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard scope base (Weaver-style #6-48 screws), but no optics mount, rings, or sling are included—plan for those accessories immediately. The trigger comes factory-set to approximately 3.5 pounds but is adjustable downward by approximately 1 pound using the supplied Allen wrench.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.5 PRC 24in Threaded Rifle worth it at $1039.99?
At $1039.99, this rifle delivers tangible value over entry-level platforms for hunters who will use its precision features, especially its adjustable stock and superior 6.5 PRC chambering. You're paying for a system that can be tuned for multiple shooters and conditions without aftermarket parts, and a cartridge capable of ethical 500-yard shots with proper handloads. If your hunting is primarily inside 250 yards with factory ammo, a simpler Stevens 334 in .243 Win at half the price is the smarter financial choice.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614866558 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036093294 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" Sporter Barrel |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | TUNGSTEN |
| length | 54.0500 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.35 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel has a 13x.75mm metric thread, which is a direct match for Browning's proprietary muzzle devices. To attach most common American-pattern suppressors with 5/8x24 thread pitch, you will need a simple thread adapter from a company like SilencerCo or Dead Air, which adds about 0.5 inches to the overall length and costs $35-75.
- What scope mount does it use?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard two-piece Weaver-style base using #6-48 screws on a 0.830-inch center spacing. I recommend one-piece Picatinny rails from EGW or Warne for maximum rigidity; the Talley Lightweight one-piece base for Browning X-Bolt specifically is a direct-fit option that requires no gunsmithing.
- Can the magazine capacity be increased?
- The factory polymer magazine is a fixed 3-round capacity. Browning currently does not offer higher-capacity OEM magazines for the X-Bolt 2 Hunter in 6.5 PRC. Aftermarket options are extremely limited; assume you are restricted to 3+1 capacity for hunting applications under most state game regulations.
- What is the thread pattern for the muzzle?
- The muzzle is threaded 13x.75mm (approximately 0.512x29.5 TPI), which is Browning's standard metric pattern for many of their centerfire rifles. The included radial muzzle brake uses this thread and is timed with a standard crush washer, so removal requires a 13mm crowfoot wrench or specific suppressor adapter tool.