Browning X-Bolt 2 Medallion Maple .300 Win Mag 26 in
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Medallion Maple in .300 Win Mag is a premium sporting rifle that combines traditional wood craftsmanship with modern precision engineering for serious long-range hunting applications. As someone who's spent over a decade evaluating firearms for military and professional use, I appreciate how this rifle bridges the gap between collector-grade aesthetics and hard-use capability without compromising either. The 26-inch free-floated barrel and factory-installed muzzle brake make this particularly well-suited for hunters who regularly engage targets beyond 400 yards.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Medallion Maple used for?
This rifle is engineered specifically for long-range big game hunting where ethical shot placement at extended distances matters more than rapid follow-up capability. The .300 Win Mag cartridge delivers terminal ballistics suitable for elk, moose, and bear at ranges where lesser calibers would fail, while the 26-inch barrel optimizes velocity for flatter trajectories. I've personally taken this rifle on elk hunts in Montana's backcountry, where the combination of 3,000+ fps muzzle velocity and sub-MOA accuracy proved decisive at 427 yards on a mature bull.
How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 compare to the Stevens 334?
The X-Bolt 2 Medallion Maple outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in long-range energy retention and terminal ballistics, though at significant cost and weight penalties. Where the Stevens shoots 1.5-2 MOA groups with factory ammo, the Browning consistently delivers 0.75-1 MOA with quality hunting loads, translating to 8-inch groups at 800 yards versus 16-inch groups for the budget option. The trade-off comes in the Browning's 8.7-pound unloaded weight compared to the Stevens' 6.8 pounds, making the Stevens better for stalking-heavy hunts where ounces matter more than ballistics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8 pounds 11 ounces (3.95 kg) unloaded and measures 46.5 inches overall length with the 26-inch barrel. The sporter-contour barrel maintains a 0.650-inch diameter at the muzzle for optimal balance, while the 13.75-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification. Critical for packability, the rifle breaks down to 26.5 inches with the bolt removed, fitting standard hard cases without requiring oversized luggage.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil, despite the factory muzzle brake reducing felt recoil by approximately 30%. The .300 Win Mag generates over 30 ft-lbs of recoil energy even with mitigation, which can develop flinching in inexperienced handlers. Similarly, hunters who rarely shoot beyond 200 yards would find the rifle's 26-inch barrel unnecessarily cumbersome compared to shorter-barreled options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win that offer adequate performance at closer ranges with half the weight and noise.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with a 3-round detachable box magazine, thread protector for the 5/8x24 threaded muzzle, and the factory-installed radial muzzle brake. Browning includes a trigger adjustment tool for the DLX trigger system, which comes preset to 3.5 pounds but can be tuned down to 3.0 pounds for competition shooters. Missing from the package are scope mounting hardware and sling swivels, adding $75-150 to the true out-the-door cost for most hunters.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 worth it at $1,795.99?
At this price point, the rifle delivers exceptional value for hunters who regularly engage game at 300+ yards and appreciate collector-grade wood craftsmanship. The AAAA maple stock alone would cost $600+ as an aftermarket upgrade on a synthetic rifle, while the sub-MOA accuracy guarantee justifies the premium over entry-level options. For shooters who need extreme long-range capability but don't require exhibition-grade wood, the Tikka T3x Lite at $1,100 offers similar accuracy with a 1.5-pound weight savings.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee - consistently shoots 0.75-inch groups at 100 yards with factory ammunition
- AAAA maple stock with hand-cut checkering - 22 lines per inch pattern provides superior grip compared to laser-cut alternatives
- DLX trigger adjustable from 3.0 to 5.0 pounds - 30% lighter than most factory triggers while maintaining reliability
- Free-floated barrel with 0.120-inch clearance - eliminates stock pressure inconsistencies that plague budget rifles
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included - requires immediate optics purchase adding $200+ to effective cost
- Heavy 8.7-pound weight - 1.9 pounds heavier than synthetic-stocked competitors for backcountry hunting
- Limited 3-round magazine capacity - half the capacity of some modern hunting rifles without quick-reload advantages
Key attributes
| upc | 023614864592 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036080229 |
| action | Bolt Long Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 Winchester Magnum |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 53.8500 |
| model | X-Bolt 2 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.25 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle threaded for suppressors?
- Yes, the barrel features standard 5/8x24 threads compatible with most .30 caliber suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. The factory radial brake requires removal before suppressor mounting, and I recommend using Rocksett on the mount threads to prevent loosening under sustained fire.
- Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
- The X-Bolt action accepts most aftermarket chassis systems from MDT and KRG, though the inlet dimensions differ slightly from Remington 700 patterns. Stock replacement requires gunsmith fitting for the AAAA maple due to the precise glass bedding, adding $200-300 to conversion costs compared to synthetic-stocked variants.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days, with transit times averaging 5-7 days via FedEx to your selected FFL. All shipments require signature confirmation and dealer license verification, adding 1-2 days to the timeline compared to non-firearm items.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my safe?
- Firearms returns require unopened factory packaging and incur a 15% restocking fee plus return shipping costs. I recommend verifying your safe's interior dimensions accommodate the 46.5-inch length before purchase, as oversized rifle safes require minimum 52-inch interior clearance.