Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter Long Range .300 PRC 26-inch
About this product
The Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter Long Range .300 PRC 26-inch is a factory-configured precision rifle that integrates a fluted stainless barrel, removable muzzle brake, and an adjustable-comb composite stock to deliver consistent performance at hunting ranges beyond 600 yards. It employs Browning's proprietary three-lever Feather Trigger system, which is factory-adjustable from 3.0 to 5.0 pounds, and a top-tang safety for intuitive operation in field positions. This setup is engineered to provide what most hunters need for long-range engagements without requiring a custom gunsmith or a $3,000 chassis system from the outset.
What is the Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter Long Range .300 PRC used for?
This rifle is used for taking medium to large game at extreme hunting distances where wind drift and energy retention are primary considerations. It's chambered in .300 PRC, a cartridge designed to fire 225-grain ELD Match bullets at 2850 fps from a 26-inch barrel, maintaining supersonic velocity past 1500 yards and retaining over 1500 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards. The combination makes it suitable for elk, moose, and bear in open terrain where shots exceed 300 yards—common in the Western United States, Alaska, and African plains.
How does the Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Browning X-Bolt is better for precision long-range shooting, while the Stevens 334 is a more budget-conscious choice for general-purpose hunting under 400 yards. The X-Bolt features a 26-inch fluted barrel and adjustable composite stock, whereas the Stevens 334 uses a 20-inch non-fluted barrel and a fixed synthetic stock, reducing its velocity and long-range stability. For raw accuracy potential and terminal ballistics beyond 500 yards, the X-Bolt in .300 PRC is the definitive winner, but it costs approximately $600 more and weighs 2 pounds heavier, making the Stevens the better option for brush hunting or casual range use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8 lbs without optics or rings, and measures 46.5 inches in overall length with a 26-inch barrel. The barrel itself has a 0.725-inch muzzle diameter and a 1:8.5 right-hand twist rate, while the stock features a 13.5-inch length of pull that can be adjusted up to 14.75 inches with the included spacers. Its fluted profile reduces weight by roughly 6 ounces compared to a standard sporter contour, a critical detail for mountain hunters who might carry it for 10 miles in a single day.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for budget-conscious hunters, dense-woods stalkers, or anyone intimidated by high-recoil cartridges. The .300 PRC generates approximately 35 ft-lbs of recoil energy in this 8-pound platform—substantially more than a .308 Winchester—and requires a proper muzzle brake or suppressor to manage effectively. Its 26-inch barrel and overall length make it cumbersome in thick timber, and its $1,165 price tag places it well above entry-level options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, which is better suited for deer in wooded areas.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 3-round detachable box magazine, the removable muzzle brake, a set of 0.25-inch and 0.5-inch recoil pad spacers, and the factory-installed X-Lock scope mount bases that accept standard Weaver-style rings. Browning does not include a scope, bipod, or sling, which means you should budget an additional $500-$1,500 for a suitable long-range optic and mounting hardware. All necessary hex wrenches for adjusting the trigger pull and comb height are included, along with the owner's manual and a cable lock for transport compliance.
Is the Browning X-Bolt Western Hunter worth it at $1,165.98?
Yes, for a hunter who needs verified sub-MOA accuracy and long-range capability straight from the factory, it represents a strong value against custom builds. A comparable custom rifle with a match-grade barrel, adjustable stock, and precision trigger would start around $2,200, not including the 4-6 month wait time for gunsmithing. At this price point, you're getting a system that can consistently achieve 0.75 MOA groups with factory ammunition, which is more than sufficient for ethical hunting at distances out to 800 yards.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Fluted 26-inch stainless barrel reduces weight by 6 oz versus a standard sporter contour.
- Adjustable comb allows 1.25 inches of vertical travel for precise optic alignment.
- Factory-set 3.5 lb Feather Trigger outperforms most competitors' 4.5-5 lb standard triggers.
- Removable muzzle brake cuts perceived recoil by approximately 40%.
Trade-offs
- Barrel is not threaded — suppressor mounting requires a $150+ gunsmithing job.
- .300 PRC ammunition costs $4-6 per round, nearly triple the cost of .308 Win.
- 46.5-inch overall length is unwieldy in vehicles or dense brush.
- Composite stock lacks the rigidity of a full aluminum chassis for benchrest precision.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614742074 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 035514297 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| safety | Top Tang |
| sights | None, X-Lock Scope Mount |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this rifle come with a threaded barrel for a suppressor?
- No, the barrel is not threaded. It uses a proprietary removable muzzle brake that attaches via a shouldered interface. To mount a suppressor, you would need a gunsmith to thread the barrel to 5/8x24 TPI, which typically costs $150-$200 and will void Browning's warranty on the barrel.
- Is the .300 PRC ammunition widely available?
- No, it is considered a specialized cartridge. While major manufacturers like Hornady, Federal, and Browning produce it, you'll likely need to order online or visit a dedicated hunting retailer. Expect to pay $4-$6 per round for match-grade hunting loads, compared to $1.50-$2.50 for common .308 Winchester.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock orders within 2 business days. Ground shipping to most continental US FFLs takes 5-7 business days. You must provide your chosen FFL's license to us before shipment, and we verify it directly with the ATF's FFL eZ Check system.
- Can I return it if the accuracy is unsatisfactory?
- No, firearms sales are final due to federal regulations, unless the item is defective. We test-fire every rifle before shipment and include the target. If you suspect a mechanical defect, contact Browning's warranty service directly; they typically require the rifle to be shipped to their facility in Utah for evaluation, a process that takes 3-5 weeks.
- Does this work with standard Picatinny scope mounts?
- Yes, when you remove the factory X-Lock bases. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard #8-40 screw pattern with a 7.2-inch spacing. I recommend using a one-piece Picatinny rail from Nightforce, Seekins Precision, or EGW for maximum rigidity when using high-magnification optics.
- What is the trigger pull weight range?
- The three-lever Feather Trigger is adjustable from 3.0 pounds to 5.0 pounds using the included hex wrench. Out of the box, it's typically set at 3.5 pounds with a crisp break and minimal overtravel—superior to most factory triggers, including those on Bergara and Tikka rifles in this price range.