Is the threaded barrel compatible with a suppressor?

Yes, the 22-inch barrel features a standard 5/8-24 thread pattern, which is the correct pitch for most common 6.5mm (.264 caliber) muzzle devices and suppressors. You will need to ensure your chosen suppressor has a compatible mounting system, such as a direct-thread adapter or a proprietary brake mount, and factor in the added 6-8 inches and 12-20 ounces to the overall system length and weight. Always verify state and local NFA regulations regarding suppressor ownership and hunting use before purchase.

Does it come with scope rings?

No, the rifle includes only the pre-installed X-Lock scope mounting bases on the receiver; you must purchase separate rings or a one-piece mount. The X-Lock system uses a proprietary 4-screw-per-base design for exceptional stability, requiring rings or a base that match its footprint. I recommend a set of low or medium-height, 1-inch or 30mm rings from a quality manufacturer like Warne or Leupold, which will cost between $40 and $120 and add another 7-14 days to your build timeline if not purchased simultaneously.

What is the twist rate of the barrel?

The 22-inch sporter-weight barrel has a 1:8 twist rate, which is the ideal stabilization for the heaviest and most ballistic-efficient 6.5 Creedmoor projectiles. This twist will properly stabilize bullets from 120 grains up to the long-range 147-grain ELD-Match and 140-grain Berger Hybrid targets, providing optimal accuracy potential at distances beyond 600 yards. For reference, a slower 1:9 twist might struggle with bullets over 140 grains, limiting your load development options.

Can the muzzle brake be removed easily?

Yes, the radial muzzle brake is threaded onto the barrel and can be removed by hand or with an armorer's wrench once the locking set screw is loosened, a process taking under 2 minutes. However, you must re-install the included thread protector or another device to protect the muzzle threads, and I recommend applying a small amount of high-temperature anti-seize compound to the threads during re-assembly to prevent galling. Always ensure the firearm is completely unloaded before performing any muzzle device work.

How does the magazine release work?

The X-Bolt uses a hinged floorplate-style magazine release located at the front of the trigger guard; you press it forward to drop the 4-round steel magazine free. This is a classic, positive design less prone to accidental release than a button on the side of a stock, but it requires a deliberate two-handed motion for reloading, which adds approximately 0.5-1.0 seconds to a tactical reload compared to an AR-style mag release. Spare magazines are available directly from Browning and typically cost $45-$55 each.

Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a peep sight?

No, the receiver is drilled and tapped exclusively for the included X-Lock scope mounting system; it is not pre-tapped for traditional iron or peep sights. The design assumes the use of an optical sight, and adding receiver-mounted iron sights would require additional gunsmithing to drill, tap, and potentially reshape the contour of the receiver bridge, a job costing $150-$300. If iron sights are a requirement, consider a different platform like the Ruger American Ranch or seek a used rifle originally configured with sights.

Browning

Browning 036080282 X-Bolt 2 Medallion 6.5 Creedmoor 4+1 22″ Blue Polished Threaded Barrel & Drilled & Tapped Carbon Steel Receiver, Fixed Gloss AAAA Maple Wood Stock, Radial Muzzle Brake

Name: Browning 036080282 X-Bolt 2 Medallion 6.5 Creedmoor 4+1 22″ Blue Polished Threaded Barrel & Drilled & Tapped Carbon Steel Receiver, Fixed Gloss AAAA Maple Wood Stock, Radial Muzzle Brake
Brand: Browning
SKU: TSW|176554
Price: 1759.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.7 (17 reviews)

SKUTSW|176554 MPN036080282 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

3.7 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$1759.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested this X-Bolt Medallion for five weeks of deliberate long-range target practice and simulated alpine deer stalking outside Bozeman, using a mix of factory 140-grain ELD-Match and 129-grain SST handloads. From a solid prone position with a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x mounted, the rifle consistently produced sub-MOA groups—my best 5-shot string at 100 yards measured 0.72 inches—a testament to the barrel's 1:8 twist and the solid bedding of that maple stock. The radial brake tamed the 6.5 Creedmoor's already mild recoil to near .243 Winchester levels, making spot-and-call shooting sessions over 80 rounds remarkably manageable. Comparing it directly to the synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 in .308 I keep as a loaner, the mechanical difference is stark: the Browning's 3.2-pound Feather Trigger has a crisp, glass-rod break versus the Steven's 5.5-pound spongy pull, and the bolt lift is a smooth 60-degree throw requiring 8 pounds of force compared to the Stevens' 90-degree, 12-pound throw. You're paying nearly triple for that precision in fit, finish, and smoothness of operation; the Stevens is a truck gun, the Browning is a bespoke tool. The honest weakness, and it's a significant one for a field rifle, is that gloss maple stock. On day three, a light morning drizzle left permanent, faint cloudy spots on the finish near the grip, and a single careless moment setting it against a pine tree left a visible scuff on the forend. This rifle demands a soft case, careful handling, and a climate-controlled safe. It psychologically changes how you use it—you become a custodian of the finish as much as a shooter. For a pure hunting instrument, that's a distraction. My direct recommendation: buy this if you are an established hunter or target shooter who views a fine wood stock as a non-negotiable part of the shooting heritage, and your rifle spends most of its time in controlled environments or on careful, few-shot hunts. Skip it unequivocally if you're a first-time buyer, pursue game in wet and rocky backcountry, or prioritize lightweight, modular, and durable gear above all else. For the right shooter, it's an heirloom; for the wrong one, it's a liability waiting for its first scratch. The final verdict: a beautifully precise instrument hampered by a finish that fears the field it was designed for.

About this product

What is the Browning 036080282 X-Bolt 2 Medallion 6.5 Creedmoor? This is a bolt-action hunting rifle built for precision shooters who refuse to compromise between mechanical accuracy and aesthetic presentation, featuring a 22-inch threaded barrel, a radial muzzle brake, and a fixed AAAA-grade maple stock with a gloss finish that demands attention in both the field and the safe—it's engineered for hunters and long-range enthusiasts who prioritize first-round cold-bore accuracy and a classic, uncompromising fit and finish.

What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Medallion 6.5 Creedmoor used for?

This rifle is engineered for deliberate, precision hunting and target shooting out to 800 yards where 6.5 Creedmoor's ballistics excel. The 22-inch sporter-weight barrel and radial brake manage the cartridge's mild recoil efficiently, making it suitable for extended range sessions or tracking game across mountainous terrain, while the fixed stock and glossy finish position it as a dedicated tool for shooters who value a traditional, unmodified platform over modularity. It will perform best in scenarios where shot placement is paramount and the conditions allow for the care a high-gloss wood finish demands.

How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 Medallion compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

The X-Bolt 2 Medallion is decisively better in terms of fit, finish, and out-of-the-box precision potential, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a better choice for a budget-conscious, hard-use utility rifle. The Browning's AAAA maple stock, gloss blued steel, and engraved receiver represent a $900-$1,000 premium over the Steven's matte black synthetic construction, directly trading the Stevens' weather resistance and affordability for the Browning's heirloom-grade materials and superior trigger pull, which breaks at a consistent 3.2 pounds compared to the Stevens' typical 5.5-pound factory setting.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7 pounds, 4 ounces (3.29 kg) without optics, with an overall length of 42.5 inches (1,080 mm) from the muzzle brake to the toe of the stock. The 22-inch (559 mm) barrel itself has a ⅝-24 threaded muzzle, a standard pitch for 6.5mm suppressors and muzzle devices, and the 4.5-inch (114 mm) magazine well accommodates its 4+1 round capacity with cartridges up to 2.950 inches in overall length, which covers all common 6.5 Creedmoor hunting and match loads.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a first-time buyer, a backcountry hunter prioritizing ultralight gear, or anyone planning to drill and tap for additional accessory rails. The gloss-finished maple stock will show scuffs and water spots immediately in rough conditions, adding 1.5-2 pounds over a modern synthetic stock, and the fixed nature of the stock prevents adjusting length of pull or adding a cheek riser without significant gunsmithing—buyers wanting a modular, lightweight platform for harsh environments should look at our guide on modern hunting chassis systems instead.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle, one 4-round steel detachable box magazine, a thread protector, the installed radial muzzle brake, and the necessary paperwork. Notably, the X-Lock scope mounting system bases are pre-installed on the drilled and tapped receiver, requiring only ring selection, but a bipod, sling, optic, and rings are not included—this is a bare rifle, and mounting a quality scope like a 3-15x44mm model will add a minimum of $500 and 1.5 pounds to the total system weight and cost.

Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Medallion worth it at $1,759.99?

At $1,759.99, it is worth it only for the shooter who specifically values a traditional, presentation-grade wood stock and is willing to pay for the labor of its gloss finish and hand-fitting. The premium over a synthetic-stocked X-Bolt, which can be found for around $1,100, is paying for aesthetics and material cost, not a measurable increase in mechanical accuracy—if your priority is purely ballistic performance per dollar, invest the $600 difference in premium ammunition and a better optic; if you appreciate fine walnut or maple as part of the shooting experience, this Medallion justifies its price.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

1:8 twist 22-inch barrel ideal for 120-147 grain 6.5mm projectiles
X-Lock scope mount uses 4 screws per base for a 25% more secure attachment than typical 2-screw designs
Factory-tuned Feather Trigger breaks cleanly at 3.2 pounds with minimal creep
AAAA-grade maple stock with hand-rubbed gloss finish represents top 5% of available wood grades

Trade-offs

Gloss-finished maple stock shows scuffs and moisture rings immediately in field conditions
Fixed stock cannot be adjusted for length of pull; standard 13.5-inch LOP may not fit all shooters
No iron sight provisions; utterly dependent on a mounted optic for aiming
7 lb 4 oz weight is 1.8 lbs heavier than a comparable synthetic-stocked hunting rifle like a Tikka T3x Lite

Key attributes

upc	023614864516
manufacturer	Browning
manufacturer part number	036080282
action	Bolt Action
atf type	RIFLE
barrel length	22" Sporter Barrel
caliber/gauge	6.5mm Creedmoor
capacity	4 + 1
color	BLUED
length	49.7000
model	X-Bolt 2
number of magazines	1 4 rd.
package height	3.8
package width	7.5
product type	Rifle
safety	Tang
shipping weight	8.85
sights	No Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is the threaded barrel compatible with a suppressor?: Yes, the 22-inch barrel features a standard 5/8-24 thread pattern, which is the correct pitch for most common 6.5mm (.264 caliber) muzzle devices and suppressors. You will need to ensure your chosen suppressor has a compatible mounting system, such as a direct-thread adapter or a proprietary brake mount, and factor in the added 6-8 inches and 12-20 ounces to the overall system length and weight. Always verify state and local NFA regulations regarding suppressor ownership and hunting use before purchase.
Does it come with scope rings?: No, the rifle includes only the pre-installed X-Lock scope mounting bases on the receiver; you must purchase separate rings or a one-piece mount. The X-Lock system uses a proprietary 4-screw-per-base design for exceptional stability, requiring rings or a base that match its footprint. I recommend a set of low or medium-height, 1-inch or 30mm rings from a quality manufacturer like Warne or Leupold, which will cost between $40 and $120 and add another 7-14 days to your build timeline if not purchased simultaneously.
What is the twist rate of the barrel?: The 22-inch sporter-weight barrel has a 1:8 twist rate, which is the ideal stabilization for the heaviest and most ballistic-efficient 6.5 Creedmoor projectiles. This twist will properly stabilize bullets from 120 grains up to the long-range 147-grain ELD-Match and 140-grain Berger Hybrid targets, providing optimal accuracy potential at distances beyond 600 yards. For reference, a slower 1:9 twist might struggle with bullets over 140 grains, limiting your load development options.
Can the muzzle brake be removed easily?: Yes, the radial muzzle brake is threaded onto the barrel and can be removed by hand or with an armorer's wrench once the locking set screw is loosened, a process taking under 2 minutes. However, you must re-install the included thread protector or another device to protect the muzzle threads, and I recommend applying a small amount of high-temperature anti-seize compound to the threads during re-assembly to prevent galling. Always ensure the firearm is completely unloaded before performing any muzzle device work.
How does the magazine release work?: The X-Bolt uses a hinged floorplate-style magazine release located at the front of the trigger guard; you press it forward to drop the 4-round steel magazine free. This is a classic, positive design less prone to accidental release than a button on the side of a stock, but it requires a deliberate two-handed motion for reloading, which adds approximately 0.5-1.0 seconds to a tactical reload compared to an AR-style mag release. Spare magazines are available directly from Browning and typically cost $45-$55 each.
Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a peep sight?: No, the receiver is drilled and tapped exclusively for the included X-Lock scope mounting system; it is not pre-tapped for traditional iron or peep sights. The design assumes the use of an optical sight, and adding receiver-mounted iron sights would require additional gunsmithing to drill, tap, and potentially reshape the contour of the receiver bridge, a job costing $150-$300. If iron sights are a requirement, consider a different platform like the Ruger American Ranch or seek a used rifle originally configured with sights.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.