Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 22 in. Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor 22 in. Walnut is a traditional-style bolt-action hunting rifle that balances classic aesthetics with modern mechanical upgrades for reliable field use. Its 6.5 Creedmoor chambering, 22-inch sporter barrel, and 6.7-pound handling weight make it a solid choice for medium-game hunters who prioritize controlled-recoil accuracy over long-range ballistic efficiency. Compared to other hunter-focused platforms, it occupies a specific middle ground between pure tradition and tactical adaptation.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor used for?
This rifle is optimized for ethical medium-game hunting like whitetail deer and antelope at practical field distances, primarily from 100 to 350 yards. The 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge offers manageable recoil—around 15 foot-pounds at the shooter's shoulder—for confident follow-up shots, while the 22-inch barrel provides a good balance of velocity retention and maneuverability in brush. It’s a tool for controlled environments, not an open-country ELR (Extreme Long Range) platform.
How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter is significantly better in fit, finish, and trigger performance, justifying its higher price point for a hunter who values a refined out-of-the-box experience. Where the affordable the Stevens 334 .308 Win uses a heavy, utilitarian synthetic stock and basic trigger, the X-Bolt 2 delivers a satin-checkered walnut stock, a fully adjustable DLX trigger with a crisp 3.5-pound break, and a smoother, glassier bolt cycle. For extended-range precision with the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, this mechanical advantage matters more than with close-range .308 hunting loads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 6.7 pounds (108.9 oz) and measures 42 inches in overall length with the 22-inch barrel installed. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pitch for scope rings, requiring a scope with a standard 1-inch or 30mm tube. This dimension and weight create a 16.5-inch length of pull—ideal for an average 5’10” shooter wearing a light jacket—without being unwieldy in a truck cab or ground blind.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a shooter wanting a tactical chassis system, a dedicated 1,000-yard precision rifle, or a suppressor-host platform without modification. The 22-inch barrel’s 5/8×24 muzzle thread is present, but with a traditional walnut stock and sporter contour barrel, adding a 7-inch suppressor creates a front-heavy imbalance. For a ready-to-suppress hunting rifle in a similar price bracket, you’d need to look at threaded models with heavier barrel profiles, like some configurations of the Mossberg Patriot.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with a detachable 4-round AICS-pattern magazine, a 1-1/4-inch Inflex recoil pad pre-installed, and a set of plastic scope base alignment pins. You will need to purchase separate scope bases—Browning uses an 8-40 socket head cap screw pattern—and rings. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a basic sling swivel set; budget an extra $25 for swivels and a simple sling like those we recommend in our hunting accessory guide.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter worth it at $1099.99?
Yes, at $1099.99 it represents fair value for a hunter who wants a refined, traditional rifle that performs reliably without aftermarket tuning. You are paying a premium, roughly $300 over a basic synthetic-stocked rifle like the Stevens 334 — our editorial take, for the walnut stock, the adjustable DLX trigger system, and the smoother X-Bolt action. If you plan to immediately replace the stock or trigger, that value diminishes; if you want a rifle that feels and shoots well out of the box, it’s justified.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Walnut stock with 18 LPI checkering provides secure grip—superior to slick synthetics like the Stevens 334 stock.
- Adjustable DLX trigger breaks crisply at 3.5 pounds factory-set; can be tuned down to 2.5 pounds.
- 42-inch overall length with a 22-inch barrel balances well for offhand shooting in brush.
Trade-offs
- Requires separate scope base purchase (8-40 screw pattern)—Browning does not include one.
- 4-round magazine capacity is standard but limited compared to some modern hunting rifles with 5- or 10-round options.
- Sporter contour barrel heats quickly—after 10 rounds in 5 minutes, groups can open by 0.3 MOA.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614854258 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036001282 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Matte Blued |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 50.0500 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 7.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-10 magazines?
- No, this rifle uses Browning's proprietary AICS-pattern polymer magazine, which is a 4-round capacity unit specific to the X-Bolt family. It will not interface with Magpul PMAGs, Lancer L7AWM, or any other AR-10/SR-25 pattern magazines without significant modification to the rifle's bottom metal and feed lips.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 42-inch overall length requires a case that accommodates a rifle up to 44 inches, which is the standard for most single-rifle takedown cases. I recommend cases with a 46-inch interior, like those from Plano All-Weather, to provide adequate padding clearance for scope-mounted setups.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- All firearm shipments from Ironclad Armory require 3-5 business days for processing and verification before transfer to our licensed carrier. Once shipped, delivery to your chosen FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) typically takes another 5-7 business days for ground transport, depending on your location relative to our Bozeman, MT warehouse.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase, but the firearm must be unfired, in original packaging, with all accessories and the original transfer paperwork initiated by your FFL. A 15% restocking fee applies, and you are responsible for coordinating return shipment through a licensed dealer back to our facility—average cost for insured shipping is $75-$125 depending on carrier.
- Does this work with a muzzle brake for recoil reduction?
- Yes, the barrel has a standard 5/8×24 muzzle thread (9/16×24 for .30 cal and up) that can accept most aftermarket muzzle brakes, like the Precision Armament M4-72. Be aware that a brake will increase overall length by approximately 2.5 inches and significantly increase perceived blast to nearby shooters.