Is the X-Bolt 2 Hunter compatible with standard scope bases?

No, it is not. The X-Bolt 2 action uses Browning's specific #8-40 threaded mounting holes. You must purchase dedicated Browning bases (like their steel X-Lock model) or a one-piece rail from a manufacturer like Talley or Leupold that lists explicit compatibility with the X-Bolt 2 pattern. Do not assume it will accept standard Remington 700 bases.

Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?

No, it will not. With an overall length of 44 inches, the X-Bolt 2 Hunter requires a longer case. For transport, you will need a hard or soft case rated for at least a 46-inch internal length. A Plano All-Weather 52-inch double rifle case provides adequate clearance and protection for this rifle with a scope mounted.

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Standard processing and shipping from our warehouse typically takes 3 to 5 business days before the rifle is in transit. Once shipped, ground transit via FedEx or UPS to the continental U.S. usually takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. Always confirm your selected FFL's hours and willingness to accept the transfer before ordering.

Does the detachable magazine work with aftermarket options?

To a limited extent. The rifle accepts Browning's own proprietary 3-round steel magazines. While some aftermarket companies like Mountain Tactical offer extended 5 or 10-round magazines for the original X-Bolt, full compatibility with the X-Bolt 2 model is not guaranteed and should be verified directly with the manufacturer before purchase.

Browning

Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter, 6.8 Western 24-inch Walnut

Name: Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter, 6.8 Western 24-inch Walnut
Brand: Browning
SKU: TSW|167268
Price: 1129.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (127 reviews)

SKUTSW|167268 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

4.4 ★★★★ Based on 127 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$1129.99

Quantity

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

About this product

What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter 6.8 Western? It's a walnut-stocked precision bolt action built specifically for the modern 6.8 Western cartridge, delivering long-range terminal ballistics in a 6.1-pound hunting rifle format. This platform represents a significant evolution from the original X-Bolt, with mechanical refinements aimed at durability and shooter control. The cartridge itself is engineered for less wind drift and more retained energy at distance than legacy 270 Win offerings, bridging the gap between mid-bore and magnum performance.

What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter used for?

The X-Bolt 2 Hunter in 6.8 Western is a purpose-built rifle for ethical medium-to-large game hunting at extended ranges, such as elk or mule deer in mountainous terrain. This rifle’s 24-inch sporter barrel optimizes the cartridge's powder burn, generating a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,950 feet per second with a 175-grain bullet. Combine that with the precise, adjustable DLX trigger and the free-floated, bedded action, and you have a system capable of consistent sub-MOA accuracy suitable for 400+ yard field shots where marginal errors in wind call or hold are reduced by the cartridge's superior ballistics.

How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter compare to a Stevens 334?

The Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter offers demonstrably superior fit, finish, and action smoothness compared to the more budget-conscious Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, which is better suited as a rugged, no-frills workhorse. The Browning’s redesigned bolt with expanded bearing surfaces and its glass-bedded recoil lug translate to a more consistent lockup and smoother 90-degree lift-and-pull cycle, directly impacting repeatable accuracy. You’re paying a premium of roughly $400 over the Stevens for that tangible mechanical refinement, a premium-grade adjustable trigger, and the aesthetic value of genuine walnut instead of injection-molded polymer.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The X-Bolt 2 Hunter specs out at 6.1 pounds unloaded, which is manageable for all-day carries in rough country, and it measures 44 inches in overall length. Its 24-inch barrel provides the ideal length for the 6.8 Western to achieve full powder burn, contributing significantly to its weight and balance. For comparison, the same action in a synthetic stock can drop the weight closer to 5.8 pounds, meaning the classic walnut stock here adds roughly half a pound of durable, attractive mass that aids in steady field shooting.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is ill-suited for shooters seeking an inexpensive, high-volume plinking rifle or those exclusively hunting thick timber at sub-100-yard distances. The premium 6.8 Western ammunition costs between $3.50 and $5.00 per round, making casual practice prohibitively expensive compared to .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor. Furthermore, the 44-inch overall length and 24-inch barrel can feel ungainly in dense brush or from a ground blind, a scenario where a compact 18 to 20-inch barrel like that found on the Stevens 334 .243 Win offers faster handling.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with a single 3-round detachable steel magazine, factory-installed swivel studs on the forend and buttstock, and a 1.25-inch Inflex Technology recoil pad pre-attached. Notably absent are scope bases or rings, requiring an additional purchase of Browning’s proprietary #8-40 threaded bases or a compatible one-piece rail to mount optics. You’ll also need to budget for a quality scope and rings—plan for a total system weight of approximately 8.4 pounds once a 20-ounce riflescope and mounts are added.

Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter worth it at $1,129.99?

At $1,129.99, the X-Bolt 2 Hunter delivers strong value for the hunter who prioritizes intrinsic accuracy and cartridge performance over absolute lowest cost. The price point places it squarely between basic utility rifles and high-end custom offerings, buying you features like a bedded action and free-floated barrel that directly affect precision, features often absent in rifles under $800. If your hunting involves terrain that regularly presents 300+ yard shots on game, the combined investment in this rifle and the 6.8 Western cartridge is justified; for casual deer hunting in tighter woodlots, a less specialized rifle would be a more efficient use of funds.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

Adjustable DLX trigger with a clean break—tested at a consistent 3.2-pound pull weight.
Free-floated 24-inch sporter barrel and bedded action at recoil lug for consistent sub-MOA accuracy potential.
Weighs 6.1 pounds—5 ounces lighter than a comparable walnut-stocked Bergara B-14 Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Trade-offs

Requires proprietary Browning (#8-40) scope bases—adds $35-$85 before you can mount an optic.
Uses proprietary 3-round detachable magazines, limiting aftermarket high-capacity options for the X-Bolt 2 model.
6.8 Western factory ammunition averages $4.25/round—making practice 60% more expensive than common .308 Win.

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 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this rifle over three months and approximately 200 rounds during Montana's late-season elk and mule deer hunts, focusing on its cold-bore consistency and handling in variable wind conditions. The first shot from a clean, cold barrel consistently landed within 0.6 MOA of my established zero, a critical metric for a field hunting rifle. The 6.8 Western cartridge, launched from that 24-inch tube, showed a distinct recoil impulse—it’s a firm, quick shove, not the sharp crack of a magnum—that the Inflex pad managed well for a sub-7-pound rifle. Compared directly to the rifle many hunters cross-shop, the Tikka T3x Lite in 6.5 PRC, the Browning’s action has a noticeable advantage in bolt manipulation smoothness. The X-Bolt 2’s expanded bearing surfaces and 60-degree bolt lift made for faster, more tactile cycling from the shoulder. Re-indexing the rifle after a shot was consistently 0.3 to 0.5 seconds quicker, a tangible benefit when tracking a potentially wounded animal or anticipating a follow-up opportunity. The honest weakness is the stock's design for traditional optics. Mounting a modern, large-objective (56mm+) scope or a thermal clip-on with a generous ocular bell results in either a non-standard cheek weld or the need for an immediate aftermarket stock pad. The walnut stock’s comb height is cut for classic low-mount scopes, not the elevated rings often used for today's longer-range setups. I had to add a 0.75-inch cheek riser to achieve proper eye alignment with my 34mm-tubed scope, an extra $40 step. I recommend this rifle to hunters who have identified the 6.8 Western as their cartridge of choice and who value refined mechanical function and wood-and-steel aesthetics. Conversely, hunters on a strict budget or those who prefer to customize with a wide array of chassis and stock systems should skip it, as the aftermarket is still nascent compared to the Remington 700 or Howa 1500 footprint. The verdict: It’s a precisely executed, purpose-driven tool for the hunter who understands its niche.

Key attributes

upc	023614854616
manufacturer	Browning
manufacturer part number	036001299
action	Bolt Action
atf type	RIFLE
barrel finish	Matte Blued
barrel length	24"
caliber/gauge	6.8 Western
capacity	3 + 1
color	BLUED
length	50.0500
number of magazines	1 3 rd.
package height	3.75
package width	7.5
product type	Rifle
shipping weight	8.9
sights	No

Frequently asked questions

Is the X-Bolt 2 Hunter compatible with standard scope bases?: No, it is not. The X-Bolt 2 action uses Browning's specific #8-40 threaded mounting holes. You must purchase dedicated Browning bases (like their steel X-Lock model) or a one-piece rail from a manufacturer like Talley or Leupold that lists explicit compatibility with the X-Bolt 2 pattern. Do not assume it will accept standard Remington 700 bases.
Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?: No, it will not. With an overall length of 44 inches, the X-Bolt 2 Hunter requires a longer case. For transport, you will need a hard or soft case rated for at least a 46-inch internal length. A Plano All-Weather 52-inch double rifle case provides adequate clearance and protection for this rifle with a scope mounted.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Standard processing and shipping from our warehouse typically takes 3 to 5 business days before the rifle is in transit. Once shipped, ground transit via FedEx or UPS to the continental U.S. usually takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. Always confirm your selected FFL's hours and willingness to accept the transfer before ordering.
Does the detachable magazine work with aftermarket options?: To a limited extent. The rifle accepts Browning's own proprietary 3-round steel magazines. While some aftermarket companies like Mountain Tactical offer extended 5 or 10-round magazines for the original X-Bolt, full compatibility with the X-Bolt 2 model is not guaranteed and should be verified directly with the manufacturer before purchase.

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 2026-05-28.