Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite .300 PRC 26″ Blued Synthetic
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite .300 PRC is a modern, precision-configured bolt-action rifle built for long-range hunting where shots regularly exceed 400 yards.
This rifle addresses a specific market demand for a factory platform capable of engaging targets at extreme hunting distances without requiring a full custom build. Its specifications represent a deliberate compromise between a long-barreled magnum cartridge and a weight-conscious hunting profile.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite used for?
You use this rifle for shooting big game at distances where standard hunting cartridges begin to shed ballistic advantage, typically any scenario past 400 yards where you need a 300-grain bullet delivered with authority. This is primarily a Western plains or mountain rifle for elk, moose, or bear where long follow-up shots are improbable. The adjustable stock and threaded, suppressor-ready barrel give you the flexibility to adapt it quickly to different shooting positions and noise-reduction requirements in the field.
How does the Browning X-Bolt compare to the Stevens 334?
This rifle delivers superior long-range precision and terminal ballistics, while the Stevens 334 in .308 Win excels in close-range timber hunting. The X-Bolt 2’s .300 PRC cartridge carries nearly 1,800 ft-lbs more energy at 500 yards compared to a .308’s best loads, making it decisively better for ethically anchoring large game at those ranges. The Stevens, however, is a stronger choice for shots under 200 yards due to its lower cost, shorter 20-inch barrel, and significantly reduced recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots in thick cover.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 7 pounds without optics, suppressor, or ammunition, which is 2.3 pounds heavier than the synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 in .308, making it a noticeable carry weight over mountainous terrain. The overall length with its 26-inch barrel is 46.5 inches, requiring a case at least 48 inches long for transport. Once you add a common 1-pound 2-ounce scope like a Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm, two pounds of loaded 4-round magazines, and a 23-ounce suppressor, the field-ready weight climbs to just over 10.5 pounds, so consider your pack endurance.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a first-time big game hunter or someone primarily hunting whitetail deer in wooded areas under 150 yards. The powerful .300 PRC ammunition costs roughly $4.50 per round for quality hunting loads, compared to about $1.25 for .308 Winchester. The sustained recoil impulse, even with its included muzzle brake, is significant and requires proper technique to manage—this isn’t a rifle you hand to a novice for a quick 10-shot strings on paper. If your shooting is almost entirely from a box stand in eastern timber, you are paying for ballistic potential you will never use.
What's in the box?
In addition to the rifle, the factory box includes a Browning-supplied muzzle brake pre-installed on the M13x0.75 metric threads, a steel thread protector, and an Allen wrench for adjusting the 3.5- to 5-pound trigger pull. You do not receive sling swivel studs or any form of scope-mounting hardware—those are essential aftermarket purchases. I always verify the presence of the thread protector; losing it in the field leaves the fine muzzle threads exposed and vulnerable to damage during transport.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 worth it at $1049.99?
Yes, its price represents a solid value for a turn-key, long-range-capable hunting rifle, but you must budget an additional $1000 for a capable scope, mount, ammunition, and suppressor accessories. At this price point, you are buying an integrated platform where stock adjustability, a premium 3-lever trigger, and a suppressor-ready barrel are standard, features you’d pay $400-600 extra to add to a base-model rifle. If your goal is simply to have a rifle that can ethically hit an elk-size target at 600 yards with factory ammunition, this rifle spares you the $5,000+ price tag of a comparable custom build.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-installed muzzle brake and M13x0.75 threads allow immediate suppressor attachment without gunsmithing
- Adjustable Vari-Tech stock provides 1.25 inches of length-of-pull adjustment for precise fit across seasons and clothing
- Weight of 7 pounds bare rifle is manageable for a long-barrel magnum, balancing stability and portability
- DLX trigger adjusts from 3.5 to 5 pounds pull with a clean 2mm break, better than most sub-$1500 factory triggers
Trade-offs
- No scope bases or rings included—adds $120-$250 in mounting hardware and 45+ minutes of setup time
- Matte blued finish is a traditional rust preventative only; it offers zero corrosion resistance compared to modern Cerakote or nitride
- Synthetic stock has noticeable flex in the fore-end under bipod pressure, dampening precision during extended shooting sessions
Key attributes
| upc | 023614854210 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036003297 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 26" Sporter Barrel |
| caliber/gauge | .300 PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 53.7000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 9.8 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.6 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded muzzle compatible with .30-caliber suppressors?
- Yes, the M13x0.75 metric thread pattern is a standard for many precision rifle suppressors like those from SilencerCo and Dead Air. You will likely need a thread adapter or a muzzle device specific to your suppressor maker's mounting system, such as the Dead Air KeyMo brake, which costs roughly $80-100.
- Does it come with scope bases?
- No, the receiver is only drilled and tapped. You must purchase separate scope bases sized for the Browning X-Bolt pattern. The typical installation requires two-piece bases from manufacturers like Warne or Talley, which add 45-75 minutes and a proper torque wrench to your setup time.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- For firearms shipped to a licensed FFL dealer, processing takes 1-2 business days after payment clears. Transit time via our preferred carrier, FedEx Overnight with Adult Signature Required, is 1-2 additional days. The total delivery window from order to your FFL is typically 3-5 business days.
- What is your return policy if it doesn't fit?
- Due to federal firearms regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL dealer. We will accept a return only for a verifiable manufacturer defect. Before completing the transfer, you can inspect the firearm at your FFL; if you refuse it there, we'll refund the purchase price minus a 4% restocking fee.