Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Laminate .300 Win Mag 26 in.
About this product
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Laminate .300 Win Mag 26 in is a full-size bolt-action rifle chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum with a 26-inch sporter contour barrel, designed for long-range hunting and precision shooting. It combines Browning's updated action geometry with a gray laminate stock and factory-threaded muzzle, making it suitable for everything from elk in Montana to moose in Alaska where legal barrel lengths and suppressor regulations permit.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Laminate .300 Win Mag used for?
This rifle is built for taking large game at extended ranges, typically 400-600 yards on elk, moose, or bear where shot placement and energy retention matter. The 26-inch barrel maximizes .300 Win Mag velocity—around 2,950 fps with 180-grain factory loads—while the laminate stock handles recoil better than cheaper synthetic options. It's not a brush gun; it's for hunters who glass ridges and need first-round hits on trophy animals.
How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The X-Bolt 2 outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in both effective range and terminal energy, delivering nearly 1,000 ft-lbs more at 500 yards. However, the Stevens weighs 6.8 pounds versus this rifle's 8.1 pounds and costs $600 less, making it better for dense timber or budget-conscious hunters. Choose the Browning for open-country power; choose the Stevens for close-quarters affordability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 8.1 pounds unloaded and measures 46.5 inches in overall length with the 26-inch barrel. The gray laminate stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, fitting most adult shooters without modification. The barrel's 1:10 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 150 to 220 grains, though I'd stick to 180-200 grains for optimal ballistic performance.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil—.300 Win Mag generates over 30 ft-lbs of free recoil energy in this configuration. It's also poorly suited for states with magazine restrictions, as the detachable box holds 3 rounds and isn't easily pinned. If you hunt whitetail in thickets or need a lightweight pack rifle, consider a lighter .243 Win option instead.
What's in the box?
You get the rifle, one 3-round detachable magazine, a thread protector, and the radial muzzle brake pre-installed. Browning includes a manual and warranty card, but no optic mounts or sling studs—plan on adding a quality scope base and rings, which typically add $100-200 to the setup cost. The muzzle brake threads are M13x0.75, compatible with most .30 cal suppressors if you've got the tax stamp.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter worth it at $1265.99?
At $1,265.99, this rifle justifies its price with features like the adjustable DLX trigger (crisp at 3.5 pounds out of the box), drilled-and-tapped receiver, and laminated stock that won't warp in humidity. Compared to custom builds starting at $2,500, it's a solid value for hunters who need reliability without gunsmithing. But if you don't need .300 Win Mag's power, cheaper calibers in the same platform save $200-300.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 26-inch barrel maximizes .300 Win Mag velocity—2,950 fps with 180-grain loads
- Adjustable DLX trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5 pounds with zero creep
- Laminated stock weighs 8.1 lbs and handles recoil 30% better than synthetic
- M13x0.75 threads accept suppressors without adapter sleeves
Trade-offs
- Heavy recoil—32 ft-lbs energy makes it punishing for extended range sessions
- 3-round magazine isn't upgradable; limits tactical or predator hunting use
- No iron sights—requires $200+ optic investment before field use
- 46.5-inch length cumbersome in tight blinds or vehicle racks
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614866428 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036092229 |
| action | Bolt Long Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 Winchester Magnum |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 53.9000 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.25 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel has M13x0.75 threads under the factory muzzle brake. It's compatible with most .30 cal suppressors like SilencerCo Omega 300 or Dead Air Nomad-L, but remember—suppressor ownership requires a $200 tax stamp and ATF Form 4 approval, which takes 8-12 months currently.
- Does it come with scope mounts?
- No, the receiver is drilled and tapped for #8-40 rings but mounts aren't included. You'll need separate bases—I recommend Warne Maxima Steel bases ($45) or Leupold Backcountry rings ($90)—and expect to spend 20 minutes mounting and torquing to 18 in-lbs.
- Can the magazine capacity be increased?
- Not legally without modification—the factory magazine holds 3 rounds and aftermarket options are limited. In states with hunting magazine restrictions like Colorado's 5-round limit, it's compliant, but don't try to modify it yourself; that risks ATF classification issues under 922(r).
- How long is shipping to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via UPS Ground, taking 5-7 days to most Rocky Mountain states. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer, where you'll complete a 4473 form and background check—allow an extra 1-3 days for that process.