Browning X-Bolt 2 Micro 6.5 PRC 22 in Matte Blued
Pros & cons
What works
- Unloaded weight of 6.15 lbs — over 1.5 lbs lighter than many standard-length 6.5 PRC rifles.
- Stock adjusts for 1.25 inches of comb height and 1.5 inches of length-of-pull without tools.
- DLX trigger is user-adjustable from 2.75 lbs to 5 lbs break weight.
- 41.25-inch overall length is 3-4 inches shorter than comparable hunting rifles for tight quarters.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine system limits aftermarket capacity options; only 3-round flush mags are standard.
- 6.5 PRC factory ammunition is expensive ($3.50+ per round) and has limited shelf availability compared to .308 Win.
- Matte blued finish offers less corrosion resistance than modern nitride or cerakote treatments, requiring diligent maintenance in wet conditions.
- The compact action and shorter barrel can make the felt recoil more pronounced than in a heavier, longer-barreled rifle in the same caliber.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Micro 6.5 PRC 22 in Matte Blued? It's a purpose-built, compact bolt-action hunting rifle designed for smaller-framed shooters and backcountry mobility, chambered in the modern 6.5 PRC cartridge. The platform combines a re-engineered short-action receiver with a 22-inch threaded barrel and a fully adjustable synthetic stock. In a market saturated with full-length, heavy-barreled rifles, this model carves out a specific niche for those who prioritize a 41.25-inch overall package that weighs under 6.2 pounds unloaded.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Micro 6.5 PRC 22 in used for?
This rifle is for hunters and shooters who need a compact, lightweight, and highly adjustable platform for navigating mountainous terrain or dense timber over extended distances. Its primary application is for taking medium to large game like mule deer, elk, or pronghorn at ranges from 100 to 500 yards where the 6.5 PRC cartridge excels. The adjustable stock and short 12.5-inch length of pull allow smaller-statured individuals, youth shooters, or those wearing heavy winter gear to maintain a proper cheek weld and shooting position without sacrificing ballistic performance.
How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 Micro compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Micro is a superior platform for precision-focused hunters who require extensive ergonomic adjustment, while the the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a better value for traditionalists who prioritize simplicity and a proven cartridge. The Browning offers a user-adjustable trigger that breaks cleanly at 2.75 lbs, a fully configurable stock system, and a magazine that sits flush with the stock—features the basic Stevens 334 lacks. However, the Stevens chambered in .308 Win provides wider ammunition availability and a lower initial cost, making it a smarter choice for a general-purpose rifle that won't see delicate stock tuning or long-range hand-load development.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle has a published unloaded weight of 6.15 lbs (2.79 kg) and an overall length of 41.25 inches. The 22-inch barrel has a 1:7 twist rate and is threaded 5/8-24 at the muzzle, which adds precisely 0.625 inches to the forward profile when the thread protector is installed. The three-position safety lever has a 0.75-inch throw, and the adjustable comb height on the Vari-Tech stock provides 1.25 inches of vertical travel to accommodate a wide range of optics and shooter physiques.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the budget-conscious first-time buyer looking for a plinking rifle or a high-volume target shooter. The 6.5 PRC is a high-performance cartridge with significant recoil, expensive factory ammunition (often $3.50+ per round), and a barrel life estimated around 2,500 rounds before throat erosion degrades precision. If your use case involves firing several boxes of ammunition in a single range session or you primarily hunt in thick brush under 100 yards, a lighter-recoiling, lower-cost platform like a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun or a rifle in .243 Win would be more practical and economical.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with the Vari-Tech adjustable synthetic stock installed, one 3-round detachable polymer magazine, a 5/8-24 muzzle brake pre-installed on the barrel, a matching thread protector, and the owner's manual. Browning does not include a scope, rings, bipod, or sling with this model. The manual contains specific torque specifications for mounting an optic rail (sold separately) at 25 in-lbs and for the stock adjustment screws at 55 in-lbs, which is critical information for proper assembly.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Micro worth it at $1049.99?
At just over a thousand dollars, the X-Bolt 2 Micro justifies its price if your physical requirements demand its compact dimensions and extensive adjustability. You are paying a premium of approximately $350 over a basic Stevens 334 for features like the Inflex recoil pad, the tool-less adjustable comb and length of pull, and the smoother, short-throw bolt lift. If you are a larger-framed shooter or do not need the micro platform, that money could be better spent on a higher-magnification scope for a standard-length rifle. For its intended user—a smaller hunter or a backcountry guide—the investment directly translates to better fit, faster follow-up shots, and less fatigue over miles of packing.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614862567 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036031294 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 53.7000 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.45 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the threaded muzzle compatible with a suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8-24 thread pitch is the standard for .30 caliber and many 6.5mm suppressors. Ensure your suppressor is rated for the 6.5 PRC's pressure and you use a muzzle device or direct-thread mount from a reputable manufacturer like SilencerCo, Dead Air, or SureFire. Always verify proper alignment with an alignment rod before firing.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- With the stock fully collapsed, the 41.25-inch length will fit in most 42-inch take-down rifle cases, but it will be a tight squeeze. For optimal protection, especially with an optic mounted, I recommend a hard case with a 44-inch internal length. The rifle's slim profile, at approximately 2.5 inches wide at the receiver, allows it to fit in narrower cases without issue.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearm orders within 1-2 business days. Shipping via our contracted carrier to a licensed FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days depending on destination. The FFL holder must then contact you to complete the mandatory 4473 background check before transfer, which adds variable local wait time.
- Can I return it if I don't like the fit?
- Due to federal firearm regulations, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL. We strongly encourage you to handle this or a similar micro-platform rifle at a local dealer before purchasing. If the rifle arrives damaged or defective, contact our compliance team within 48 hours of receiving it at your FFL to initiate a manufacturer warranty claim through Browning.
- Does this work with aftermarket AICS pattern magazines?
- No. The X-Bolt 2 utilizes Browning's proprietary, flush-fit detachable magazine system. It is not compatible with Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) pattern magazines or other aftermarket options. Replacement and extended magazines (if available) must be sourced directly from Browning or authorized parts distributors.
- What scope base does it use?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard Remington 700 short-action footprint scope base. You will need a set of two-piece bases or a one-piece Picatinny rail specific to that pattern. I recommend torquing the base screws to 25 in-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench and applying a removable thread-locking compound like Vibra-TITE VC-3.