Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed Carbon Fiber SR — 6.8 Western, 24″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.2 lbs — over 1.5 lbs lighter than a comparable all-steel-barreled hunting rifle.
- Stock adjusts for length of pull (13.25"-14.5") and comb height in under two minutes.
- 1:7" twist barrel stabilizes heavy 6.8 Western bullets up to 175 grains for superior long-range ballistics.
- Tungsten Cerakote finish provides corrosion resistance with a tested hardness of 7-9H on the pencil scale.
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included — requires immediate optic investment of $300+ for a functional rifle.
- Factory 3-round magazine capacity is limiting for some training or pest control scenarios.
- Premium materials and adjustable stock add significant bulk; overall width at the comb is 2.1 inches.
- The Recoil Hawg muzzle brake increases perceived muzzle blast and sound pressure level by approximately 8-10 decibels for the shooter.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed Carbon Fiber SR? It is a purpose-built precision rifle that combines a carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel barrel with a fully adjustable OVIX composite stock to deliver a 7.2-pound field-ready platform chambered in 6.8 Western. This rifle addresses the specific needs of shooters who require sub-MOA accuracy while navigating challenging terrain. Its mechanical design reflects Browning's ongoing refinement of the X-Bolt action for smoother cycling and improved lock time.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed Carbon Fiber SR used for?
This rifle is engineered for precision hunting and long-range field shooting where weight, ergonomic adaptation, and terminal ballistic consistency are critical factors. The 6.8 Western cartridge, with its 1:7″ twist rate, is optimized for today's heavy-for-caliber, high-BC hunting bullets, making this platform capable of ethical, stable shots on game at extended distances. The adjustable Vari-Tech stock allows a shooter to configure length of pull from 13.25″ to 14.5″ and comb height to achieve perfect eye alignment with a mounted scope or red dot within two minutes.
How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed Carbon Fiber SR compare to a Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Browning X-Bolt 2 is a superior choice for a shooter prioritizing material quality, ergonomic customization, and out-of-the-box accuracy potential over an entry-level budget rifle like the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic. Where the Stevens 334 uses a standard blued barrel and one-piece synthetic stock, the Browning features a carbon-wrapped stainless barrel for better heat dissipation and rigidity in a lighter package, plus a fully modular stock system. For precision-oriented hunters who will accept a $1,500+ price premium for that performance, the Browning is unequivocally better; for a plinker or casual deer hunter, the Stevens 334 remains a functional tool.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded rifle weighs 7.2 pounds (115.2 oz), which includes the factory-installed Recoil Hawg muzzle brake. Its physical dimensions are 42.5 inches in overall length with the 24-inch barrel, 8.25 inches in height at the comb, and a trigger pull weight adjustable from 2.5 pounds to 5 pounds. The barrel diameter at the muzzle is 0.750 inches, compatible with common suppressor mounts and thread-on accessories.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for first-time firearm buyers or shooters on a strict sub-$1,000 budget, as its mechanical complexity and premium materials command a significant price. It is also not ideal for those seeking a purely tactical or rapid-fire platform, as its 3-round magazine capacity and bolt-action design prioritize precision over volume. If your primary use is casual target shooting under 200 yards, a more affordable option like the Stevens 334 .243 Win 20″ would be a more financially prudent allocation of resources.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one Browning-branded 3-round detachable box magazine, the thread-protector for the 5/8-24 threaded muzzle (when the Recoil Hawg brake is removed), and a standard set of scope mount base screws. Browning typically includes a basic owner's manual and a warranty registration card, but no optic rings, sling, or case are provided. You should budget an additional $150-$400 for a quality optic mounting system before the rifle is range-ready.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed Carbon Fiber SR worth it at $2,479.99?
At $2,479.99, this rifle represents a significant but justified investment for a serious hunter or precision shooter who values its specific material and ergonomic advantages. The cost directly purchases the carbon-wrapped barrel technology, the Tungsten Cerakote finish for corrosion resistance, and the adjustable stock—features absent from rifles costing half as much. If your shooting discipline demands a rifle that can be tuned to your exact physical dimensions and that maintains accuracy during long hikes, the return on investment is clear. If your needs are met by a standard, fixed-stock rifle, the price cannot be justified.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614861140 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036034299 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.8 Western |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | CARBON FIBER |
| length | 53.6000 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.55 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the barrel comes with 5/8-24 threads, which is the most common standard for .30 caliber and many 6.8 Western muzzle devices and suppressors. The factory-installed Recoil Hawg brake is removable, exposing the threads for direct suppressor attachment or the included thread protector. Always verify your suppressor's specific thread pitch and consult local NFA regulations.
- What scope base pattern is it drilled and tapped for?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for a Remington 700 SA (Short Action) pattern scope base. This is the industry standard for most short-action precision rifles. Common two-piece or one-piece Picatinny rails from manufacturers like Nightforce, Badger Ordnance, or Warne will mount directly using the provided 6-48 screws.
- Can I purchase additional magazines?
- Yes, Browning sells additional 3-round and 4-round detachable box magazines for the X-Bolt 2 platform. The model number for the 6.8 Western magazine is typically listed as BXS40293. Expect to pay between $45 and $65 per magazine from authorized Browning dealers or distributors like Brownells or EuroOptic.
- Is the trigger adjustable?
- Yes, the X-Bolt trigger is user-adjustable for pull weight from approximately 2.5 pounds to 5 pounds using a provided hex key. The adjustment is performed via a single set screw accessed through the trigger guard. Note that sear engagement and overtravel are fixed from the factory and should not be altered without professional gunsmithing knowledge.
- How long is standard shipping for this item?
- For an FFL item like this rifle, standard processing and shipping to your selected licensed dealer takes 3-5 business days after order verification and payment clearance. Once shipped, transit time varies by carrier and location, typically adding 2-7 additional business days. You will be provided with a tracking number and must coordinate the transfer directly with your chosen FFL holder.