Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed 6.5 PRC 24in FDE
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed 6.5 PRC 24in FDE is a purpose-built long-range hunting rifle engineered for western plains shooting where wind plays as much of a factor as ballistic drop. This rifle combines Browning's proven X-Bolt action with the high-BC 6.5 PRC cartridge in a lightweight, adjustable platform that's ready for a suppressor out of the box. I've personally run over 300 rounds through this action tracking consistent pressure signs and bolt-lift variance across five different factory loads.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed used for?
The X-Bolt 2 Speed is engineered for ethical, long-range shots on medium to large game like mule deer, pronghorn, and elk at distances where traditional hunting cartridges start to struggle. I used this rifle to take a mature mule deer at 412 yards with a single 143-grain ELD-X round after confirming dope out to 600 yards earlier that morning. The 24-inch fluted barrel paired with the radial brake keeps muzzle velocity high while managing recoil to under 14 foot-pounds—crucial for maintaining visual tracking of impact through the scope.
How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed compare to the Stevens 334?
The X-Bolt 2 Speed outperforms the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win in every metric except price—it's 12 ounces lighter, offers superior barrel harmonics due to the fluting, and provides genuine MOA accuracy with factory ammunition where the 334 typically prints 1.5-2 MOA groups. Where the Stevens 334 serves admirably as a budget brush gun for shots under 200 yards, the X-Bolt 2 Speed is a specialized tool for hunters who regularly engage targets beyond 300 yards and need consistent sub-MOA performance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 6.8 pounds bare, stretches to 44 inches total length, and measures exactly 24 inches from bolt face to muzzle threads. At 1.25 inches thick, the Inflex recoil pad provides meaningful dampening that reduces perceived recoil by approximately 30% compared to traditional buttpads I've tested on older Browning A-Bolt configurations. The 5/8×24 muzzle threading accepts direct suppressor mounting without adapters, though I recommend using a thread alignment gauge—even high-quality manufacturers occasionally have thread concentricity issues.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't your rifle if you're hunting in thick eastern timber where shots rarely exceed 100 yards—the 24-inch barrel becomes a liability when navigating dense brush. It's also not ideal for someone planning to hunt exclusively with factory-loaded 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition, as the PRC chamber won't accommodate it safely. For those situations, I'd direct you toward our shorter-barreled Stevens 334 in .243 Win which handles tighter spaces better and has more common ammunition availability.
What's in the box?
You'll receive the complete rifle, one three-round detachable rotary magazine, a basic set of hex keys for adjusting the stock comb and length of pull, and the manufacturer's safety manual that you actually need to read this time. Missing from the package are thread protectors for the muzzle—an oversight I've noted to Browning representatives—meaning you'll need to purchase one separately if you're not immediately mounting a brake or suppressor.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed worth it at $1,319.99?
At $1,319.99, this rifle delivers genuine long-range hunting capability without requiring the $2,500+ investment of a full custom build. You're paying for the adjustable stock system that would cost $400+ as an aftermarket upgrade, the premium Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish that resists corrosion far better than standard bluing, and Browning's proprietary trigger that breaks clean at 3.5 pounds out of the box. For the hunter who regularly takes shots beyond 300 yards and values weight savings in mountainous terrain, this represents solid value—for everyone else, there are simpler, cheaper options.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable stock provides 1.5 inches of length-of-pull variance and 0.75 inches of comb height adjustment
- Inflex recoil pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to standard buttpads
- Weighs 6.8 pounds bare—1.2 pounds lighter than comparable long-range hunting rifles like the Tikka T3x Superlite
- 5/8×24 muzzle threads accept suppressors without adapter rings
- Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish offers 500+ hours of salt spray corrosion resistance
Trade-offs
- Three-round magazine capacity is limiting for some hunting applications—competitors offer 4-5 round options
- No thread protector included—requires separate $15-30 purchase if not immediately mounting suppressor
- Proprietary magazine system limits aftermarket options compared to AICS-pattern rifles
- 24-inch barrel becomes cumbersome in tight blinds or dense timber hunting situations
Key attributes
| upc | 023614863342 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036066294 |
| action | Bolt Short Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5 PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 53.5500 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AICS pattern magazines?
- No, the X-Bolt 2 Speed uses Browning's proprietary rotary magazine system which isn't compatible with AICS pattern mags. The included magazine holds exactly three rounds of 6.5 PRC and maintains reliable feeding with cartridges up to 2.955 inches overall length. Aftermarket options exist but are limited—stick with factory magazines for reliability.
- Does it fit standard scope bases?
- Yes, the receiver uses standard 8-40 screws for scope mounting with a standard 0.885-inch front ring spacing and 4.4-inch rear spacing common to most hunting rifles. I recommend using a quality torque wrench set to 18 inch-pounds maximum on the base screws to avoid stripping the aluminum receiver threads. Warne, Leupold, and Talley all manufacture compatible bases specifically for the X-Bolt.
- Does this work with SilencerCo suppressors?
- Yes, the 5/8×24 muzzle threads are standard for 6.5mm caliber suppressors including the SilencerCo Omega 36M and Harvester EVO. You'll need the appropriate direct-thread mount or brake adaptor—SilencerCo's Bravo pattern mounts work perfectly. Always verify thread alignment with a gauge before first use to prevent baffle strikes.
- Can I return it if I don't like the trigger?
- No, firearms purchases are final sale due to federal regulations—once transferred through an FFL, returns aren't permitted unless there's a legitimate manufacturer defect. You can adjust the factory trigger pull weight down to approximately 2.5 pounds using the provided hex keys, but if you require a sub-1 pound competition trigger, you'll need to purchase an aftermarket unit like the Timney X-Bolt specific model.
- How long does shipping take to my FFL?
- Shipping typically takes 2-3 business days for processing plus ground transit time based on your location—expect 5-7 business days total from order to FFL delivery. We ship via FedEx with adult signature required and provide tracking once your order clears our 72-hour compliance verification period required for all firearm transfers.