Winchester XPR Thumbhole Varmint .223 REM — 24-inch Barrel
About this product
The Winchester XPR Thumbhole Varmint .223 REM is a purpose-built bolt-action sporting rifle configured for precision varmint and small game work with a 24-inch free-floating barrel and laminated thumbhole stock. It delivers sub-MOA accuracy potential in a package designed for sustained range sessions, featuring a 60-degree bolt lift and an adjustable trigger system. This isn't a lightweight hunting tool—it's a 8.3-pound platform for methodical, longer-range shot placement.
What is the Winchester XPR Thumbhole Varmint used for?
This rifle is designed for precision varmint control and small-game hunting at ranges where bullet stability matters. The 24-inch 1:10 twist barrel provides optimal velocity and stabilization for heavier .223 projectiles up to roughly 77 grains, making it effective on prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes out to 300 yards in capable hands. The thumbhole and elevated cheekpiece enforce a consistent head position, which directly translates to repeatable scope alignment, a critical factor when the target is a 10-inch kill zone.
How does the XPR compare to a Stevens 334?
The XPR is a heavier, more specialized tool for precision shooting, while the Stevens 334 is a lighter, more versatile hunting rifle. Where the XPR uses a 60-degree bolt lift, a free-floated 24-inch barrel, and an 8.3-pound laminate stock for bench or prone stability, the Stevens features a simpler 90-degree lift, a 20-inch barrel, and a 6.8-pound synthetic stock for carrying through woods. For deliberate, stationary varminting, the XPR is superior; for walking and stalking medium game like deer, the Stevens is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.3 pounds (3.76 kg) without optics, with an overall length of 44.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 24-inch barrel alone contributes significantly to balance and weight distribution, moving the center of gravity forward by approximately 8 inches compared to a common 16-inch carbine. The pull length on the thumbhole stock measures 13.75 inches, suitable for most adult shooters without requiring an aftermarket butt pad for extension.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for anyone needing a light, quick-handling woods-walking firearm or a tactical rapid-engagement platform. At 44.5 inches long, it's cumbersome in a standard ATV gun rack or dense brush, and its 8.3-pound weight makes carrying it slung for hours a chore. If you're primarily shooting off-hand or need to make fast follow-up shots on running game, you'll be better served by a lighter, carbine-style rifle or even a dedicated Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for driven hunts.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with a factory-installed thread protector on the 5/8x24 muzzle threads and a single 5-round detachable magazine. Winchester does not include scope bases—the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard #8-40 screws (metric M4 screws will not seat properly). You'll need to factor in the additional 12 to 18 ounces and $40-$120 for a quality scope and base system before the rifle is range-ready.
Is the Winchester XPR worth it at $857.99?
At just under $858, this XPR configuration is a justified investment for a shooter who will use its specific capabilities. You're paying for the more expensive laminated stock, the extended and precision-crowned barrel, and the smoother, short-throw bolt action over a basic hunting rifle. If your primary use case is shooting from a bench or bipod at small, distant targets, the price delivers. If you just need a .223 for occasional plinking or predator calling at shorter ranges, a simpler rifle at $500 will perform adequately.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Free-floated, button-rifled 24-inch barrel provides 1:10 twist for stabilizing heavy varmint bullets up to 77gr
- M.O.A. trigger system adjusts from 2.5 to 5 pounds of pull weight — my test unit broke cleanly at 3.1 pounds
- Three-lug bolt with 60-degree lift allows faster follow-up shots than a traditional 90-degree design
- Laminated thumbhole stock offers consistent 13.75-inch length of pull and elevated cheek weld
Trade-offs
- Weighs 8.3 pounds — nearly 1.5 pounds heavier than a synthetic-stock Stevens 334, making it tiring for extended carrying
- No scope bases included — adds $40 minimum and installation time before first range trip
- 44.5-inch overall length makes it awkward for transport in many standard 42-inch rifle cases
- Bolt handle is not oversized; gloves can make manipulation difficult in cold weather
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702021138 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 535727208 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .223 REM/5.56 NATO |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 50.2500 |
| number of magazines | 1 5 rd. |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 9.8 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 11.5 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the threaded muzzle accept a suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8x24 threads are standard for .223/5.56 muzzle devices. However, for suppressor use, you must verify concentricity with an alignment rod — I found a 0.005" variance at the muzzle crown on my test sample, which is acceptable but requires checking. Use a quality suppressor mount like those from Dead Air or SilencerCo.
- What scope base does it use?
- The receiver uses a standard short-action Remington 700 footprint for scope bases. This is a #8-40 screw pattern — do not use M4 metric screws, as they can strip the threads. A one-piece Picatinny rail from EGW or Warne, torqued to 15-18 inch-pounds, is my recommended setup.
- Will it cycle 5.56 NATO pressure ammo?
- Yes. The barrel is stamped .223 Rem, but the chamber is cut to SAMMI specifications that safely accommodate 5.56 NATO pressure levels (approximately 62,000 PSI). I've fired over 200 rounds of M193 55gr without a single pressure sign or extraction issue. Always consult your specific ammo manufacturer's data.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock items within 3 business days. Ground shipping to a Continental US FFL typically adds 5-7 business days. Your chosen FFL must have their current license on file with us before shipment can be released — allow 48 hours for that verification if it's your first purchase with them.