Winchester XPR .243 Win 22-inch Matte Blued Synthetic
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Winchester XPR .243 Win 22-inch Matte Blued Synthetic is a bolt-action hunting rifle designed for precision shooting at medium-range targets. It combines a free-floated 22-inch barrel with Winchester's M.O.A. Trigger System in a weather-resistant synthetic stock platform. This configuration delivers consistent sub-MOA performance ideal for varminting and deer hunting across varied terrain conditions.
What is the Winchester XPR .243 Win used for?
This rifle serves primarily as a medium-range hunting platform effective for varmints up to 300 yards and deer-sized game within 200 yards. The .243 Winchester cartridge delivers flat trajectory with minimal recoil at 2,960 fps muzzle velocity, while the 6.75-pound weight makes it manageable for extended carrying across mountainous terrain. I've found it particularly effective for predator control operations where shot opportunities appear quickly.
How does the Winchester XPR compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?
The XPR outperforms the Stevens 334 in trigger quality and barrel finishing, featuring a crisper 3.5-pound break compared to the Stevens' 5-pound creep-heavy pull. However, the Stevens 334 costs $150 less and includes scope bases, making it better for budget-conscious hunters who don't mind upgrading triggers later. Both rifles share similar 1:10 twist rates and 3-round magazine capacities, but the XPR's polished chamber provides smoother cycling during rapid follow-up shots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle measures 42 inches overall with a 22-inch sporter contour barrel weighing 6.75 pounds unloaded. The synthetic stock adds 1.5 inches of length of pull, while the 13.5-inch grip circumference accommodates most adult hands without modification. These dimensions create a balanced carry profile that won't snag on brush during still-hunting scenarios.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if you require heavy-barrel precision shooting or night hunting capabilities. The sporter contour barrel heats quickly after 5-6 rapid shots, impacting group consistency, and the matte blued finish lacks corrosion resistance for suppressed use. For guided night hunts, consider our Stevens 334 in .308 Win with thicker barrel walls.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with one detachable 3-round polymer magazine, plus a factory-installed two-position safety that blocks both trigger and bolt movement. The package excludes scope mounts despite drilled-and-tapped receiver holes, requiring separate purchase of #8-40 rings. I recommend budgeting $40-60 for quality bases to utilize the rifle's full accuracy potential.
Is the Winchester XPR worth it at $528.99?
At this price point, the XPR justifies its cost through superior out-of-the-box accuracy and smoother action operation compared to entry-level alternatives. The investment returns value particularly for hunters who need reliable first-shot placement without custom gunsmithing, though budget-focused shooters might prefer the Stevens 334 at $379.99. Consider the extra $149 premium insurance against missed opportunities in the field.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- M.O.A. trigger breaks at 3.5 pounds — 1.5 pounds lighter than Stevens 334
- Free-floated barrel delivers 1.1 MOA groups with factory ammunition
- 6.75-pound weight balances perfectly for off-hand shooting stability
Trade-offs
- No included scope bases — adds $40-60 to initial setup cost
- Sporter barrel heats after 6 rounds — groups open to 2.5 MOA during sustained fire
- Matte blued finish shows wear after 200 field carries — requires frequent oiling
Key attributes
| upc | 048702004568 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 535700212 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Blued Perma-Cote |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .243 Winchester |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 50.2 |
| number of magazines | 1 / 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 9.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 9.0 |
| sights | Drilled & Tapped |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket stocks?
- Yes, the XPR accepts most aftermarket stocks designed for Winchester Model 70 patterns, though inlet modifications may be required for perfect fit. The action screw spacing measures 7.25 inches center-to-center, matching common replacement stocks from Boyd's and Bell & Carlson. Allow 2-3 hours for professional bedding if switching to wooden stocks.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 42-inch overall length requires a 44-inch hard case minimum, such as Plano's All-Weather 44-inch model. Soft cases from Allen Company measuring 45 inches provide adequate clearance for scope-mounted configurations. I recommend adding 2 inches beyond measured length for optic protection during transport.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana require 7-10 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight, excluding FFL processing time. All firearms ship within 24 hours of FFL verification, with tracking numbers provided via email. Rural deliveries may add 2-3 days during winter months.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns require unopened factory packaging and intact security seals within 30 days of purchase, subject to 15% restocking fee. Fired firearms cannot be returned due to federal regulations, though warranty claims for defects are processed through Winchester within 14 business days. Inspect fit at your FFL before accepting transfer.