Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR in 6.5 Creedmoor: Full Review

Alberta has been good to me. In 2017, I used the then-new Winchester XPR in .300 Winchester Magnum to take a monster mule deer from across a wheat field (Guns & Ammo, December 2017). That dark, heavy-antlered and thick-bodied buck weighed almost 300 pounds, attracting a lot of interest among the area’s outfitters. I’ve since returned to hunt elk and wolves, as well, with great success. Despite the preparation required to navigate Canada’s restrictive gun laws, Alberta is an attractive destination for hunters interested in experiencing the northern wilderness.

The X-Lock riflescope mounting system features four screws per base for accurate placement and more security. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

I drove through Montana to Alberta in November 2023 to field test the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed. (It was later introduced at the 2024 SHOT Show.) Besides acquiring a Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) and paying the $8 Canadian one-time fee — a prerequisite to purchase hunting licenses in Alberta — a hunter must also fill out a one-page form to enter Canada with a firearm. (Pistols are not allowed.) The cost is $25, as of this writing, in Canadian funds, which is payable when entering the country. Form RCMP 5589/CAFC909 can be downloaded and printed from the RCMP website. Making this hunt unique was the invitation to stalk mule deer with the Blood Tribe in the Kainai Nation, where I was guided by Waylon Weaselhead. During our hunt for mule deer, he educated me about tribal laws and the history of the land and his people.

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-03-1200x800 — Carried over from the original X-Bolt design, the flush-fit rotary four-round magazine holds cartridges by the shoulder, protecting bullets from deformation during recoil. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

Foundational

The X-Bolt was introduced in 2008, a design of Browning Arms Company manufactured by Miroku Corp. in Japan. Barrel lengths ranged from 20 to 26 inches. Browning annually introduced variations of the X-Bolt that managed to hold the interest of those who wear branded merchandise and drive a truck with the Buckmark displayed on the rear window.

The “X” moniker refers to the scope-ring-base mounting system that utilizes four drilled-and-tapped holes for each ring atop a flat-top receiver instead of two holes per ring centered on a round receiver. X-shaped thread protectors inspired the name for the platform, as well as the X-pattern tightening of the base screws when torquing to 18-inch-pounds. The mounting pattern provides additional security for a scope, protection against bases loosening due to recoil, or stripped threads, inadequate torque, and human error. Aluminum rings with integrated X-Bolt pattern holes are available from Browning for $80, and in various Cerakote colors including Smoke Bronze. X-Bolt Target models include a factory-installed optic rail on a linear four-screw pattern with a torque setting of 25-inch-pounds.

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-04-1200x800 — The radial ported muzzlebrake mitigates felt recoil. The barrel can be suppressed. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

The X-Bolt introduced several innovations for a centerfire bolt-action rifle, including its polymer rotary magazine that holds each cartridge by the case’s shoulder. This protects bullet tips against deformation from contacting the front wall of the magazine during recoil. Another innovation was to the safety system, resulting in a bolt-override button connected to the trigger. Pressing the button allows the bolt to open, even if the safety is engaged. The X-Bolt series also offered a threaded radial muzzlebrake to minimize felt recoil. These features were carried over into the X-Bolt 2.

Next In Line

At the 2024 SHOT Show, Browning revealed the X-Bolt 2. It was teased on the cover of “Backcountry Hunter” (Spring 2024), and quickly featured in “Petersen’s Hunting” (April-May 2024) and “Shooting Times” (July 2024). The X-Bolt 2 continued the X-Bolt’s innovations. As of this report, there are 13 hunting and two long-range versions supporting 14 cartridges: .243 Winchester, .270 Win., .28 Nosler, .30-’06 Springfield, .300 PRC, .300 Win. Mag., .300 WSM, .308 Win., 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6.8 Western, 7mm PRC, and 7mm Remington Mag. Stock types include five camo models, four carbon fiber, three composites, one made of walnut, and one from McMillan. Finish options are blued and Cerakote. Prices span $1,100 to $4,070; the most expensive spec is the X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan with carbon-fiber stock, carbon-fiber barrel and Browning’s Recoil Hawg muzzlebrake. The most affordable is the X-Bolt 2 Micro with a 20-inch barrel in .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, or .308 Win., which has a matte blued finish and black Vari-Tech stock.

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-05-1200x800 — The bolt-unlock button rises when the tang safety is engaged (above, left). It’s used to unload or inspect the chamber. Under the bolt shroud is the striker tab status. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

The X-Bolt 2 continues to feed from a four-round capacity detachable rotary magazine, which is flush with the bottom metal underneath when inserted. Spare magazines are available online. The X-Bolt 2 will also be offered with an extended Browning “Plus” detachable-box magazine, holding six rounds for standard cartridges and five for magnums and WSM, and an aftermarket Xtra Capacity MDT AICS magazine. Magnum- and WSM-chambered rifles have rotary magazines that only accept three rounds. Rifles in other cartridges, including 6.5 Creedmoor, will have rotary magazines that accept four rounds. The polymer MDT AICS magazines hold 10 rounds.

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-06-1200x800 — Envoking the design of legacy Browning rifles, the gold-plated metal-alloy DLX trigger is a multiple-lever design adjustable down to 3 pounds. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

Guns & Ammo was sent the X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR in 6.5 Creedmoor for evaluation. Opting for the fluted sporter-weight barrel, it features the Vari-Tech composite stock with Browning’s OVIX camo finish and a Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish. Spec’d with an 18-inch .308 Win. or 6.5 Creedmoor barrel, it has a manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP) one cent shy of $1,500. The X-Bolt 2 Speed doesn’t have many direct competitors point-for-point, but in terms of price versus features, its rivals are the Savage 110 High Country ($1,279, savagearms.com) and the Springfield Armory Model 2020 ($2,173, springfield-armory.com).

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-07-1200x800 — The action is bedding at the recoil lug and action screws. The Vari-Tech stock forend is reinforced with X-pattern ribs. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

The X-Bolt 2 configuration retains components such as the fluted Sporter-contoured barrel with a polished chamber. The flutes don’t alleviate barrel heat as some surmise, but they do complement the lightweight profile. Measuring 18 inches, the barrel is long enough to stabilize the bullet and harness most of the velocity potential across the broad spectrum of .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor loads. A longer barrel could provide faster velocities, but the trade-off is increased weight and overall length. Out of the box, the X-Bolt 2 Speed with fluted Sporter barrel weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces. It’s easy to carry, quick to mount on the shoulder, and maneuverable in the field.

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-08-1200x800 — The Vari-Tech stock is adjustable for length of pull and comb height, complete with Inflex recoil pad. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

The muzzle is threaded M13x0.75 and equipped with the familiar radial muzzlebrake. With the muzzlebrake removed, it could be adapted to accept a suppressor or given a thread-protector cap. It also accepts the Browning Recoil Hawg Sporter muzzlebrake ($136, browning.com). Muzzlebrakes are effective at all but eliminating felt recoil, but they can generate noise and redirect the concussive blast to the sides of the muzzle.

The X-Bolt 2 benefits from an updated short-action receiver and bolt. The bolt continues the quick-to-cycle three-lug configuration resulting in a 60-degree lift. A benefit is that it provides clearance between a low-mounted scope and a shooter’s fingers. When the bolt is cocked, a red-painted cocking indicator is revealed to the shooter’s peripheral attention beneath the scope. The cocking indicator retreats when fired, hidden under the bolt shroud.

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-09-1200x800 — Sling swivels are standard at the forend and near the toe, but holes can be drilled for attaching rails. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

The thumb safety switch on the tang is still here, as well as the bolt-release lever at the left-rear of the receiver. The tang-safety works in conjunction with the bolt-unlock button. Again, the bolt-unlock button allows the user to unlock the bolt for loading or unloading the action with the safety engaged.

Within the alloy triggerguard is a gold-plated trigger that tickles the heartstrings of those who grew up shooting Brownings. G&A’s sample featured the Browning DLX version, producing an average pull weight of 3 pounds, 15 ounces. The DLX Trigger uses an internal three-lever system to manipulate the sear, which allows the user to adjust the trigger’s characteristics to eliminate creep, take-up and overtravel. There are variances, though; it can be adjusted to about 3 pounds, but the triggers are usually preset to 3½ pounds. Target model triggers are factory set to 2½ pounds and can be adjusted between 2 and 3.3 pounds. Adjusting the trigger requires a 5⁄64-inch (2mm) hex wrench. To remove the two screws that hold the bottom metal to the stock and action, use a 5⁄32 (4mm) hex wrench.

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-10-1200x800 — With the barreled action and bottom metal removed, access to a screw that secures the interchangeable pistol grip is available. Access to the stock, spacers and comb is permitted when the Inflex recoil pad is removed. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

Art of the Stock

The action is bedded to the composite stock, barrel free-floated. With the stock removed, the bedding is impressive — almost old school. We rarely see composite stocks with bedding compound and fitment such as on the X-Bolt 2. Called the “Vari-Tech Composite Stock,” it wears Browning OVIX camo. The Vari-Tech is adjustable for length of pull, comb height and grip angle. The stock on the X-Bolt 2 features a new and thicker Inflex recoil pad. The textured, rubber-overmolded grip is interchangeable, and two grip profiles are offered: Sporter and Vertical. To change the grips, remove the barreled action for access to a No. 1 Phillips-head screw inside the rear of the stock.

At the front and rear of the X-Bolt 2 Speed are conventional sling-swivel studs, but unique to the Vari-Tech stock’s forend are X-pattern reinforcement ribs that provide the composite material with rigidity. At the crosspoints, there are holes that can be drilled through using a 13⁄64 drill bit to create pass-through holes for attaching a piece of rail or M-Lok, for example. The hole will accept a 10-32 threaded nut insert, Grovetech part number 490221 or similar. Insert the appropriate bolt or fastener to secure the piece of rail and tighten it to draw in the nut. (Be sure the fastener is not too long so that it doesn’t contact the barrel!)

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-11-1200x800 — The bolt was updated for the Browning X-Bolt 2, which features spiral fluting and a three-lug design. The bolt handle is ergonomic and includes the bolt-unlock button for additional safety. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

The stock is relatively easy to adjust. Using the provided hex wrench, comb height can be increased to better position your eye behind the center of the scope’s ocular lens. To access the small screw between the stock and the recoil pad, wiggle the hex wrench in the small hole above the top recoil-pad Phillips-head screw. With it loosened, there are six positions available for approximately 1 inch of total adjustment available. Know this: When you raise the comb, you eliminate your ability to readily boresight the scope to the barrel or clean the barrel from breech to muzzle. If you want to boresight the scope, I suggest doing it before fitting the stock.

I did find it easy to remove the recoil pad with a No. 2 Phillips-head screwdriver first. With the recoil pad removed, use a No. 1 Phillips screwdriver to loosen the smaller screws to remove the rear sliding stock “end section,” as Browning calls it. You can access the comb adjustment or increase/decrease the length of pull by adding or removing black plastic spacers between the end section and the stock. (Four spacers are provided.) Reassembled properly, the stock is rattle-free.

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-12-1200x800 — With three lugs, the bolt lift is short at 60 degrees, easily clearing most scopes. The knob is new for the X-Bolt 2, and the receiver was reconfigured to smooth bolt operation with no bind. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)

Range & Field

The X-Bolt 2 Speed held sub-MOA accuracy for three, three-shot groups fired in succession. Afterward, the barrel became too hot to touch. If I attempted to shoot after a three-shot groups, accuracy loosened to about 1¼-inches at 100 yards. This rifle was designed for hunting, so I wasn’t surprised or disappointed. Ten minutes of patience at ambient room temperature was enough of a cool-down to resume group shooting.

I expect this level of accuracy out of custom rifles, but I didn’t expect it out of an X-Bolt! In my opinion, the X-Bolt 2 Speed is more refined than lower-cost alternatives — but the price reflects this. With the X-Bolt 2 Speed, you are getting no more accuracy than what you should be getting for the money. It’s not the blued, wood-stocked rifle for the nostalgic type of gun guy, and it wouldn’t impress your dad or grandfather until you sat them behind it on a shooting bench. (There was no felt recoil with the radial muzzlebrake, so you could.) It’s not a rifle with a “soul,” but it is stylish and a functional tool for the modern hunter. It’s about as good of a rifle as a production rifle can be. You can complete the look of the X-Bolt 2 Speed by wearing OVIX concealment-pattern clothing from Browning, or pairing it with OVIX accessories such as a sling $30 and scope-rifle soft case ($80).

gaad-bro-browning-x-bolt-2-speed-spr-13-1200x800 — Using a Browning X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan SPR Carbon Fiber in 6.5 CM, Campbell tagged an epic mule deer buck.

Returning to Alberta

Weaselhead and I glassed and hunted the land of the Kainai Nation for a trophy mule deer. Our expectations were skewed by the early success of another hunter in camp, Browning’s Shaundi Campbell. She used an X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan SPR to take an incredible buck at more than 300 yards. Stalking northern prairie for five days, we only saw younger mulies — hundreds of them — and some mature whitetails. Elusive and hidden, we uncovered the carcass of a shooter buck at the bottom of a river’s canyon; it was a reminder that every living thing dies, but the land remains. On this trip, I learned that the Blood Tribe does not view land as property that can be owned. Land is shared, cultivated and protected for all of its inhabitants. Though I did not harvest a mule deer, I was ready to make a shot with this broadened perspective.