I Heard it on the X

New for 2022 from Browning is their X-Bolt Target rifle, in both standard and “Pro” trims.  Officially the “X-Bolt Target Max Adjustable Suppressor Ready”, the X-Bolt target has a few features that differentiate it from other X-Bolts.

Browning X-Bolt Target

Per Browning:

• New patent pending, Browning Target Trigger has an adjustment range of 2 to 3.3 pounds and comes factory set at 2.5 lbs
• New stiffer, heavier, full-diameter receiver is optimized for target shooting
• New Xtra Capacity Magazine System offers up to ten round magazine capacity right out of the box. Ships with one MDT 10-round polymer box magazine.
• Max composite stock with vertical pistol grip and height-adjustable comb
• Receiver features a machined level flat for squaring and truing the reticle and muzzle brake to the rifle.
• Included Picatinny rail is installed with four oversize 8-40 screws and an additional steel pin that secures the rail to the receiver. The pin acts as a recoil lug to prevent the rail from shifting.
• Stainless bull barrel is fluted and measures .9″ at the 5/8″-24 Suppressor Ready threads
• Recoil Hawg muzzle brake (Thread protector also included)
• Extended bolt handle reduces opening forces
• Match-grade, fluted sporter barrel with belled muzzle features 5/8″-24 suppressor ready threads
• Should the barrel need to be replaced, the recoil lug is pinned to the receiver to ensure perfect orientation
• New Smoked Bronze Cerakote metal finish for superior corrosion resistance

I had a chance to shoot a few rounds with the new X-Bolt Target chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.  Unfortunately, Browning did not have a longer range spot in the upper bays, so we had to settle for clanging steel at 100Y, far too easy a task for the X-Bolt Target, but enough to get an initial impression of the rifle.

Browning X-Bolt Target

Browning X-Bolt Target adjustable stock, note measurement lines for quick and repeatable settings

Browning X-Bolt Target

MDT magazine for Browning X-Bolt Target, quite a few major manufacturers are using MDT parts these days.

Browning’s easy-indexing muzzle brake

As to be expected, it was smooth, stable, and had an excellent trigger. The stock is also very comfortable, and easily adjustable if one should need to.  If you aren’t satisfied with the already rich feature set of the X-Bolt Target, one can drop significantly more money ($1500 vs approx. $4k MSRP) on the “Pro” configuration, which features a McMillan A3 stock and a different barrel.

Browning X-Bolt Target “Pro”. Image Credit: Browning

It’s about to get Western

SHOT 2022 also was the first opportunity I’ve had to try out the relatively new 6.8 Western cartridge. Creating a good deal of energy downrange at 500 yards, the 6.8 Western is first and foremost a hunting cartridge.  Browning had their X-Bolt Speed Supressor Ready Rifle chambered to shoot this cartridge. I can see why you’d want a suppressor with it, as unfortunately it only was available to shoot with a brake on range day. Though it was rather soft shooting for a cartridge in that power range, it was rather loud as well.  I highly recommend using a suppressor if one is considering using the 6.8 Western for their main hunting cartridge.

Also on hand to shoot was the X-Bolt Speed suppressor-ready rifle in 6.8 Western

6.8 Western, co-developed by Browning and Winchester