Browning X-Bolt
Browning Arms Company · Rifle · In Production · 2008
Also known as: X-Bolt, Browning X-Bolt Hunter
Overview
The Browning X-Bolt is a modern push-feed bolt-action hunting rifle introduced in 2008 as the successor to the long-running A-Bolt II. Designed by Browning and manufactured by Miroku Corporation in Kochi, Japan, the X-Bolt features a 60-degree short-throw bolt action with three locking lugs that engage a barrel extension, a rotary detachable polymer magazine that sits flush with the stock, and the proprietary X-Lock scope mounting system that anchors each base with four screws rather than the conventional two for greater rigidity. The Feather Trigger is a three-lever design with no take-up, minimal overtravel, a clean break, and adjustable pull weight from approximately 3 to 5 pounds. Every X-Bolt receiver is glass-bedded into the stock at the front and rear action screws and recoil lug to provide a true free-floating barrel without aftermarket gunsmithing. Available in nearly every popular North American big-game cartridge from .243 Winchester through .300 PRC, the X-Bolt has become one of the most popular hunting bolt-actions of the modern era and was succeeded by the X-Bolt 2 in 2024 with further refinements to the trigger, stock and magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3033 g (107.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 16 N (3.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3592 J (2649 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Polished Blued |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
- 6.5 Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 CM
- .270 Winchester — also known as .270 Win
- .300 Winchester Magnum — also known as .300 Win Mag
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Tang Safety, Bolt Unlock Button, Inertia Firing Pin
- Features: X-Lock Scope Mounting, Feather Trigger, 60 Degree Bolt Lift, Three Lug Bolt, Free Floating Barrel, Rotary Detachable Magazine, Adjustable Trigger, Drilled And Tapped, Inflex Recoil Pad
Variants
- Browning X-Bolt 2 — Second Generation
- Browning X-Bolt Pro — Carbon Fiber Stock
- Browning X-Bolt Hunter — Walnut Blued
- Browning X-Bolt Speed — Ovix Camo Cerakote
- Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range — Long Range Target
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Market · adopted 2008
Production
Production years: 2008-present
Manufactured by Miroku Firearms in Kochi, Japan. Successor to the A-Bolt II; the X-Bolt 2 generation was introduced in 2024 alongside continued production of the original platform.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Sporting weight typically 6 lb 11 oz to 7 lb depending on caliber and stock. Barrel lengths range from 22 inches for short-action calibers to 26 inches for magnum chamberings. The X-Lock scope mounting system uses four screws per base. The X-Bolt 2 generation, introduced in 2024, replaces the original platform with refinements to the trigger, magazine and ergonomics but retains the same basic action geometry.
Background
Browning gave the X-Bolt its name from its proprietary X-Lock scope mounting system, which uses four screws per base instead of the industry-standard two. The seemingly minor change drew an outsized response from precision shooters: by anchoring the optic far more rigidly than competitors, the X-Bolt could shoot tight groups out of the box that previously required a custom gunsmith bedding job to achieve.