Rifle review: Browning’s lightweight X-Bolt 2 Speed Carbon Fibre is a welcome upgrade

The development of modern hunting rifles has been an evolutionary process, dotted with benchmark innovations. A case in point is Christensen Arms’ introduction of carbon-fibre-wrapped barrels in 1995, which generated a new breed of hunting rifle and changed the very industry building them. Not all firearms manufacturers were quick to adopt carbon-fibre barrels, however.

During a 12-year span, I reviewed several iterations of Browning’s X-Bolt, first introduced in 2008. They impressed me as well-designed rifles, offering both aesthetic appeal and user friendliness. Despite their success, I began to question why Browning wasn’t adding a carbon-fibre barrel model to the X-Bolt line. That speculation ended with 2024’s introduction of the X-Bolt 2, which now boasts six models equipped with outsourced carbon-fibre barrels from Preferred Barrel Blanks.

For my test model, I opted for the X-Bolt 2 Speed Carbon Fibre, which sports a stainless steel barrel wrapped in carbon fibre. It’s threaded 5/8”-24, and includes a Recoil Hawg muzzle brake that’s said to reduce recoil by up to 76 per cent. As well, the action is bedded at the recoil lug and action screws to free float the barrel.

Other mechanical features include a patent-pending adjustable DLX trigger, bolt unlock button, top tang safety, short 60-degree bolt lift, X-Lock scope mounting system, and spiral-fluted bolt with extended handle. There’s also a new ergonomic bolt knob, while the receiver includes additional bolt guidance.

Complementing the fit and finish, meanwhile, are several more notable features: new X-Bolt styling; composite Vari-Tech stock with an adjustable length of pull and adjustable comb; interchangeable sporter/vertical grips; and black over-moulded gripping surfaces. The rifle also comes decked out in Browning OVIX camo, and includes a 1¼-inch Inflex recoil pad and Tungsten Cerakote finish.

TEST RESULTS

Right out of the box, it was obvious my X-Bolt 2 test rifle in 6.8 Western was an upgrade over the original X-Bolt. It appeared to have it all in terms of aesthetics, design and construction. After a brief fit and feel, I weighed the rifle and it tipped the scales at seven pounds two ounces, with a trigger pull weight of three pounds eight ounces (which I reduced to three pounds even). The DLX trigger is unquestionably Browning’s best trigger to date. The break was crisp and clean, with no creep or over-travel, making it a notable upgrade.

After mounting the Hawke test scope using Browning X-Bolt intergraded mounts, the combined weight with the rifle was eight pounds eight ounces. Another upgrade, the adjustable comb provided the opportunity for improved eye-to-scope alignment.

While the rifle was essentially flawless in every respect, I did find a couple of points of interest. First, it had a very short throat, requiring me to seat all my handloads well short of the maximum cartridge overall length. Next, with its 1:7-inch twist, the rifle could stabilize heavy bullets for the calibre, such as Nosler’s 165-grain AccuBond LR with its jaw dropping 0.620 ballistic coefficient (BC)—talk about a potential long-range performer. Finally, while the Recoil Hawg muzzle brake certainly reduced felt recoil and muzzle jump, it was extremely loud, making hearing protection a must.

As for the Hawke Endurance Mountain Hunter scope, its optical quality, lightweight rugged design, array of features and precision certainly provide maximum bang for the buck. It made an ideal match for the X-Bolt 2, but would certainly also suit any backcountry rifle (for more on the scope, see “Mountain Hunter,” below).

After a bit of searching, I was able to find five factory loads and assemble 11 handloads that included two heavyweight bullets from Nosler. At 0.970, my handload groups bettered the 1.263 average of the factory loads. Despite only one load bettering a half-inch, a couple hovered just above that mark (above).

For lighter game such as antelope, I would consider handloaded 150-grain Berger VLD Hunting bullets. As for larger game, I’d opt for Nosler 165-grain ABLR bullets. Both options averaged 0.450 and 0.752, respectively. The Nosler ABLR bullets, with their 620 BC and velocity of 2,956 fps (using Grand powder), would make for a superb long-range elk and moose load.

As for the factory loads, both Winchester’s Ballistic Silvertip (with 170-grain Rapid Controlled Expansion Polymer Tip bullets) and Browning’s Long Range Pro Hunter (with 175-grain Sierra Tipped Gameking bullets) also delivered sub-MOA accuracy.

TEST RIFLE SPECS

• Calibre: 6.8 Western
• Barrel length: 24”
• Total length: 44”
• Weight: 7 lb 1 oz
• Length of pull: 13 5/8”
• Drop at comb: Adjustable
• Drop at heel: Adjustable
• Rate of twist: 1:7”
• Magazine capacity: 3

For the complete range test results, go to www.outdoorcanada.ca/xb2test.

MOUNTAIN HUNTER

While they might not be as well-known as the riflescopes from the major players, I consider Hawke scopes to be hidden gems, with great optics that won’t send your credit card into a tailspin. For my test, I opted for the Endurance 30 FD 3-18×44 SF (aka Mountain Hunter). New to the Endurance line, it’s a lightweight scope designed for the rigours of mountain hunts, as the name implies.

The scope features Hawke’s H5 optics, offering 18-layer fully coated lenses, high-grade low-dispersion crown glass and 11 levels of fibre red digital optic illumination with push button illumination (as well as auto-standby and motion activation). It also offers a 6x optical ratio, ultra-wide field of view, 102 mm of eye relief, exposed locking elevation and capped windage turrets.

Other features include a high-torque rubber zoom ring with removable throw lever, side focus, fast focus eyebell and 30 mm mono-tube chassis. It is nitrogen-purged, shockproof, fogproof and waterproof, and comes with Hawke’s no-fault lifetime warranty.

TEST SCOPE SPECS

• Magnification: 3-18x
• Objective lens diameter: 44 mm
• Tube: 30 mm
• Length: 13.3”
• Weight: 20.7 oz
• Eye relief: 4”
• Field of view: 38.8 to 6.5 feet @100 yds
• Focus: 15 yards to infinity
• Focal Plane: Second
• Elevation & windage adjustment: 85 MOA