Browning new rifles including 7prc - how are the actions

KenLee

WKR
Joined
Jun 9, 2021
Messages
2,518
Location
South Carolina
I tried and x bolt in 7 rem mag. I put hundreds of rounds thru it trying to get it to shoot. I went down the road. Could not get it to shoot even close to MOA with my reloads. Never tried factory stuff
If you know where it is, I'd bet 154 gr Hornady factory ammo shoots like a dream.
 

pattimusprime22

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 3, 2019
Messages
246
I have an X-bolt HCS that shoots great and I really like the short throw action. I'm echoing everyone else here, but the aftermarket support really is the limiter. Mine came with metric threaded muzzle which means I'm going to have to use an adapter to mount a suppressor (whenever that gets approved). I know you can find a gunsmith that will rebarrel them, but it sure would be nice if I could just pickup a prefit and screw it on like with a tikka.
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2016
Messages
3
Location
Michigan
I want to buy the Browning X Bolt speed suppressor ready 7 PRC but I can’t find it anywhere. Any idea where I can get one or when they might become available?

Item Number 035559298


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Feb 4, 2021
Messages
55
I want to buy the Browning X Bolt speed suppressor ready 7 PRC but I can’t find it anywhere. Any idea where I can get one or when they might become available?

Item Number 035559298


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I emailed browning a couple of weeks ago. I asked them if this model was available anywhere. They replied that they will be shipping in august.
 

kparrott

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 9, 2013
Messages
153
Location
Ohio
Thanks for the info. That sucks is August because that’s a long ways away.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I asked a local shop about Brownings, I want a XBolt Mountain Pro in 7PRC. This was the response I got.

8056030bebe96fec54a4cb7c5521cea0.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Jan 27, 2022
Messages
1,281
As others have said, the Browning X-Bolts are solid rifles. Brownings did have a bad rep regarding barrel swaps, but this stems from the old A-Bolt II SS actions, which had a tendency to gall due to the thread locking compound that Browning used. From what I understand, that has been fixed on the X-Bolts.
I also don't mind that they don't offer CF barrels. As long as they are providing profiles that allow for suppressor use without forcing full bull or Varmint contours on us, I am good. I see no value in CF barrels.
 

nobody

WKR
Joined
Sep 15, 2020
Messages
2,112
I have an X Bolt western hunter. I believe it was the 2020 SHOT show model, as it was discontinued quickly. It’s a blued barrel 6.5 creed with a 26” barrel and an adjustable cheek riser. It shoots stupid good, never strings shots and is extremely consistent. Balances well, and for a sporter stock, there’s nothing that fits me better.

That said, I’m not a fan of their scope mounting solution. 18 inch pounds max torque on the scope bases just doesn’t inspire confidence, and I’ve seen several of them stripped out. Given everything we preach here on the ‘slide about bullet proofing rifle setups, the x bolt doesn’t inspire confidence. Also, the maximum allowable action torque is only 35 inch lbs. again, that just seems way too low. I’ve learned since I picked mine up that these low torque values are due to the fact that their actions are thinner walled, a concession they had to make in order to drop some weight.

There’s also LOTS of reports of the x bolt barrels still being difficult to remove. There’s actually lots of threads on other forums about guys tweaking their actions removing the factory barrels, due to the fact that the action walls are so thin.

I won’t ever get rid of mine, but given my experiences and what I’ve learned since picking mine up, I won’t pick up another. I do love mine and love carrying it and shooting it, it’s actually the rifle that went to colorado for 3rd season with me. But now that I’ve finally jumped both feet into Tikka, the x bolt doesn’t get much love anymore.
 

KenLee

WKR
Joined
Jun 9, 2021
Messages
2,518
Location
South Carolina
I have an X Bolt western hunter. I believe it was the 2020 SHOT show model, as it was discontinued quickly. It’s a blued barrel 6.5 creed with a 26” barrel and an adjustable cheek riser. It shoots stupid good, never strings shots and is extremely consistent. Balances well, and for a sporter stock, there’s nothing that fits me better.

That said, I’m not a fan of their scope mounting solution. 18 inch pounds max torque on the scope bases just doesn’t inspire confidence, and I’ve seen several of them stripped out. Given everything we preach here on the ‘slide about bullet proofing rifle setups, the x bolt doesn’t inspire confidence. Also, the maximum allowable action torque is only 35 inch lbs. again, that just seems way too low. I’ve learned since I picked mine up that these low torque values are due to the fact that their actions are thinner walled, a concession they had to make in order to drop some weight.

There’s also LOTS of reports of the x bolt barrels still being difficult to remove. There’s actually lots of threads on other forums about guys tweaking their actions removing the factory barrels, due to the fact that the action walls are so thin.

I won’t ever get rid of mine, but given my experiences and what I’ve learned since picking mine up, I won’t pick up another. I do love mine and love carrying it and shooting it, it’s actually the rifle that went to colorado for 3rd season with me. But now that I’ve finally jumped both feet into Tikka, the x bolt doesn’t get much love anymore.
FWIW I have over a dozen x-bolts with 30 inch pounds of torque on all base screws.
 

nobody

WKR
Joined
Sep 15, 2020
Messages
2,112
FWIW I have over a dozen x-bolts with 30 inch pounds of torque on all base screws.
Interesting to note for sure. I’ve seen several let go completely at anywhere from 22-25. I’ve got a warne 20 MOA rail on mine, and the torque spec there was for 20 inch lbs, per warne, with loctite. I rolled the dice and did it, and they’re holding, but I could feel that the threads probably wouldn’t have taken much more without letting go.
 

KenLee

WKR
Joined
Jun 9, 2021
Messages
2,518
Location
South Carolina
Interesting to note for sure. I’ve seen several let go completely at anywhere from 22-25. I’ve got a warne 20 MOA rail on mine, and the torque spec there was for 20 inch lbs, per warne, with loctite. I rolled the dice and did it, and they’re holding, but I could feel that the threads probably wouldn’t have taken much more without letting go.
Surpising to me.
I've always ran 30 on bases and 20 on rings and didn't pay attention when Browning moved from abolt II to x-bolts.
 

manitou1

WKR
Joined
Mar 29, 2017
Messages
1,936
Location
Wyoming
I have an X Bolt western hunter. I believe it was the 2020 SHOT show model, as it was discontinued quickly. It’s a blued barrel 6.5 creed with a 26” barrel and an adjustable cheek riser. It shoots stupid good, never strings shots and is extremely consistent. Balances well, and for a sporter stock, there’s nothing that fits me better.

That said, I’m not a fan of their scope mounting solution. 18 inch pounds max torque on the scope bases just doesn’t inspire confidence, and I’ve seen several of them stripped out. Given everything we preach here on the ‘slide about bullet proofing rifle setups, the x bolt doesn’t inspire confidence. Also, the maximum allowable action torque is only 35 inch lbs. again, that just seems way too low. I’ve learned since I picked mine up that these low torque values are due to the fact that their actions are thinner walled, a concession they had to make in order to drop some weight.

There’s also LOTS of reports of the x bolt barrels still being difficult to remove. There’s actually lots of threads on other forums about guys tweaking their actions removing the factory barrels, due to the fact that the action walls are so thin.

I won’t ever get rid of mine, but given my experiences and what I’ve learned since picking mine up, I won’t pick up another. I do love mine and love carrying it and shooting it, it’s actually the rifle that went to colorado for 3rd season with me. But now that I’ve finally jumped both feet into Tikka, the x bolt doesn’t get much love anymore.
In a thread about action torque specs a year or two ago a guy called Browning and they suggested to him to start at 45 inch lbs. I run both my X-Bolts at 50 with no issue, and have for years.

Never heard of the low base torque specs either. I torque mine at industry standard 22-25 lbs with no issue.

Also: A little blue Loktite helps with confidence. 😁
 

KenLee

WKR
Joined
Jun 9, 2021
Messages
2,518
Location
South Carolina
Interesting to note for sure. I’ve seen several let go completely at anywhere from 22-25. I’ve got a warne 20 MOA rail on mine, and the torque spec there was for 20 inch lbs, per warne, with loctite. I rolled the dice and did it, and they’re holding, but I could feel that the threads probably wouldn’t have taken much more without letting go.
Guess I've been lucky...and explains why any x-bolt I've bought used, I've further tightened the bases.
Prior owner or scope installer knew something I didn't.
 
Joined
Jul 6, 2022
Messages
70
I want to buy the Browning X Bolt speed suppressor ready 7 PRC but I can’t find it anywhere. Any idea where I can get one or when they might become available?

Item Number 035559298


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just wanted to give an update on this thread... It looks like the X-Bolts in 7PRC are starting to hit the shelves. I ordered the X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range SPR in 7PRC (Model# 035584298) back in late April and it just came in yesterday. This model had everything I was looking for in a hunting rig; great stock, shorter heavier profile barrel for a suppressor, nice action, etc.

Truth be told I've got several X-Bolts, a nice dependable factory option in my opinion. Just wish there was greater aftermarket support for them. But again when I saw this model was available in 7prc I thought it was a nice compromise between sticking with what I know I like and going full custom when adding a new caliber to the safe.

I don't think you can go wrong with an X-Bolt.

For Reference:
1696527259091.png
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jan 28, 2017
Messages
971
Of my favorite rifles: custom Rem, Barrett FC, Tikka, Win Model 70, and Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker, the X-bolt is my favorite regarding fit, finish, and handling. I really like it. I'm glad Browning is waking up to suppressor ready models with shorter barrels.
 

KenLee

WKR
Joined
Jun 9, 2021
Messages
2,518
Location
South Carolina
Just wanted to give an update on this thread... It looks like the X-Bolts in 7PRC are starting to hit the shelves. I ordered the X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range SPR in 7PRC (Model# 035584298) back in late April and it just came in yesterday. This model had everything I was looking for in a hunting rig; great stock, shorter heavier profile barrel for a suppressor, nice action, etc.

Truth be told I've got several X-Bolts, a nice dependable factory option in my opinion. Just wish there was greater aftermarket support for them. But again when I saw this model was available in 7prc I thought it was a nice compromise between sticking with what I know I like and going full custom when adding a new caliber to the safe.

I don't think you can go wrong with an X-Bolt.

For Reference:
View attachment 610252
What aftermarket support do they need?
 
Joined
Jul 6, 2022
Messages
70
What aftermarket support do they need?
Don't get me wrong, I really do like the Game Warden 2 stock (have a 30-06 Speed SR that I moved over to one), but it would be nice to have more options for Stocks, and maybe some options for triggers as well.
 

KenLee

WKR
Joined
Jun 9, 2021
Messages
2,518
Location
South Carolina
Don't get me wrong, I really do like the Game Warden 2 stock (have a 30-06 Speed SR that I moved over to one), but it would be nice to have more options for Stocks, and maybe some options for triggers as well.
When I buy used a-bolts and X-Bolts that have triggers or even springs swapped out, I put the factory triggers back in them.
I want all of them to feel the same.
 

Lou270

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 5, 2022
Messages
272
Just wanted to give an update on this thread... It looks like the X-Bolts in 7PRC are starting to hit the shelves. I ordered the X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range SPR in 7PRC (Model# 035584298) back in late April and it just came in yesterday. This model had everything I was looking for in a hunting rig; great stock, shorter heavier profile barrel for a suppressor, nice action, etc.

Truth be told I've got several X-Bolts, a nice dependable factory option in my opinion. Just wish there was greater aftermarket support for them. But again when I saw this model was available in 7prc I thought it was a nice compromise between sticking with what I know I like and going full custom when adding a new caliber to the safe.

I don't think you can go wrong with an X-Bolt.

For Reference:
View attachment 610252
Bet you will be happy. I have a xbolt speed SR in 6.8W and quality and accuracy are top notch! Good luck!

Lou
 
Top