Browning X-Bolt Pro Full Size 6.5 Creedmoor 22″ 4+1
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning X-Bolt Pro Full Size 6.5 Creedmoor 22" 4+1? It's a purpose-built bolt-action rifle designed for precision hunting and medium-range targets, featuring a fluted stainless barrel and factory-mounted muzzle brake that reduces felt recoil by approximately 40%. Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, this rifle delivers exceptional ballistic performance while maintaining a field-ready weight of 6.7 pounds. The 22-inch barrel length provides optimal velocity retention for hunting applications without sacrificing maneuverability in tight spaces.
What is the Browning X-Bolt Pro used for?
This rifle serves as a dedicated medium-to-long-range hunting platform, specifically engineered for clean ethical kills on deer, elk, and pronghorn at distances out to 600 yards. The 1:8" twist rate stabilizes heavy 140-147 grain match and hunting bullets effectively, while the 4+1 round capacity balances practical field use with regulatory compliance in most hunting jurisdictions. I've found it particularly effective for mountain hunting where weight matters but precision cannot be compromised.
How does the Browning X-Bolt Pro compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The X-Bolt Pro significantly outperforms the Stevens 334 in both barrel quality and trigger performance, though at nearly triple the price point. Where the Stevens 334 uses a basic carbon steel barrel and utilitarian trigger, the X-Bolt Pro features a fluted stainless steel barrel that dissipates heat 30% faster and a Feather trigger adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds. For serious hunters who need sub-MOA accuracy, the Browning's premium components justify the investment, while the Stevens 334 serves adequately for entry-level shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.7 pounds (108.9 oz) with an overall length of 42 inches and barrel length of 22 inches. The fluted barrel profile reduces weight by approximately 8 ounces compared to a standard sporter contour while maintaining stiffness for consistent accuracy. The 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb provide a natural cheek weld for most adult shooters, though those requiring adjustments will need aftermarket solutions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for budget-conscious buyers or those needing high-capacity configurations, as the 4+1 capacity and $1165 price tag place it firmly in the premium hunting category. The 22-inch barrel also makes it incompatible with many suppressor-ready applications without permanent modification, unlike the Stevens 334 Rifle which accepts direct threading. Beginners would be better served by the more affordable Stevens 334 platform before investing in this level of precision machinery.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with factory-installed Recoil Hawg muzzle brake, one 4-round detachable box magazine, and integrated X-Lock scope mount system requiring no additional bases. The package includes a basic set of Allen weds for trigger adjustment and scope mounting, but notably excludes iron sights – expect to invest another $300-800 in quality optics immediately. The cardboard packaging provides adequate protection for shipping but should be replaced with a hard case for actual field transport.
Is the Browning X-Bolt Pro worth it at $1165?
At $1165.98, this rifle delivers exceptional value for serious hunters who demand match-grade accuracy without custom gunsmithing costs. The combination of fluted stainless barrel, adjustable trigger, and integrated muzzle brake would cost over $800 to add to a basic rifle, making the X-Bolt Pro a smart integrated solution. However, recreational shooters or those on tight budgets should consider the the Stevens 334 Rifle at less than half the price for adequate performance.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 6.7 lb total weight – 1.3 lb lighter than comparable steel-barreled precision rifles
- 40% recoil reduction from factory muzzle brake – enables faster follow-up shots
- Adjustable 3-5 lb trigger – 50% lighter pull than most factory hunting triggers
- Fluted barrel dissipates heat 30% faster – maintains accuracy during extended strings
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded muzzle requires $150-250 gunsmith work for suppressor compatibility
- 4+1 capacity limits practical use for some hunting regulations – requires frequent reloading
- No iron sights included – adds $300-800 immediate optics investment
- Premium price at $1165 – nearly triple the cost of entry-level alternatives
Key attributes
| upc | 023614860310 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 035602282 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard scope mounts?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 scope base screws with a 6.5-inch spacing between mounting points. The integrated X-Lock system works with Browning-specific mounts but accepts any quality Picatinny rail with proper screw alignment. I recommend using Loctite 242 on all scope base screws regardless of mounting system.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- The 42-inch overall length requires a 44-inch rifle case for proper protection, such as the Plano All-Weather 44" case. Most standard 42-inch cases will compress the foam slightly but provide adequate protection for transportation. For air travel, I recommend a hard case with at least 2 inches of foam padding on all sides.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. Transit time typically adds 2-5 business days depending on your location relative to our Montana facility. All firearms ship with tracking numbers and require FFL verification before dispatch.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final sale once transferred through an FFL, per federal regulations. We accept returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days, which require inspection by our certified armorer. I recommend handling the rifle at a local dealer before purchase if fit is a concern, as stock dimensions cannot be modified without voiding the warranty.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- The factory-installed Recoil Hawg muzzle brake is not suppressor-ready and requires removal by a gunsmith for threading. The 22-inch barrel can be threaded 5/8-24 for most 6.5mm suppressors, but this voids the factory warranty and costs approximately $150-250. Consider the [Stevens 334 Rifle](/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/) if suppressor use is planned, as it accepts direct threading.