Browning X-Bolt 2 7mm PRC Bolt Action Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning X-Bolt 2 7mm PRC Bolt Action Rifle is a magnum-class hunting rifle with a 26-inch free-floated barrel and 90-degree bolt throw designed for precision long-range shooting. Chambered in the modern 7mm PRC cartridge, this rifle delivers flat trajectories and terminal performance superior to older magnum designs while maintaining reasonable recoil characteristics for a magnum platform.
What is the Browning X-Bolt 2 7mm PRC Bolt Action Rifle used for?
This rifle is built for hunting large game at extended ranges where magnum cartridges provide necessary energy retention. The 7mm PRC cartridge maintains over 1,500 ft-lbs of energy at 500 yards, making it effective for elk, moose, and bear at distances where standard hunting cartridges lose effectiveness. The rifle's 26-inch barrel optimizes velocity for the PRC case capacity while remaining manageable in field conditions.
How does the Browning X-Bolt 2 7mm PRC compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The X-Bolt 2 7mm PRC delivers approximately 40% more energy at 400 yards than the Stevens 334 chambered in .308 Win while maintaining similar recoil characteristics due to its efficient muzzle brake design. While the Stevens 334 offers excellent value at nearly half the price, the Browning provides superior long-range ballistics and match-grade trigger components that justify its position in a different performance category.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces unloaded with an overall length of 46.5 inches including the 26-inch barrel. The 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters while the 1.5-inch width at the receiver maintains balance for off-hand shooting positions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not suitable for beginners or shooters sensitive to recoil, as the 7mm PRC generates approximately 22 foot-pounds of free recoil energy even with the factory muzzle brake. Budget-conscious hunters would be better served by the Stevens 334 in .308 Win which offers similar hunting capability at shorter ranges for significantly less investment.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 3-round detachable box magazine, installation tools for the adjustable trigger, and Browning's standard 5-year warranty documentation. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope mounting hardware or a bore snake, requiring additional purchases for complete field readiness.
Is the Browning X-Bolt 2 7mm PRC worth it at $839.99?
At $839.99, this rifle represents solid value for hunters needing magnum performance without custom rifle prices, offering features typically found on rifles costing $300-400 more. The investment is justified by the 7mm PRC's ballistic superiority over legacy magnums and the rifle's proven reliability in extreme conditions where failure isn't an option.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 26-inch free-floated barrel maximizes 7mm PRC velocity by approximately 75 fps over 24-inch barrels
- 90-degree bolt throw clears optics and allows rapid follow-up shots in 1.2 seconds
- Adjustable trigger breaks at 3.5 pounds with zero creep for precision shooting
- InfleX recoil pad reduces felt recoil by 30% compared to traditional rubber pads
Trade-offs
- No included scope bases require additional $65-120 purchase for optics mounting
- 3-round magazine capacity limits practical rate of fire compared to 5-round designs
- 7 pound 3 ounce weight becomes noticeable during extended mountain hunts over 8 hours
Key attributes
| upc | 023614869146 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 036113298 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 7MM PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| safety | Tang |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 7mm Rem Mag ammunition?
- No, the 7mm PRC chamber requires specifically headspaced 7mm PRC ammunition only. Attempting to fire 7mm Rem Mag cartridges will cause dangerous pressure spikes and potentially catastrophic failure. Always verify cartridge designation before loading.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, the 46.5-inch overall length fits most 48-inch rifle cases with approximately 1.5 inches of clearance. For hard cases, I recommend the Plano All-Weather 52-inch model for optimal protection during transport to remote hunting locations.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to FFL dealers in Montana typically takes 3-5 business days after processing. All firearms require shipment to licensed dealers for background check completion before transfer to the purchaser per federal regulations.
- Can I return it if the caliber doesn't meet my needs?
- Firearm returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee and require full inspection by our armorers to verify unfired condition. We recommend consulting with our specialists before purchase to ensure the 7mm PRC's ballistics match your intended use case.