Browning X-Bolt Pro: An owner's review

I bought the Browning X-Bolt Pro a couple months ago and have fallen in love with many aspects of this rifle; however, I also have some grips such as the heavy trigger. This is an actual owner's review.

[@fulcrum2957]

I'm a german Aircraft Mechanic, i like your Table so much :) It looks so beautiful! Looks like a F-4F Phantom 2

[@KevinBrown-yb6xr]

Trick is to tighten down the adjustment screw down all the way and compress the spring and unscrew a few times. When you unscrew it you will have a trigger under 3 lbs. I have had the same proplem with all 6 of mine. Now after that single trick. Eclipse 270 2.07lb, White gold medallion 30-06 2.10lb, Varmint 204 2.13lb, micro stalker 308 2.10, long range hunter 300mag 2.08lb, hells canyon 7mm-08 2.10lb. If you want to go lighter than that tighten the screw all the way down and sit it in the safe for the off season. Hope this helps someone. (all measured with lyman trigger pull guage)

[@mikecaton6369]

Thanks for that. They must have changed something. My 5yo Hell's Canyon .270 trigger is perfect out of the box but when I get this in 6.5 it may need a tweek.

[@sandybarnett7502]

One of the best reviews I have seen . I have the hell canyon speed in 308 and its shoots very good

[@notfoolediknowthetruth3101]

Browning, Remington, winchester, savage all had shitty triggers for years until Tikka hit the north American market. Then they all scrambled to catch up. Sako and Tikka are the best actions on the market. Triggers are light, adjustable and crisp. They are the best value.

[@K-bob_45]

Winchester and Remington has good triggers that could be worked for 25$ by a good gunsmith though. I totally agree with Tikka being one of the best out of the box though

[@playbytherootz4777]

I'd have to agree with u. But to play devils advocate, the savage 110 highcountry ,and also the 110 storm in 308 are diff, much higher end rifles then the rest of the line. Triggers and barrels just as good as Tika t3x,& upr

[@MarioMario-nj6kz]

I like Weatherby

[@notfoolediknowthetruth3101]

@@MarioMario-nj6kz too much money for the value... I'd go Sako long before Weatherby. Maybe it's because my friend had a Weatherby, the wooden stock was touching the barrel. That should never happen if they had solid quality control. How they misaligned their barrel to stock appalls me, I thought it a rip off and advised him to take it back. Further...I hated the bolt, it's so clumsy compared to a tikka or Sako....all that extra money for a fluted bolt that you have to arm wrestle to pull back.

[@isavexperts8591]

Thank you for such a great review, it's like a knowledgeable buddy telling about his experience!

[@robo8523]

Spot on review. I have one in 6.5 Creedmoor. Love everything but the trigger.

[@billyellery]

I brought this in .223, as a bush rifle. It’s a nail punch. So easy , and superb accuracy out f the box. Bolt is a definite advance at 60deg.

[@Electrimusprime]

I feel this was a very beneficial video to my purchase decisions. Great wording. Great explanations.

[@backfire]

Great to hear!

[@ericwiitala5407]

I've always had my triggers either modified or completely replaced. Timney has always been my go to if needed.

[@robertboyd3863]

The M carbo spring will work, just a bit harder to get the old one out , than they show

[@ox22377]

Dropped the MCarbo Spring in mine with no probs. Reduced my trigger pull from 3 and some change to 1.7 lbs. love it.

[@tomamine]

Solid Review Jim!

[@danielforester6636]

I have the same rifle in 300 prc. And the mcarbo spring fits it. It's just a pain to get the factory spring out. I used a set of dental picks from Amazon. They have alot of uses besides dentistry. It lowered my trigger pull measured on a digital wheeler scale 1.8 pounds. That pull is consistent everytime. But again. It's a pain in the butt to get that old spring out. Keep the videos coming. You are one of my favorite KZbin channels.

[@rickreyes3809]

I'm not sure if someone already mentioned this, but the trigger adjustment spring can be pulled out of the adjustment screw hole. No need to do what they do on the MCARBO video. Just yank it right out the hole, and drop in their spring. I couldn't do it the way he shows on the video either. I used an angled pick to slightly pry out the spring, and pliers to pull it out the rest of the way. It makes a big difference if you can get it installed. Happy Hunting in Texas.

[@jstraus34]

I have the same gun in 300 WSM and with the muzzle break in recoil is quite manageable, obviously the trade off is a louder boom. Accurate as can be with the right load too.

[@offthecuffadventureswithjamie]

Great accurate review. I tend to agree with you 100% I have 3 HCS. 6.5CM LR, 26 Nosler and 300 WM.

[@ericb.4358]

Good review with attention to the things that make the Pro model a true "semi-custom" rifle. Mine is a 6.5 PRC for Nevada. You and I have the exact same matching Talley rigs WITH the bubble ring. My scope is a Bushnell Elite LRTS 4.5 - 18 x 44 with an illuminated G3 reticle. But now I'm looking closely at the Night Force NX8 with their Mil XT illuminated reticle. Yeah, I was going to get a Timney trigger. Had one on a 6.5 CM Ruger and it was very nice at 1.5 lbs. But your mention that I'd lose the bolt lock makes me back off on that. My WHEELER trigger pull gauge give me an average pull of 2.76 lbs. after 4 pulls. That's good enough for hunting situations, especially given the X-Bolt's very clean break. With Hornady 143 gr. ELD-X hunting ammo I get 1 3/4" at 200 yards. (3 shots) This week I'll see what 100 yard accuracy is off a bench.

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

I have the hells Canyon model in 30-06. Damn good gun with light recoil.

[@imlegendist]

Me to .. I buy the same as you ^ Hells canyon 30 06 Love the gun Looking to get the pro in 7mm or 300win

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great all around choice.

[@seank3753]

I got the MCARBO spring to install just fine on my Xbolt Pro LR 300wm. It made the trigger pull amazing. 28 Nosler was an excellent choice.

[@robertboyd3863]

Yes, I had a bit of problem as my hole wasn't as big as they showed either, but it can be done and made a big improvement

[@goneballistic]

Great review, thanks

[@josephsoltes1250]

Hey this is the most beautiful gun you got ,I love it and trigger pull in 3.5 lb is just perfect

[@dirtfarmer7472]

I’m an old man, I really appreciate Wood & Blue Steel. Browning is nice !!!

[@cupajoe7258]

always good to pick your cartridge for the right application

[@patrickschaan]

I like my scope to reach out past the barrel.

[@ericstites9470]

LOL bruh - that's a sun shade screwed onto the end of a regular scope. 😁

[@theasteroid5523]

@@ericstites9470 lol bruh you dont understand sarcasm

[@neighborscomplaint6859]

Yeah, more scope is always better. lol

[@pojntxoog3039]

😂🤣

[@glenbuyer8738]

20 inch scope is ideal 😂

[@billyhill4937]

The trigger was the only thing I didn't like about my X Bolt. I also found factory setting to be too heavy for my liking. I was very easy to adjust and I now have it set right where I like it. It feels just like my TC Venture trigger now. One of the reasons I bought the Browning X Bolt was I can't stand those 2 piece safety triggers. After the trigger adjustment my X Bolt went from a good rifle to a great rifle.

[@RJ-0301]

I have had four X-Bolts. None of them had bad triggers. I added the McCarbo springs just because, but three of four were consistent 1/2" or less shooters. With the springs, they go more light than comfortable!

[@AustenFan87]

That safe in the beginning will be me as soon as my rifle arrives...

[@ckfvideo]

Nice insight. I have an X-Bolt Stalker in .308 and considering this in 6.5 Creed.

[@fatdogproductions1962]

I also really like my X-bolts. Just installed the MCarbo trigger spring kit and achieved a 2 pound trigger pull. My gun is 2 months old and fires 30-06. Installing the MCarbo spring is fiddly but I can now call it "easy" since I'm past the terror of the unknown. Perhaps my ability to fiddle was enhanced by my lifelong interest in restoring British sports cars. Cheers!

[@john1cheree]

I read years ago that the average over the counter rifle is made for person who stands at about 6 ft tall, that means for the average person of 5'8'', the rifle will be a bit large, Add a coat for cold weather then the rifle can be a bit cumbersome. I cut an inch off the stock of all the rifles I ever bought, it is a little short in the off season, but come the cold weather they always fit very well.

[@danielboehme9122]

Family member has one but carbon fiber barrel carbon fiber stock with a good muzzle break doesn’t kick any harder than my 6.5 creedmoor

[@johnkaraphillis5503]

Trigger is definitely a rock. Love my xbolts but triggers have to go. My Tikka’s trigger adjusts simply and makes a difference. Come on Browning!

[@budworx1639]

3 1/4 trigger pull to heavy. Hell I'm happy with my 3.5 ibs trigger after suffering with crappy guns with 10-15ib triggers lol. Do love my xbolt though ;)

[@holsteinsanddiesels7758]

That’s my dream gun right there. That or I might go for a custom Weatherby in 270 WBY Mag.

[@muskyhunter47]

What scope did you go with ? I bought a cooper firearms with a proof research carbon fiber barrel with muzzle break. I'm a small guy and the recoil is not bad at all a little more than my .270

[@VG-913]

Never had the higher end browning rifles but I have an original A Bolt stalker synthetic that came from the factory with the BOSS and I love it. Idk how heavy the trigger is but it's very clean ans crisp. I like how smooth the action is and it's glass bedded from the factory. I haven't even tuned the BOSS to my hunting ammo and still well under MOA. A little on the heavier side with the 26" barrel but it doesn't bother me even on multi mile hikes. Overall I love it alot and killed My first turkey with it in PA fall season when you could use rifle and my first two deer, including my first buck. Well worth the used price of $549 including leuplod bases and rings.

[@fike301]

I have the Hells Canyon in 300 win mag....notice the pro says the barrel has browning Proprietary lapping process. Could somone explain what that actually means vs the Hells Canyon without that process? I cleaned mine each shot for 10 then shot 2 then cleaned until reached 20rds. ...think so far might have 50rds total and its under 1in groups

[@kennethbailey2616]

The Christiansen, and we have two, trigger pull out of the box was 2.5 lbs average. I’m a Jewell trigger man, my BR rifle has a Jewell, 2 ounce pull.

[@brettstewart6036]

Good review mate about the trigger have your gunsmith cut a coil or a coil and a half off the trigger spring problem solved cheers Yogi 🤙🤙

[@axxiom20001]

Another great video, thanks for the detailed and informative reviews! I'm looking at this rifle right now - the 24" barrel in 6.5 PRC. Hopefully the 2022 models have a lighter trigger than the model you reviewed (2019?) I could not find the trigger specs online. I have a question about your scope selection Looks like you mounted a Vortex Viper 5-25X50. Great scope. I'm looking at weight considerations and may go with the Viper 2-10X44 which is about 1/2 the weight of the 5-25X50. For hunting deer or elk, what do you think would be my range limitations on the scope using 6.5PRC?

[@YonderWizerd]

Oh my that's a beautiful gun! I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a .308 version havent had any luck here in north dakota finding one. :/

[@mattchumoore4214]

They have a 308 version online

[@michellen5704]

@@mattchumoore4214 key word online

[@geryang450]

I want to see the difference between browning X-Bolt 300Rem Ultra mag and browning X-Bolt pro?

[@MJSherwood]

Took a double take on the 0.613bc coming from air rifles and rimfires these centrefire bc's are fantastic!

[@niminitzar]

Love this rifle

[@SA-lr1sf]

It is different and beautiful.

[@coltbergman9847]

Could you do the browning xbolt max long range please I would absolutely love to see it.

[@Bigfish1day]

Always great videos. I also don’t like the trigger on my Hell’s Canton Speed in .308. Would like the barrel to be a bit heavier but over all I like my gun. So much in fact, going to get a 7mm-08 or 6.5 Creedmoor.

[@sde9023]

My 6.5 breaks at about 3lbs, idk what this guy is talking about the trigger being to heavy. It is so light it is almost surprising when it goes, which I like to tiptoe that line.

[@jaykecraig6708]

As a browning long range max owner in 300 rum when my barrel time is up I shoot a fair bit so it should be in the next 5 years ill be putting there heavy varmit fluted on it

[@michaelp2259]

I bought a timney but couldn't get the safety to work smoothly like the factory one it springs forward to fire. Not sure if you're supposed to take the spring out for it but wound up getting and mcarbo spring it fit fine. trimmed a half a coil off and backed the screw out to where it's still safe. Trigger is no more than 2lbs. May call timney to see if I am supposed to take the spring out the factory trigger I put the safety bar and button as Insructions stated so I'm not sure

[@nathansummers550]

Do you have any suggestion on which semi auto hunting rifle is better? I am asking about none AR style semi.

[@ashleyhill5824]

I would love your opinion on the nosler m21 comparison to this browning pro lr I am very torn between the two rifles obviously the nosler m21 has a thinner barrel but I wonder how shooting some hunting and or some accuracy competition

[@johnhancock7746]

I know the comment is late but hoping to get your opinion! I am looking at buying the X-Bolt Pro Burnt Bronze like you got but in 30-06. Do you still love your gun? Did you think from your experience that the stock and pad reduced the kick significantly? I current have the Ruger American 30-06 which I love but looking at my next gun and wondering about kick as you have shot both rifles. Also, how was it carrying it around on your hunts with the scope? Do you still consider it a lite gun with scope ? I was thinking this gun with Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44mm. Thank you!!!!

[@rebelwizard6457]

What size of scope and what heights for talleys mount you got on this browning?

[@ryanwalters694]

Question: Is it so much better/accurate that’s the tika t3x ultralight? Just asking because of the $1200 price difference

[@philippefrater2000]

I have a X-Bolt with the Super Feather Trigger. This trigger is crisp as Hell...

[@gregkeen4907]

That 28 nosler would be a sweet shooter with a decent brake on it.

[@12Deathcon]

I really like the Browning X-Bolt. However as has been said. for the $$$ especially here in Australia Tikka just sell better. I know one of the issues that are raised is that so far (correct me if i am wrong) there is not bottom metal upgrade to convert the LA to a AICS style mag. Trigger is the next, they are heavy. I have plagued myself over this choice since the release of the MAX LR as i am tossing between the Ruger Hawkeye LR in .300WM / T3x Varmint in .300 or this. Ill have to wait and see what the other reviews say. I already own two of the Marals. Great review though.

[@johnpan78]

I am in the process of buying a rifle and I can't make a decision. I can't make a decision between Browning x blot max 6.5 prc and tikka t3x lite stainless steel 6.5 cm. I know that browning is about $450 more than tikka but that's not important. I have two problems. 1 is Browning as accurate as tikka? 2 will 6.5 prc ammo stay or will go away? I won't use it for hunting. Just target shooting and I like to learn long range ( 400 -1000 yards ) shooting. This is my first fire arm so any advice is useful please.

[@jonbaniak9097]

Get a custom brake to tame the recoil. Also, a confident gunsmith can tune your trigger to get it under 3 lbs. Nice rifle and review.

[@c.r.rg9529]

Beautiful rifle. Torn between this and hells canyon (price difference between the two is the catch)

[@Dale37]

I want a 6.5 PRC or 6.8 Western and a local store has this gun in 6.5 PRC for $2000 without an optic. I really want to compare it to a Tikka though, seems like the Tikka T3x gives more for half the price but man that Browning is beautiful.

[@mixtips637]

"Its a really nice trigger but but a a its heavy 😣" All jokes aside really nice gun And thank you for making the content

[@BuckyTJones]

I have a Browning Max Long Range 300WM. I am very happy with it. I absolutely love the trigger. I have adjusted it to the weakest setting but not sure what the rating is. I am just your Joe average guy, I do not hunt on the scale you do.

[@mrocksalt]

It would be nice if you would mention , when reviewing bolt guns, if you would comment weather each brand carries a left hand bolt. Love your show!

[@georgecruz6226]

That's a BADASS rifle. Sound's like the instructor was hating!

[@himynamelscolin]

Bro that spiel was epic hahaha

[@jakecarr979]

Did you have issues with your shells hitting the scope turret when you eject them?

[@tonyderks9172]

What grain bulllet have you been shooting with good luck with that gun? I just ordered one..

[@williambarnes4612]

Great video 👍🙂

[@mikemelina7395]

Does anyone make an aftermarket trigger for that? Shoulda got it in 280AI or 7mmRemMag, good for all the things and not nearly as expensive to shoot, or hard on your shoulder.

[@1968krug]

My Abolt II in 308 suffered from the heavy trigger as they do, I swapped out the timney spring which has been great. I replaced the plastic stock for American oak scoped with a Zeiss Duralyt 4-12x50 as a longer shooting / hide type set up, couldn’t be happier. Shoots avg 1 moa with most ammo ranging from 130 - 180 grain factory loads, sometimes better. Great for a Japanese rifle!! Is the X bolt also made by Miroku?

[@lyleswavel320]

Hope so, they have the best and newest steel mills since we destroyed them in ww2, then in the 50s America helped build them back, all American steel mills are 100 years old

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Great gun. Happy hunting. Stay safe.

[@bigdawg111]

That is a badass gun!!!

[@offthecuffadventureswithjamie]

You could try a Macarbo spring. However I have been hearing mixed reviews.

[@deerkillsummer]

Would you rank the Ruger American anywhere close to this?

[@paulbuiks1308]

I agree..2lbs'ish trigger is awesome to pull.

[@pahuntnut]

thanks for the review. So even with the muzzle brake is still recoils pretty hard?

[@robertbach9376]

28 nosler recoil like mad I imagine. If I'm not wrong, it's quite larger than a 7mm mag

[@thisperson2963]

That is a nice safe

[@texpatriot8462]

Just bought a Mountain Pro in 6.8 W.

[@InspireMe819]

I want to go with a 6.5 creedmoor. for me I can't decide between this or a barrett fieldcraft.

[@austinwolfgang3479]

308

[@liverpool6380]

Do another browning video please. I just bought a XBolt 20inch barrel in 7PRC

[@SA-lr1sf]

I had a browning with a very light triger. My son and I were hunting. It went off while we were sitting waiting for the deer. We were lucky that it was pointing toward the field and not us. Hunting triger should not be too light.

[@twinsnails4983]

I think your son had his finger on the trigger

[@Workforaliving]

would you pick this over the Fierce Carbon Rogue?

[@Idahoguy10157]

Does Timney make an aftermarket trigger?

[@BrotherPhilo1958]

Thanks for the review, however for a hunting gun 3 1/2 pound trigger should be fine. A bench gun you want to lighter trigger but for a hunting rifle it should be fine.

[@rickhofmeister2125]

I used the MCARBO spring on my hells canyon speed 2.25 lbs afterwards

[@nickflores9775]

Man, from your video I went to Sportsmans Warehouse to check one of these rifles out it was absolutely amazing. They had one in 28 Nosler like yours and I am absolutely in love. Are you worried about Barrel life? That is the only thing i trying to research before buying

[@silverback7659]

It's a hunting rifle so I assume barrel life shouldn't be much of a worry.

[@phutthipongsatolong5881]

How many dollars does it cost? How many inches is the barrel long? shoot

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

You need to talk about bolt throw angle in your vids

[@rickstrandberg6398]

Gots a cheaper x ,but did u fix trigger?

[@kristijanmedved6066]

How does it compare to benelli lupo?

[@irinelmenghita1710]

Bună dimineața cât costă o armă browing x Bolt cal 30 x06?

[@davejones3923]

Do they make this in left hand ?

[@jonathanwright8511]

What size tally rings an scope?

[@1Whitetail]

It's nice that you have that big safe to protect your only rifle that you can afford. Bless you, maybe after ATF gets done stealing others of theirs, maybe they will give one or two to you. 😉

[@mussersbowsboatsandscience6610]

Is this still your favorite big game rifle? I picked up one today in .300 win mag. Looking forward to hunting with It.

[@easytodoevil]

What are your thoughts on the .300 winmag?

[@mussersbowsboatsandscience6610]

@@easytodoevilA more powerful .30-06, which with the right ammo could take any terrestrial big game animal on the planet, just a bit more more power than the .30-06. I also think versatile cartridge too, but a little less than the .30-06. Ammo is easier to find than most magnum cartridges and cheaper. Easier to reload for also.

[@donater9254]

Love his telescope on the rifle

[@JamesWalker-ng1qh]

Just ordered my 2nd x bolt. My first one was going to be my "do it all" rifle but I liked it too much to stop there. I COMPLETELY agree about the triggers. Very clean but too heavy.

[@almostontimehero5415]

Showing of and stylin with 28nosler and a scope bigger and heavier than the gun it's mounted on. That's why the instructor was jelly. I on the other hand, mostly target shoot for 4-6 hours an outing so .308 made sense for me.

[@WalleyeKid]

I'm interested in target shooting more than hunting as well. Did you get the XBolt Pro in 308?

[@almostontimehero5415]

@@WalleyeKid X Bolt HS3 is what mine is called. It was a limited run for European countries from what I've learned. .308 is in short supply right now. Going to use my last 80 rounds this weekend. Maybe after the election prices will start coming down.

[@ericstites9470]

I have a Max Long Range in .308 - not the Pro model, but I LOVE it nonetheless. It's like putting on a custom-made glove when I shoulder it! I have a coworker who has the Pro model in .28 Nosler and he likes it a lot. He's worried about barrel life though, which is understandable - do you have any idea what kind of life expectancy would be reasonable in that caliber?

[@alexirwin2093]

Why does he always say 270 instead of 30-06 or 308

[@chesslover8829]

A 3.25 pound trigger is heavy?