Howdy folks,

I'm looking to upgrade my primary elk/mule deer setup to an ultralight 7mm PRC, but not looking to spend the money on a Gunwerks, Allterra, McWhorter, etc. Believe me, I wish I could justify blowing $10k on an elk rig, but it just ain't in the cards - nor do I think it's necessary.

Before anyone warns me against an ultralight rifle or wants to debate elk calibers, let me qualify my choices here: First, I have considerable experience shooting mountain-weight rifles in magnum calibers; second, I've shot more than enough elk in my life to have settled on the 7mm class as a reasonable minimum wapiti cartridge for my purposes and the areas I hunt. In fact, I may bite the proverbial bullet and jump to 300 PRC, which I'm already set up to load for. This will also get used for sheep, goat, and God willing, some Alaska and Africa trips in the not-so-distant future. It will not be my only rifle by any stretch, but will be my primary hunting rifle.

Browning's X-bolt Pro series intrigues me. They offer a carbon fiber stock, detachable magazine, adjustable trigger, factory threads and a muzzle brake, among other features. I also greatly prefer the 60-degree bolt throw rather than a 700-pattern 90-degree throw.

Their Mountain Pro (here) is readily available and has custom-rifle features at a manageable price. The 7 PRC weighs 5 lbs 14 oz with a 24" barrel.

The Pro SPR (suppressor-ready) (here) appears to be a one-off SHOT show special from this year, and may therefore be impossible to find. However, I greatly prefer the shorter 20" somewhat flared barrel for attaching a suppressor and just ease of carrying. It weighs 5 lb 12 oz, a negligible difference from the Mountain Pro.

Does anyone here have experience with these specific rifles, others from the Pro series, or even just X-bolts in general? I've never shot one nor known anyone who owned one, so my experience is limited to briefly handling one at the LGS. Accuracy reports, build quality issues, customer service experience, any glaring problems, or really anything at all would be appreciated.

If you have alternate suggestions for rifle manufacturers, I may be interested in those as well.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Killer Instincts,

Not specifically, but some general comments. I like Browning, have a handful of A-Bolts & one X-Bolt.

My A-Bolts have all been fine, accuracy, function & reliability. My most special A-Bolt is a Micro-Medallion in 284 Winchester, 20” barrel. It’s lightweight, compact, in a fine cartridge for the handloader.

For most big game hunting, not in a blind or stand, one carries a lot, shoots seldom, I like lightweight.

I had a gunsmith years ago, was on his 3 year wait for two custom rifles. He was very particular about a handful of things I knew about. One thing that struck me at the time, he used a 243 for most hunting, including elk. He was very particular about any shot he may take, didn’t have a problem.

The only elk hunt I went on I took one 25-30 yard shot, 300WSM, Browning A-Bolt. It was about 8:30 opening morning, public land. That was the end of that hunt for me, besides packing out.

The next time I go, I’m thinking about taking one of my 284 Win rifles.

My one X-Bolt is a micro-hunter in 7mm-08, kinda a spare, still NIB. I’d expect that X-Bolt you mention would serve you well. I generally like shorter barrels, but I understand the reasoning out west. You could also look at some web wide reviews.

I’ve taken two deer with my x-bolt. It was a 308, suppressor ready model. Actual model name was the XBLT SUPR READY CF DT NS 308. I know the cf stands for carbon fiber. It’s a phenomenal rifle tho. I love the xbolt. It’s got a smooth bolt and light trigger, and its been accurate for both my shots (which is a bit of a joke since both my mule deer have been taken within 50yards) I know the PCR cartridges have been around and are gaining popularity but Ive not shot them at all.

I don’t know how common ammo is for that round, or if you reload. I’m not one scared by a rare cartridge, seldom look for ammo at Walmart.

Once one gets a handful of components, should be set. Even though I can find factory ammo for the 284 Winchester, I prefer to load my own.

It’s actually just cases, dies & maybe a shell holder, the rest can be common with other rounds.

I have a Xbolt suppressor ready hells canyon speed in 6.5prc.
I absolutely love that gun. I don't think you could go wrong with the one you are looking at. If I actually ever drew an elk tag that's probably the rifle I would buy for it

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
I don’t know how common ammo is for that round, or if you reload. I’m not one scared by a rare cartridge, seldom look for ammo at Walmart.

Once one gets a handful of components, should be set. Even though I can find factory ammo for the 284 Winchester, I prefer to load my own.

It’s actually just cases, dies & maybe a shell holder, the rest can be common with other rounds.

Sourdough, thanks for both of your responses. I've been handloading for some time as well. 7 PRC is a fairly new round but I expect it will eventually take off as the .300 and 6.5 have. Availability of ammo isn't a huge factor for me, but it is nice to have options. Hornady has done a great job rolling out the PRC rounds and they are gaining major inroads into the magnum caliber market segment.

quote:

Originally posted by PorterN:
I’ve taken two deer with my x-bolt. It was a 308, suppressor ready model. Actual model name was the XBLT SUPR READY CF DT NS 308. I know the cf stands for carbon fiber. It’s a phenomenal rifle tho. I love the xbolt. It’s got a smooth bolt and light trigger, and its been accurate for both my shots (which is a bit of a joke since both my mule deer have been taken within 50yards) I know the PCR cartridges have been around and are gaining popularity but Ive not shot them at all.

Glad you're happy with your X-bolt! Your particular model sounds pretty similar to the Pro series. Also, good on you for smoking two mulies within 50 yards, not always an easy task to get that close. I've only taken two deer, one at 176 yards and the other at 306, both in wide-open sagebrush. I am going to add to that figure this year.

quote:

Originally posted by sideways85:
I have a Xbolt suppressor ready hells canyon speed in 6.5prc.
I absolutely love that gun. I don't think you could go wrong with the one you are looking at. If I actually ever drew an elk tag that's probably the rifle I would buy for it

Again, glad to hear positive feedback on the X-bolts from forum members - I trust y'all a hell of a lot more than I do some Youtube reviewer. I looked at the Speed and they are certainly an attractive option.

There are lots of places where you can still get an over-the-counter elk tag - shoot me an email if you want some info. I grew up in CO and am moving back to the Rockies this year, so I'm excited to get back into elk hunting after a three-year hiatus. Full-time grad school, working, and a thousand-mile drive home have really put a damper on my hunting opportunities of late.

I took a Small forky for my second deer (only buck I saw after days of the hunt, limited time, and an empty freezer), but there's a good shot of the Xbolt.

PorterN, nice photo. I bet he was pretty tasty, as far as mule deer go!

I stopped by the Cabelas up the road from my house today and thoroughly handled various X-bolt models, including a couple of Pros, which I hadn't previously gotten my hands on. Man, they are a slick design, and that stock feels great. That may have sealed the deal for me. Sadly, they didn't carry the Mountain Pro, although the differences are minimal.

My Dad got an X-Bolt in .270W and absolutely fell in love with it and it became his primary deer rifle for the last 10 years or so. That's after hunting with a Beretta Mato and a Win Model 70 Classic before that, among others.

Dad passed away so I have it now but haven't shot it. I am not a big fan of detachable mags, personally. But I love the short bolt throw of the Browning.

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
My Dad got an X-Bolt in .270W and absolutely fell in love with it and it became his primary deer rifle for the last 10 years or so. That's after hunting with a Beretta Mato and a Win Model 70 Classic before that, among others.

Dad passed away so I have it now but haven't shot it. I am not a big fan of detachable mags, personally. But I love the short bolt throw of the Browning.

Sorry for your loss. It's nice that you got his deer rifle, you ought to think about shooting it one of these days.

Detachable mags are handy to me. In Colorado (where I grew up and do most of my hunting) your rifle must be unloaded in both the chamber and magazine, and fully cased, before putting it in an ATV or UTV while hunting. That's easily accomplished by popping out the detachable box and slipping it in a pocket, plus taking the round out of the chamber if necessary. Then it's simple to load when you are in your hunting area and on foot.

Plus, I like that the X-Bolt's mag retains rounds from their shoulder, preventing recoil from compressing the bullets into their cases. Most internal magazines that I've seen don't have that feature.

quote:

Originally posted by Killer Instincts:

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
My Dad got an X-Bolt in .270W and absolutely fell in love with it and it became his primary deer rifle for the last 10 years or so. That's after hunting with a Beretta Mato and a Win Model 70 Classic before that, among others.

Dad passed away so I have it now but haven't shot it. I am not a big fan of detachable mags, personally. But I love the short bolt throw of the Browning.

Sorry for your loss. It's nice that you got his deer rifle, you ought to think about shooting it one of these days.

Detachable mags are handy to me. In Colorado (where I grew up and do most of my hunting) your rifle must be unloaded in both the chamber and magazine, and fully cased, before putting it in an ATV or UTV while hunting. That's easily accomplished by popping out the detachable box and slipping it in a pocket, plus taking the round out of the chamber if necessary. Then it's simple to load when you are in your hunting area and on foot.

Plus, I like that the X-Bolt's mag retains rounds from their shoulder, preventing recoil from compressing the bullets into their cases. Most internal magazines that I've seen don't have that feature.

Thank you... I do shoot many of his gun. He had quite a few guns, and I already have a bunch, so sometimes it's hard wading into the back of the safe. His shotguns get a decent amount of work and will get more once my boys are old enough. And I hunted with the Mato some this year but did not kill a deer with it.

Here's a thread I posted on some of his guns... a cathartic exercise for me. You'll see the X-Bolt down the page. He didn't mind scratching up his hunting rifles. https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...6031561/m/9280012084

YellowJacket, that thread made me tear up a bit. Looks like your dad had good taste in firearms. It's nice that you use and appreciate them.

My old man, who's getting up there in age, shot clays and hunted birds with my grandfather's old 870 Wingmaster for many years - so many, in fact, that he basically wore it out. I don't know how many beer cans and gophers I've killed with grandpa's model 34 NRA Target (his 14th birthday gift, I think) but certainly many thousands.

Guns are a unique sort of heirloom.

Update: I was able to place an order for a mountain pro SPR in 7 PRC through a friend of mine. There isn't an ETA, but I'll post back here when I pick it up - hopefully soon.