Browning’s X-Bolt rifle first arrived in the marketplace back in 2008 and it came as a “radical” surprise from the longtime riflemaker. The X-Bolt line has expanded since those early days and, more recently, morphed into a new generation of modern hunting and target rifles. For 2025, Browning has another “Radical In The Family” with its new X-Bolt 2 All Purpose bolt-action rifle.
Many would put the All Purpose in the “ranch rifle” category, but to be frank, it’s a compact rifle, and for good reason. At its core, there is the updated X-Bolt receiver with improved bearing surfaces that equate to smooth and reliable operation. It’s a three-lug configuration with a short, 60-degree throw for fast follow-up shots. And it comes with a two-position safety and bolt-unlock button Browning is known to supply on the X-Bolt platform. The receiver is married to a matte-blued, 16.5” barrel and capped with 5/8x24 TPI muzzle for suppressors, a combination aimed at minimizing overall length when accessorized.
Although Browning opted for a heavy sporter contour barrel, the X-Bolt 2 All Purpose tips the scales at medium weight of 7 lbs., 4 ozs., which consists of more interesting parts, such as the Vari-Tec stock system. Within that, you’ll find user adjustability at nearly every corner, from the adjustable comb and length-of-pull system to the replaceable grip modules and accessory rail adaptability, whether it's Picatinny or ARCA/Swiss rail that’s needed on the fore-end. The Vari-Tec stock is capped at the butt with a soft Inflex pad to diminish recoil and freely floats its barrel to minimize shot disruptions. Overmolding in focused areas are also provided to enhance a shooter’s grip on the gun.
Adding to the accuracy potential of the X-Bolt 2 All Purpose is aided by the sum of its parts, but more specifically its bedded action screws and recoil lug. Browning equips its All Purpose rifle with a patent-pending DLX Trigger that is adjustable to help users more finely tune the gun for better performance on target; it will come factory-set at 3.5 lbs.
A detachable box magazine comes standard and is a new design Browning calls Plus Magazine. It’s a single-stack design that extends below the gun and has capacity for five or six rounds, depending upon chambering selection. The new design is similar to the X-Bolt rotary-style mags that aim to prevent bullet deformation while enabling a smooth feed into battery.
At the time of writing, available sizes of the All Purpose is limited to short-action cartridges, and Browning will make it available in .243 Winchester, 6.5 mm Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. Overall length measures 36.5” and its MSRP is set for $1,180.
Visit browning.com to learn more.
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