NRA Gun of the Week: Browning X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range

by
posted on September 3, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Browning X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range, chambered for .280 AI, is a rifle outfitted with features and accessories that are conducive for the repeatable accuracy that long-range hunting and target shooting requires. Treated with Cerakote’s Carbon Gray finish, and adorned with a premium McMillan stock, this latest X-Bolt rifle is one of Browning’s top-tier offerings.

right side camouflage rifle bolt-action text on image noting "Browning X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range"

At its heart is an X-Bolt series receiver that internally offers a three-lug bolt with spiral fluting on its body and handle. A Cerakote finish covers the bolt and action, as well as the company’s air-gauged and skip-fluted 26” steel barrel. The gun’s overall length comes to just under 47” and comes in at a combined weight of about 7.5 lbs., which is a lot of gun in a fairly lightweight arrangement.

right side bolt-action receiver and stock camouflage paint gun

Browning supplies a 20-m.o.a. canted rail with an integrated bubble level atop the X-Bolt Pro receiver, which is a handy indicator for maintaining proper rifle position while sighting those distant, hard-to-reach targets. Included with the package from Browning is the company’s Recoil Hawg muzzle brake. Our experience on the range found the device to be an effective design, thanks to its gas-dampening baffles and ports.

rifle bolt-action underside action receiver gunstock camouflage magazine gun parts

Included with the X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range is Browning’s well-regarded Feather Trigger system, an adjustable design that comes factory-set to break at 3.5 lbs. A lightweight polymer magazine comes standard, too. Though, unlike traditional leaf-sprung magazines, the X-Bolt magazine is designed to feed cartridges directly in-line with the bolt rather than an offset configuration, thanks to the internal, rotary design.

rear view of man wearnig glasses and earmuffs shooting bolt-action rifle target shooting gun text on image noting "remote camera"

Watch American Rifleman staff in this latest NRA Gun of the Week video to see the Browning X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range rifle in use.

Browning X-Bolt Pro McMillan Long Range Specifications
Importer: Browning
Action Type: bolt-action, centerfire rifle
Chambering: 
.280 AI (Ackley Improved)
Receiver: 
steel
Barrel: 
26" steel
Magazine: 
four-round detachable box
Sights: 
none; 20 m.o.a. Picatinny rail
Finish:
 Cerakote Carbon Gray
Stock: McMillan Game Scout, Sonoran Carbon Ambush finish
Overall Length: 46 3/4"
Weight:
 7 lbs., 7 ozs.
MSRP: $2,630

Latest

Colt Kodiak Gotw 1
Colt Kodiak Gotw 1

Gun Of The Week: Colt Kodiak

The Kodiak, introduced in 2024, is based on the company’s iconic Anaconda design, which was brought back to the market in 2021.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The French Charleville: Workhorse Of The American Revolution

Often overlooked, the French "Charleville" infantry musket was one of the most significant longarms of the 18th and 19th centuries and was integral to the success of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

Lisa Tuason Appointed Interim CEO of Armscor/Rock Island Armory

Following the unexpected passing of Armscor President and CEO Martin Tuason in November, Lisa Tuason was appointed as interim CEO in early December, ensuring continued family leadership.

Preview: BullyWerx BullyTRAKR

Ultra-compact and stealthy by design, the BullyTRAKR is a discreet electronic tracking device that uses nearby smartphones and Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) to keep tabs on valuables through that encrypted WPS technology.

I Have This Old Gun: P08 Luger

One of the most iconic sidearms ever made, the P08 Luger was a mainstay in the German army from before World War I until the end of World War II.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.