Description
The Browning X-Bolt Pro .300 WSM, 23″ Barrel, Black Carbon Fiber Stock, Stainless Steel, 3rd is a high-performance, lightweight hunting rifle built for serious backcountry hunters. It combines a carbon fiber stock with a stainless steel barreled action for a durable, weather-resistant package that shaves weight without sacrificing accuracy or reliability. At $1669.05, it sits in a competitive spot for a purpose-built mountain rifle.
Key Features
- Carbon Fiber Stock: Drastically reduces weight and resists warping from moisture and temperature swings.
- Stainless Steel Action & Barrel: Provides excellent corrosion resistance for harsh weather hunting.
- .300 WSM Chambering: Offers magnum-level power in a shorter, more efficient cartridge case.
- Feather Trigger: User-adjustable trigger with a clean, crisp pull.
- Spiral Fluted Bolt & Barrel: Aesthetic and functional, reducing weight and aiding in debris clearance.
- Inflex Technology Recoil Pad: Helps manage the stout recoil of the .300 WSM cartridge.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .300 Winchester Short Magnum (.300 WSM) |
| Barrel Length | 23 inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6 lbs 4 oz (varies slightly) |
| Magazine Capacity | 3+1 rounds (detachable box magazine) |
| Stock Material | Black carbon fiber with aluminum bedding block |
The rifle’s 23-inch barrel is a practical length for the .300 WSM, balancing velocity and maneuverability in timber or a truck cab. The carbon fiber stock isn’t just for show—it’s rigid and stable, providing a consistent platform. The detachable magazine is a plus for quick unloading, and the whole package is drop-in ready for optics, requiring no gunsmithing to mount your preferred scope. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Who This Rifle Is For
This is a specialist’s tool. It’s built for the hunter who covers miles of steep terrain pursuing elk, moose, or large bear. The weight savings of the carbon fiber stock and fluted components are a genuine advantage when every ounce counts on a week-long pack-in trip. It’s also a solid choice for hunters in wet climates where stainless steel’s rust resistance is a daily benefit, not just a spec sheet bullet point. That said, it’s not a plinking rifle—the .300 WSM chambering and lightweight build mean recoil is substantial, and ammunition costs are higher than common calibers.
Pros & Cons: The Practical Tradeoffs
Pros: The primary advantage is the strength-to-weight ratio. You get magnum power in a package around 6.25 pounds. The materials offer real-world durability against the elements. The adjustable Feather trigger is a nice touch for precision. Compared to custom-built mountain rifles, this factory offering delivers about 80% of the performance for maybe 50% of the cost—that’s the bang-for-buck equation here.
Cons: The .300 WSM is potent but can be expensive to feed, and barrel life may be shorter than a standard .30-06. Recoil in a light rifle is brisk, so practice is key. The price, while competitive for its class, is a significant investment. You’re paying for specialized materials, so if you hunt from a box blind in Missouri, a standard X-Bolt or even a Browning AB3 might be a more budget-conscious choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .300 WSM a good choice for Missouri whitetail?
A: It’s serious overkill. The .300 WSM is designed for larger game at longer ranges. For whitetail, the cost per round and increased recoil aren’t justified. A .270 Win or .30-06 in a standard X-Bolt would be more practical and economical for most Midwestern hunting.
Q: What scope mounts work with this rifle?
A: The X-Bolt Pro uses a standard Picatinny rail interface on the receiver. This makes it compatible with a wide range of mounts from quality brands like Leupold, Warne, and Talley. You can use standard rings or a one-piece base, giving you plenty of options to pair it with optics from Vortex, Leupold, or similar.
Q: How does it compare to a Tikka T3x Superlite?
A: Both are top-tier lightweight factory rifles. The Tikka is often a bit less expensive and has a famously smooth action. The Browning’s key advantages are its carbon fiber stock (the Tikka uses a polymer composite) and its adjustable trigger out of the box. It’s a close call—handling both is the best way to decide.
If you need a reliable, lightweight rifle for demanding hunts where ounces and weather resistance matter, the X-Bolt Pro represents a focused value. See the full details on our product page.
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