Description
The Browning X-Bolt SSSTK 270 WSM Black is a stainless steel, synthetic-stock bolt-action hunting rifle chambered in the flat-shooting .270 Winchester Short Magnum cartridge. It’s a modern, durable rifle built for hunters who need reliable performance in variable weather conditions, offering a solid blend of Browning’s quality and a practical price point for a magnum-caliber platform.
Here’s the thing—when you’re looking for a magnum-caliber hunting rifle that doesn’t break the bank, the Browning X-Bolt SSSTK 270 WSM Black presents a compelling case. At $997.61, it sits in a competitive spot, offering Browning’s renowned action and barrel quality without the premium cost of fancy walnut or intricate engraving. You’re paying for the core performance where it counts.
Key Features
- Stainless Steel Barrel & Action: Built to resist corrosion from rain, snow, and humidity—a major plus for all-weather Missouri hunting.
- Composite Stock (SSSTK): The synthetic stock is lightweight, durable, and stable, shrugging off moisture and temperature changes that can warp wood.
- .270 WSM Chambering: Delivers flatter trajectory and more energy downrange than the standard .270 Win, great for longer shots in open fields or across valleys.
- Feather Trigger: User-adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds, a feature often found on more expensive rifles. It’s a true value-add.
- Rotary Magazine: Provides smooth, reliable feeding and a sleek profile compared to detachable box magazines.
- 60° Bolt Lift: Allows for faster follow-up shots and clears most scope mounts easily.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .270 Winchester Short Magnum (.270 WSM) |
| Barrel Length | Likely 26″ (common for WSM cartridges) |
| Overall Length | Approx. 46.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6 lbs 10 oz |
| Magazine Capacity | 3+1 Rounds (standard for WSM in X-Bolt) |
| Finish | Matte Stainless, Black Synthetic Stock |
Weighing around 6.6 pounds, this rifle manages the .270 WSM’s recoil effectively through its design and stock geometry. The 26-inch barrel common to this model helps harness the velocity potential of the short magnum cartridge. It’s a setup that’s drop-in ready for optics—just add a quality scope like a Leupold VX-Freedom or Vortex Diamondback in standard 1-inch rings, and you’re set for the season without needing a gunsmith.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is for the practical hunter who chases deer, elk, or similar game in environments where weather is a factor. It’s for the shooter who wants the ballistic advantage of a magnum cartridge but is budget-conscious about the platform itself. If you prioritize a rust-resistant, lightweight rifle that you can carry all day and don’t mind the sharper recoil and ammo cost trade-off for better downrange performance, this is a strong contender.
Pros & Cons: The Practical Trade-Offs
Pros: Excellent corrosion resistance for wet climates. The adjustable Feather Trigger is a fantastic feature at this price. The .270 WSM is a highly effective cartridge for medium to large game. The synthetic stock and stainless steel mean low maintenance—wipe it down and it’s good to go. It represents solid bang-for-buck in the Browning lineup.
Cons: .270 WSM ammunition is more expensive and less common than standard .270 Win or .308. Recoil is noticeably sharper than those standard calibers, which might affect shooting comfort for some. The synthetic stock, while tough, lacks the aesthetic appeal of wood. You’re making practical trade-offs to get the Browning action and barrel at this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the .270 WSM compare to a standard .270 Winchester?
A: The .270 WSM pushes the same bullet weights about 200-300 feet per second faster. That means a flatter trajectory and more retained energy at longer ranges, but with increased recoil, muzzle blast, and ammo cost. For most hunters inside 300 yards, the standard .270 is sufficient, but the WSM has a clear ballistic edge beyond that.
Q: Is the stock bedded or free-floated?
A: The X-Bolt features a free-floated barrel, which enhances accuracy by preventing the stock from contacting the barrel and influencing the harmonic vibration during the shot. The action is solidly bedded at the recoil lug for consistent alignment.
Q: What kind of scope base does it use?
A: The Browning X-Bolt uses a proprietary dovetail scope mount system. You’ll need Browning X-Bolt specific bases or a one-piece rail (available from brands like Leupold, Warne, or EGW) to mount your optics. It’s a simple, secure system that requires no gunsmithing to install.
When you stack up the features—stainless steel construction, an adjustable trigger, free-floated barrel, and the potent .270 WSM chambering—against its sub-$1,000 price, the value proposition becomes clear. It’s a workhorse rifle built for real hunting conditions. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site to see if it fits your next hunt.
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