X-Bolt Mountain Pro models have been the flagship rifles in the Browning bolt-action rifle line since their introduction, and there's no sign of slowing them down as they transition to the evolutionary X-Bolt 2 platform. The Mountain Pro is a sure-footed big game hunter that leaves nothing to chance. This well-appointed rifle makes excellent use of a wide spectrum of technologies to make it lightweight, laser accurate, and impervious to the effects of nature.
The new carbon fiber stock takes center stage with the inclusion of a height adjustable comb to ensure correct eye-to-scope alignment — even with large optics. The comb offers easy height adjustment over a 1" range using the included 1/2", 1/4", and 1/8" spacers. The one piece design of the stock uses wrapped carbon fiber construction, making it stronger, lighter, and very rigid to resist flex when taking offhand shots. Rather than aluminum, the action is bedded into a compression molded carbon fiber bedding block to ensure the barrel is free floating. Shooting comfort duties are ably handled by Browning's own Inflex recoil pad that is now in a 1-1/4" thickness for improved felt recoil reduction. An integrated Picatinny rail at the tip of the fore-end makes bipod installation easy, as does the flush-fit QD sling swivel cups. A bronze/gray graphics package is added to break up the outline and help hide you from your quarry.
Whether scrambling up a scree covered slope at 8,000 feet or walking miles to your treestand, the weight of your rifle matters. Pro rifles have gone on a diet that has reduced the base rifle weight of some calibers to well under six pounds. The carbon fiber stock, fluted barrel and bolt, and new lightweight aluminum bolt handle all assist in the reduction of mass.
The stainless steel receiver also contributes to the weight loss with excess material being trimmed away. Inside, the receiver features the additional bolt guidance surface that smooths operation and prevents binding. The reduction in weight, combined with the trim dimensions and customization of the new stock, make for a nimble handling rifle that is fast to the shoulder.
The X-Bolt 2 Mountain Pro benefits from a high-quality, stainless steel Browning barrel to deliver exceptional accuracy. Like other Browning barrels, it is button rifled and triple checked for quality. Spiral fluting keeps weight down and speeds cooling for more consistent accuracy. Barrel lengths are standard and vary by caliber.
On the topic of accuracy, the DLX Trigger of the Pro is a three-lever design that offers zero creep, zero take-up, and zero overtravel performance and comes preset from the factory at 3.5 pounds. (Adjustable down to 3.0 pounds.)
While the Mountain Pro is built to deliver peak shooting performance, we didn't didn't overlook it's toughness. The stainless steel barreled action has a Cerakote Smoked Bronze finish that is also applied to the bolt, bolt handle, bottom metal, and Recoil Hawg muzzle brake. Small parts are also protected from the effects of weather.