Description

The Browning X-Bolt 2 Medallion Maple in 6.5 PRC is a premium-grade hunting rifle combining Browning’s updated X-Bolt 2 action with a highly figured maple stock, gloss-finished steel, and a fast, flat-shooting modern magnum cartridge. It is designed for hunters who want classic sporting-rifle craftsmanship with modern accuracy features.

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Specifications

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X-Bolt 2 Action Features

The X-Bolt 2 is Browning’s updated bolt-action platform with several refinements over the original X-Bolt. Key features include:

60-degree bolt lift

• Faster cycling
• More clearance for larger scopes
• Smooth operation from field positions

Three-lug bolt

• Strong locking system
• Short bolt throw
• Designed to handle standard and magnum cartridges

Updated receiver

• Positions optics closer to the bore line
• Uses Browning’s X-Lock mounting system with four screws per base location

Bolt unlock button

Allows the bolt to be opened while the safety is engaged, useful when unloading or checking the chamber quietly.

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6.5 PRC Cartridge Overview

The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) is a modern short-magnum cartridge developed for high ballistic performance.

Advantages:

• Higher velocity than 6.5 Creedmoor
• Excellent long-range trajectory
• Efficient with high-ballistic-coefficient bullets
• Strong performance in a hunting rifle-length barrel

Typical hunting bullets:

• 120 grain
• 127 grain
• 130 grain
• 140 grain
• 143 grain
• 147 grain

Suitable game:

• Deer
• Antelope
• Mountain sheep
• Black bear
• Elk (with appropriate bullet selection and shot placement)

Compared with 6.5 Creedmoor:

• More velocity
• More energy
• More recoil
• More powder consumption

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24-Inch Barrel

The 24-inch barrel is well matched to the 6.5 PRC.

Benefits:

• Better velocity retention than shorter barrels
• Good balance between portability and performance
• Helps the cartridge reach its intended ballistic potential

A 24-inch barrel keeps the rifle practical for hunting while still taking advantage of the PRC’s higher powder capacity.

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Medallion Maple Stock

The defining feature of this rifle is the premium maple stock.

Features typically include:

• Highly figured maple wood
• Satin/gloss sporting finish
• Traditional checkering
• Classic hunting-rifle appearance
• Premium-grade aesthetics

The Medallion Maple line is aimed at hunters who appreciate the look and feel of fine wood rifles while still wanting modern mechanical performance.

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DLX Trigger System

The X-Bolt 2 uses Browning’s DLX trigger system.

Characteristics:

• Adjustable pull weight
• Crisp break
• Minimal creep
• Designed for precise hunting shots

A clean trigger helps maximize practical field accuracy.

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X-Lock Scope Mounting System

The X-Lock system replaces traditional two-screw mounting with a four-screw attachment arrangement.

Advantages:

• Increased scope base stability
• Better resistance to movement under recoil
• Strong platform for magnified optics

This is especially useful with the 6.5 PRC because the cartridge produces more recoil than standard 6.5 cartridges.

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Expected Performance

Strengths

✅ Premium maple stock appearance
✅ Powerful 6.5 PRC cartridge
✅ Excellent hunting accuracy potential
✅ Smooth 60-degree bolt operation
✅ Strong optic mounting system
✅ Classic blued-steel sporting rifle design
✅ Good balance of velocity and portability

Considerations

⚠ Wood stock requires more care than synthetic stocks in wet environments
⚠ 6.5 PRC ammunition is less common and usually more expensive than 6.5 Creedmoor
⚠ Gloss finish can show scratches and field wear more easily
⚠ 3-round magazine capacity is lower than some larger hunting rifles

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Approximate Field Role Comparison

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Overall Assessment

The Browning X-Bolt 2 Medallion Maple 6.5 PRC 24″ 3RD is a luxury hunting rifle built for serious field use. It blends the appearance of a traditional high-grade sporting rifle with the performance advantages of the modern 6.5 PRC cartridge.

It is especially appealing to hunters who want:

• the craftsmanship of a maple-stock rifle,
• the reach of a modern magnum cartridge,
• and the reliability of Browning’s X-Bolt 2 action.

Compared with a synthetic-stock mountain rifle, it is heavier and more traditional; compared with a standard 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, it offers more speed and energy at the cost of additional recoil and ammunition expense.