Browning X-Bolt Target Max Competition Lite information

[Darryle]

So, I had been wondering what exactly was different about the X-Bolt Target rifles versus the hunter or Long Range versions. I couldn't find what I wanted and there wasn't one locally, so I ordered one.


Here's what I know about this specific model

Browning X-Bolt Target Max Competition Lite

The stock is heavy, 48.7oz with the ARCA rail and LOP spacers. Rifle was a shade over 9lbs and installing it in the McMillan dropped a full pound off of the rifle. The action dropped right in and seated well, no discernable interference between the McMillan and the action, for exactly like you'd think.

The action is more robust above the stock lines, appears to be identical below, including the feed rails and screw spacing. The ejection port has a little more meat up top under the picatinny rail. The screws are a traditional 4 screw and pinned like alot of 700 clones. The recoil lug is pinned on the bottom of the action. Action has a traditional engraved logo on left side of the action.

The DLX trigger is fantastic for a factory out of the box trigger, half a turn out on the adjustment screw yielded a 1lb 15.1oz ten pull average, twice. I went up and down in weight and it repeated that same level of consistency. 2.87oz ten pull average twice, 1lb 10.3oz ten pull average twice, screw felt a little too loose for me at that weight. I finally settled on an even 2lbs ten pull average.

The bottom metal and MDT magazine was easily manipulated, dropped out easily and fed dummies well. I cannot say the same for the Magpul AICS, it was about .020" to fat front to back, the mold line was proud and made it almost impossible to get out of the bottom metal and seating it was a chore. It's also .025" too wide. I ordered metal MDT 5rd mags, we'll see how they work.

The Recoil Hawg muzzle brake was the newest version with the 4 ports up top and was a little fatter than previous heavy barrel versions.

Any questions, please ask.

Pictures, I cleaned up the bottom of the action prior to installing it in the new stock. Didn't get carried away cleaning the rest since I had to be up at 2:45ish in the morning.

Also, pulled the picatinny rail and sent it to Cameron Murphy to have one made in stainless steel, he'd should have them up on his site soon.

 

[Darryle]

Okay, more pictures and information. I received a text asking about swapping or ordering the AICS bottom metal onto a standard LR X-Bolt.

You cannot convert a standard rotary magazine action to the AICS, at least not without a modification to your action

Notice the machined cuts, these allow the magazine to seat fully.

You also cannot go the other direction, the cuts allow the rotary magazine to seat too deep and cause feed issues and removing the magazine is a real pain.

The good news is the action is the exact same contour on the bottom, seats fully and has no movement. I will bed it anyhow.

The Competition Lite stock is in all appearances the same base stock as the other LR models with a slight change to accommodate the ARCA rail and the addition of QD swivels sockets in the left side of the stock.

Side note, picked up a X-Bolt OD Green Stalker 6.5 Creedmoor, 6lbs on the nose with a 22" sporter barrel and a Terminator T1 muzzle brake in place. This is a nice little package. Stocky's is in the process of making the X-Bolt a standard option for inlets, one of their 20oz Carbon VG stocks would make me happy.

Side note, the Magpul AICS mags are an extremely tight fit and will not drop out on their own.

Stock and more action pictures

 

[Darryle]

Wondering if it's worth trying trying to sell this stock, the only thing you are getting are the QD mounts and ARCA rail over the standard LR stock.

 

[Darryle]

OK, more information regarding magazines and a stainless replacement picatinny rail

MDT 5rd will not work
AI 5rd will not work
Magpul 5rd will work and are starting to get easier to remove

I have a 3rd MDT on the way.

The front portion of the magazine where it flares to the base hits the bottom of the bottom metal magwell. I am considering having it flared, but since Browning refuses to sell this bottom metal separately, I am hesitant. I only want it for hunting and not overly worried about the Magpul fit, just wish it was a drop out fit.

I sent my rail to Cameron Murphy and he now has them available to order on his site. He includes a new pin and screws.