Browning X-Bolt chambered in .30-06 review

Alright, here's a breakdown of my experience with a Browning X-Bolt chambered in .30-06, particularly focusing on the upgrades of an aluminum bedding block and a Mastergun stock. I'm coming at this from the perspective of someone who hunts regularly and tinkers with their rifles quite a bit. Overall Impression Browning X-Bolt: The X-Bolt, out of the box, is a solid hunting rifle. Reliable, accurate enough for most hunting situations, and relatively lightweight. However, like most factory rifles, it has room for improvement, particularly in terms of consistency and feel. That's where the bedding block and the Mastergun stock came in. Browning X-Bolt (Base Rifle): Pros: Smooth Bolt Action: The 60-degree bolt lift is quick and easy, especially when you need a fast follow-up shot. It's definitely a step up from some of the more clunky bolt actions out there. Lightweight Browning X-Bolt: Carrying this rifle through the woods all day is manageable. It's a significant advantage for backcountry hunts where every ounce counts. Rotary Magazine Browning X-Bolt: The detachable rotary magazine is reliable and keeps the cartridges aligned well. It's also easy to load and unload. Good Accuracy (Out of the Box): For a factory rifle, the accuracy is decent. I was getting around 1.5 MOA with factory ammo, which is perfectly acceptable for deer and elk hunting at moderate ranges. Adjustable Trigger: The trigger is adjustable, which is a nice feature. However, it needed some tweaking to get it just right for my liking. Cons: Stock Browning X-Bolt: The factory stock felt a bit cheap and flimsy. There was noticeable flex, which likely impacted accuracy consistency. The ergonomics weren't fantastic either. This was the primary reason for upgrading to the Mastergun. Inconsistent Accuracy: While 1.5 MOA was good, it wasn't always consistent. Sometimes I'd get a tight group, other times it would open up. I suspected the stock and bedding were contributing to this. Price: X-Bolts are not cheap rifles. You are paying for the Browning name and reputation. Aluminum Bedding Block: Pros: Improved Consistency: This made a HUGE difference. By providing a solid and stable platform for the action, the bedding block eliminated the flexing and shifting that I was seeing with the factory stock. The action felt much more secure. Enhanced Accuracy: Groups tightened up noticeably. I was now consistently getting sub-MOA groups with handloads and premium factory ammo. Cons: Installation Required: You need to either install it yourself or have a gunsmith do it. It's not a drop-in part. Proper bedding is crucial for it to function correctly. I opted to have a gunsmith do it to ensure it was done right. Cost: Adding a bedding block adds to the overall cost of the rifle. Mastergun Stock: Pros: Superior Ergonomics: The Mastergun stock felt fantastic in my hands. The grip angle, the palm swell, and the overall shape were a significant improvement over the factory stock. It felt much more natural to shoulder and aim. Increased Rigidity: The Mastergun stock is much stiffer and more robust than the factory stock. This, combined with the bedding block, provided a rock-solid platform for the action. Aesthetically Pleasing: Let's be honest, the Mastergun stock looks great. It gives the rifle a more premium and custom feel. Improved Recoil Absorption The Mastergun stock does a good job of soaking up recoil, so you can enjoy the shot. Cons: Cost: These stocks are not cheap. It's a significant investment. Weight: The Mastergun stock is slightly heavier than the factory stock, which could be a concern for some hunters. However, the improved ergonomics and rigidity were worth the trade-off for me. Fitting: The stock had to be fitted to the rifle. This meant I had to see a gunsmith to get it properly fitted. Browning X-Bolt .30-06 Cartridge Choice: Pros: Versatile: The .30-06 is one of the most versatile cartridges ever created. It's capable of taking down everything from deer to elk to bear. Widely Available: Ammo is readily available everywhere, in a wide range of bullet weights and styles. Proven Performance: The .30-06 has been around for over a century and has a proven track record of effectiveness. Cons: Recoil: Recoil can be stout, especially with heavier bullets. A good recoil pad is essential. Trajectory: The trajectory isn't as flat as some of the newer, faster cartridges. Range estimation is important, especially at longer distances. Final Verdict: The Browning X-Bolt in .30-06, with the aluminum bedding block and Mastergun stock, is now a fantastic hunting rifle. The upgrades significantly improved accuracy, consistency, and overall feel. While the cost of the upgrades was considerable, the performance improvements were worth it. I would highly recommend these upgrades to anyone looking to get the most out of their X-Bolt. It's a rifle I now have complete confidence in for any hunting situation. #BrowningXBolt #3006 #AluminumBeddingBlock #MastergunStock #HuntingRifle #RifleReview #GunReview #Hunting #Firearms #AccurateRifle #RifleUpgrades #Gunsmithing