Browning X Bolt 2 Distance Eclipse review: the best X-Bolt yet? 

Overview of the new Eclipse

I tested the revised version of the X Bolt last year. I had two nice Chinese water deer bucks with the Nordic Vari Tech X-Bolt 2 version. Although this was a light weight rifle the stock was a bit flimsy. Consequently, today I have opted for an old favourite, the thumbhole stock in walnut.

Called the Eclipse, this nicely styled and proportioned thumbhole is available in two versions. There is the Nordic Eclipse which has a shorter barrel of 18.5 inches. Here on test is the Distance Eclipse with its longer 22.8 inch barrel. This is a very odd length. Regardless, both wear an adjustable cheekpiece walnut stock. They sport Browning’s X-Bolt 2 bolt action with fluted bolt, DLX adjustable trigger and detachable polymer magazine.

Priced at £1539.00 this Eclipse is £360 dearer than the plastic stocked Nordic. To my mind it is a much better deal. Let us see how it ticks.

The stock is what the eye is drawn to instantly. It often forms the basis of whether you like or dislike a rifle. Instantly it feels so much more substantial than the Vari Tech model. It features a conventional well designed thumbhole with the added bonus of an adjustable cheekpiece. This elevates on twin blued steel pillars. It is secured by a single Allen screw in the centre. The 6 inches long cheekpiece has a travel of 1.0 inch. When locked in place it is very sturdy. It is much better than some carbon fibre alternatives I have tested recently.

Unlike the Vari Tech the LOP is set at 14.25 inches with the 25mm Inflex recoil pad. However, you can buy the optional 32mm Inflex pad and external 7mm spacers separately. These allow you to alter the LOP as desired. Regardless, the pad both grips and cushions recoil admirably.

I like the openness of the thumbhole itself. It is not too large and proportioned for right hand use. However, you can just use it left-handed. The gait is reasonably upright. This achieves a more natural feel. Although it is devoid of checkering it feels controlling in the hand. By contrast, up front is the slim and finger grooved forend. This has some really good deep cut checkering. It looks nice and does its job perfectly.

The best bit of the stock has to be the walnut itself. Browning says a grade two walnut is used. However, I think it is significantly better than that. The whole stock has a deep honey hue. This is contrasted by very striking vertical tiger striping. These shimmer in the light when the Eclipse is angled. The weight of the stock is better too. It balances the whole rifle, especially with this Distance barrelled version. It feels so much more robust and warm when out stalking. Consistent bedding is assured by a twin point bedding location and steel recoil lug. No compound is used.

The test rifle was fitted with a Kite 2-12 x 50mm rifle scope. I shot mainly lead free .308 ammo. This is because that is where we are all heading. I did shoot the Sako 123gr Game Heads. These shot well in the Nordic Vari Tech 18.5 inch barrel. Now we had 0.75 inch groups. There was an increase of velocity and energy to 2887fps/2277ft/lbs. This was up from 2810 fps. It is not a lot really.

Next was my number one go to lead free round. This is the Hornady ECX 125 gr. It shot 1.35 inch groups at 2990 fps for 2482 ft/lbs. These are good for muntjac to reds. Sako Power Head Blade Pros with their 130 grain loading are another really good lead free option. They are pricey but consistent. We had 2945fps for 2504ft/lbs energy with three shot 0.95 inch groups.

Norma Eco Strike 150gr projectiles can be a bit fickle sometimes. However, they shot well in the Tikka Ace Game recently. Today velocities were decent at 2786fps for 2586ft/lbs. Inch groups were more than good enough.

I have had good success with the next loading for deer. These are the Remington 150gr Copper at 2789fps/2591ft/lbs. Groups hovered at the MOA mark. Sadly, the rifle arrived right at the deadline for copy. Consequently, there was no chance to take it deer stalking which was a pain. However, from the test session and field handling, the Eclipse offers a decent competent bolt action rifle for the price.

I did like the overall feel and styling of the thumbhole design. I thought the grade of walnut used was excellent for the money. It has been said before that I would have liked the shorter barrel version. This is for my type of stalking. However, the X-Bolt action is always reliable and smooth to operate. This remains true even with wet and numb fingers. The detachable polymer mag is also decent as it is always reliable. I have to say the Iridium sound moderator from Browning did a really good job. It offered great decibel reduction and was light too.

The finish is a bit varied in places. It is a cross between a rubbed oil and light lacquer. However, it repelled the British rain fair enough during the shooting test. Metal work has a hunter friendly dull matt blued finish on both barrel and action. There is no one piece Picatinny rail. Instead, it has a drilled and tapped receiver top for scope mounts to be affixed.

The action is nicely contoured and compact. This facilitates a speedy operation. The new spiral fluted bolt with its smooth three lug bolt offers a low lift. This really helps here. You also get an option as accessories to customise the bolt knob. You can choose from the tear drop standard to Hurricane, Hexagonale, Drop or Twister options.

Ejection and extraction are very positive. Furthermore, the tang mounted safety catch has always appealed to me. It falls where the thumb lies. It is still accessible from the thumbhole with its simple look or fire action. However, an additional small push button is sited at the top of the bolt handle. This allows the bolt to open when the safety is applied.

Trigger wise the DLX model is pretty decent. It offers adjustment from 800 grams to 1.3 kg. This rifle broke at 2lbs 14.7 ozs. There was just a slight creep on take up. It is a good safe but light pull weight for stalking.

X-Bolt magazines are practical too. Being all polymer they are hard wearing and will not rust. In .308 Win it offers a four shot payload that fed without issue.

Bullet steerage is next. The Distance has a longer barrel at 58cm. It is even longer in magnum calibres at 63cm. All have a slim sporter profile. The outside diameter at the muzzle is 15.55mm with a metric 14mm/1 thread. Again, the option to customise with various muzzle brakes is there if you wish. All barrels are free floated too.

The X-Bolt rifles are just good no nonsense rifles. They get the job done with a variety of stock options to keep the shooter happy. This Eclipse is my favourite. It is worth the extra cash as it balances the rifle far better in my view. However, I would opt for the shorter barrelled version. The difference between 47cm and 58cm barrel length in .308 is academic. I think the Eclipse proves that walnut is not quite dead yet. Thank God for that.

• Maker: Browning
• Name: X Bolt 2
• Model: Distance Eclipse
• Type: Bolt action
• Barrel: 22.8 inches (58cm), 14mm/1 thread
• Calibre: 308 Win on test
• Overall length: 43.25 inches
• Weight: 3.2kg, 7.1 lbs
• Stock: Thumbhole Walnut
• Length of pull: 360mm, 14.25 inches
• Trigger: DLX trigger 1.75 to 3lbs adjustable
• Safety: Tang safety
• Magazine: 4 shot polymer
• Sights: No sights, separate mounts available
• Price: £1539.00
• Importer: Browning International