Tag Archives: 308 winchester

The Browning X-Bolt 2

August 12, 2025Product review, Shooting hardware308 winchester, browning, browning x-bolt 2, speed, spr, x-bolt, x-bolt 2coldboremiracle

Introduction

I grew up within a short drive of the original Browning factory where the man himself designed and built many of his masterpieces. In fact, I could see the factory from my hunting spots where many of today’s pictures were taken. I feel somewhat guilty for being less familiar with the brand and their products, but today I aim to change that. The Browning brand has long stood for quality and innovation, and today’s subject is a direct result of that process. The Browning X-Bolt has been around for over a decade, but the time has come for a new generation. Today we hit the range and field with the brand-new Browning X-Bolt 2, the next step in Browning’s bolt-action family.

Browning, x-bolt, x-bolt 2, x-bolt speed, 308 win, vector optics, continental, 2-12x44, — at 2X the **Vector Continental scope** was great for close engagements in thick woods

X-Bolt 2 Heritage

Drawing from its predecessor the Browning A-Bolt; the X-Bolt rifle brought some more modern features while holding onto what was best from the A-Bolt’s design. I’ve had a few experiences with both over the years and was impressed with their attributes. The smooth action and short bolt throw of these rifles makes them pleasant to shoot. And with easy feeding they are always ready for action.

The release of the X-Bolt 2 brings an incredible diversity of products. As you scroll through the website there are too many options to mention. But rest assured there is a model for everyone’s taste. Whether it be walnut or polymer, steel or titanium, there is a stunning array of X-Bolt 2 options. You can get it with carbon fiber barrels, McMillan stocks, AICS magazine fed and many other options. The family of the X-Bolt 2 has an incredible host of applications for nearly any shooter.

Generational Changes

Evaluating the differences between the original X-Bolt and this new X-Bolt 2 gives some insight into what Browning designers were after. Some of the changes in the new X-Bolt went beyond simply different configurations.

Browning, x-bolt, x-bolt 2, x-bolt speed, 308 win, grip, disassembly, bedding, trigger, safety, — replaceable grips, improved trigger, bedded action are all things to like about the X-Bolt 2

The X-Bolt 2 action at the heart of the rifle received a restructuring, adding material in various places to increase strength. Additional support of the bolt in its stroke to add an even smoother operation. Changing the bolt-knob for better purchase and adding flutes and other facets to bolt-body also helps improve the feel.

Also new in this new generation X-Bolt is the DLX trigger, which has adjustable weight with no creep or overtravel. The composite Vari-Tech stock is also adjustable and handsomely finished with Browning’s Ovix camouflage. The soft Inflex recoil pad will help with heavier recoiling calibers. Perhaps one of my favorite improvements of the X-Bolt 2 is the belled muzzle. With industry standard thread pitches allowing you to install your favorite muzzle accoutrements. My previous experience with an X-Bolt required a thread adaptor to use my suppressor. That wouldn’t be a problem here. The X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR model we tested today also comes with a radial muzzle brake to reduce recoil.

Specifications

Action Length Short Action	Caliber 308 Win
Barrel Length 18″	Overall Length 38″
Length of Pull 13 5/8″ Adj	Drop at Comb 0″ Adj
Drop at Heel 1/10″ Adj	Weight 6 lbs 10 oz
Magazine Capacity 4	Twist Rate 10″
Barrel Finish Smoked Bronze Cerakote	Stock Finish Ovix
Receiver Finish Smoked Bronze Cerakote	Chamber Finish Polished
Barrel Material Steel	Barrel Contour Sporter SR
Stock Material Composite	Recoil Pad Inflex 1.25
Checkering Textured Grip Panels	Sling Swivel Studs Matte Blued
Receiver Material Steel	Trigger Finish Gold Plated
Bolt Slide Finish High Gloss	Magazine Type Detachable
Muzzle Threading 5/8 – 24 SR	Trigger Material Alloy
Trigger Guard Material Alloy	Trigger Guard Engraving Buck Mark in Gold
Floor Plate Material Composite	Drilled and Tapped for Scope Yes
MSRP $1,569.99

Configuring the X-Bolt 2

The Vari-Tech stock of the X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR can be adjusted for length of pull and comb-height. Neither of them is what I would call quick or field adjustable. Both processes are done using tools and taking off the rubber buttpad. This is a small concern considering that you don’t really need to adjust those things very often. It’s also a great feature that not many other rifles this style has. Using the scope and mount I did, the stock was perfect as it came from the factory.

Browning, x-bolt, x-bolt 2, x-bolt speed, 308 win, vector optics, continental, 2-12x44, banish backcountry suppresor, — This rifle is perfectly configured for Rocky Mountain country, with the **Quake Sling** and the Banish Backcountry suppressor

Upon inspecting the X-Bolt 2 after disassembly, I was even more impressed. Aside from the adjustable buttstock, you can replace the rubberized grip from a sporter angle to a more vertical style grip. Pulling a screw from under the action they are easily swapped. I greatly preferred the vertical grip so it went in place for the duration of the test.

While apart I also noticed that there was a factory bedding job. This is a great way to improve the marriage of action and stock together, which generally helps accuracy. I also like the four-bolt attachment of the scope bases. Double what most scope bases use, for better connection.

Browning, x-bolt, x-bolt 2, x-bolt speed, 308 win,

Kitting Out the X-Bolt 2

I hunt the western deserts and mountains of the US, it can often be feast or famine when it comes to hunting. The Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR seems to be made for just such country. Hunting these same mountains that John M. Browning himself used to traverse, I wanted to optimize the rifle that bears his name.

A Good Scope

A rifle like this one deserves a good companion optic. I chose to install one of my recent acquisitions, a Vector Optics Continental 2-12×44. The Continental offers very bright and clear images, a sharp focus, and an excellent turret system that would shine for long-range shooting. Using a pair of Nightforce medium 34mm rings, I attached the scope to the bases.

With hunting ranges around here varying from 100 yards to as far as you dare, these features would match the performance of the X-Bolt 2. And together I expected to push the limits to see how effective this combination would be.

Support

Additionally, I would install a Harris SL bipod for supported shooting. There are many bipod options, but I keep coming back to the simple option that keeps working for me. For transporting the rifle I also installed a Quake Industries rubberized sling. This simple and lightweight option makes carrying a rifle in the backcountry comfortable. And its rubber exterior keeps it from slipping off your shoulder.

Suppressor

With light seen at the end of the NFA tunnel, suppressors have become a commanding presence. Few practices benefit from suppressors as much as hunting, and I am a bit of an enthusiast.

Installing my Banish Backcountry titanium suppressor would make this Browning a bit more polite. The lightweight would also keep the rifle easy to move through these high Rocky Mountains.

Ammunition

For a little variety, I brought a spread of ammo from different manufacturers. Two options from Hornady, the 155 Black ammunition, and the 150 grain American Whitetail. To mix it up, I also brought some Barnes VORTX 130 grain, as well as some DTM 175 grain Match.

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Browning, x-bolt, x-bolt 2, x-bolt speed, 308 win, Eberlestock, just one, backpack — The Eberlestock Just One Pack was a good fit for the X-Bolt 2

Steyr Scout Rifle

July 7, 2025Product review, Shooting hardware308 winchester, scout, scout rifle, steyr, steyr scoutcoldboremiracle

Introduction

I remember seeing the Steyr Scout rifle many years ago, its curious look and design were perhaps a little off-putting to me at the time. But decades later I find myself finally in a position to truly evaluate this curious rifle.

The Steyr Scout rifle is a bolt-action rifle fed from proprietary detachable box magazines. Much of it’s uniquity come from its polymer stock that incorporates many extra features. While it is available in various calibers, the model tested today is a 19-inch barreled 308 Winchester. Lets get into this rifle and see how it could fit into your everyday shooting practices.

The Steyr Scout Rifle

Steyr’s Scout rifle is almost thirty years old now, in fact the second generation Scout II is the go to rifle. The original Scout rifle tested today, was manufactured at Steyr’s facility in Bessemer Alabama.

Action and Feeding

At the heart of the Steyr Scout is the action, a rotating bolt that uses two layers of dual lugs to lock up the breech. The extraction is done using a Sako-style claw, and cases are ejected using a spring-plunger to throw cases clear of the action. The safety is located in the tang of the action, and is a bit different. It’s a rotating wheel you can easily adjust with your thumb.

The two-stage trigger appears to be adjustable, though Steyr’s manual seems pretty adamant that only Steyr armorers should attempt such a feat. As it sits, the trigger feels great so I had no reason to mess with it anyways.

The five-round magazines that feed the Scout , are secured using dual spring-loaded claws on each side of the magazine. This results in a perfect thumb and index finger squeeze to pull the magazine from it’s well. A second magazine is secured in the same fashion in the underside of the buttstock.

The Scout Stock

Made from polymer, the Steyr Scout stock is very interesting. A soft rubber recoil pad at the back ensures comfort, and a very traditional grip angle that is enhanced with a hollowed out palm area.

Perhaps the most curious part of the stock is the builtin bipod at the front of the stock. By depressing a centrally located button both of the two bipod legs can be pulled down. They are secured in position with a snap, preventing them from folding back up inadvertently. The rifle can also be canted on the bipod as the hub of the two legs has a builtin swivel.

shooting from the bipod was serviceable, but probably not as good as a dedicated bipod

Additional transportation options are also included, the Scout has built in sling mounts that can be removed or relocated to fit your needs. A simple push and twist will remove the sling mounts, and you can move them to one of many different sockets on either side of the rifle.

Sight Mounting

On the top of the rifle, you will find a sight mounting rail. The original Scout has cuts for standard scope ring location, and several options for mounting a scope in the traditional scout rifle location forward. Forward mounted extended eye relief optics are traditionally used on scout rifles to improve field of view and awareness. The second generation Scout has a full length picatinny rail, allowing you to mount an optic anywhere you chose.

the **Bushnell R5 3-9×40** made an excellent little scope for the Scout

And as if that wasn’t enough, the Steyr Scout also features builtin pop-up iron sights with a ghost-ring style rear sight and a simple front post.

Steyr Scout Specifications

Steyr Scout Specifications
Weight	6.6 Pounds
Length	38.6 Inches
Barrel	19-Inch barrel 1:10 or 1:12 twist *
Caliber Options	.223Rem, .243Win, 7-08Rem, 6.5CM, 308Win
Safety	3-position: fire, safe, safe with locked bolt
Finish	Mannox (nitride surface treatment)
Capacity	5-round magazines X2 (10-round option available)
Sights	Pop-up built-in sights, picatinny sight rail
Muzzle Threads	Gen I ½-20, Gen II ½-28

* different barrel twist depending on rifle generation

Configuring the Steyr Scout

Since I don’t have an extended eye relief scope, I would end up mounting a scope in the traditional fashion. Which I would have preferred to do anyways now that I think about it. Using a pair of Weaver scope rings, I mounted one of the new Bushnell R5 3-9×40 riflescopes. I was surprised how well the Bushnell fit perfectly to this rifle, and matched it capabilities. It’s illuminated center dot was perfect for shooting targets on the move, like hogs or varmints.

I’d grab a few boxes of ammunition to test, some DTM 175 grain Match, Hornady 150 grain American Whitetail, and some Barnes VOR-TX 130 grain ammunition. A good spread to gauge performance of the rifle. All that was left was heading into the deep Rocky Mountains to country that deserves to be scouted.

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Pressing the button that releases the bipod legs

Shooting the Scout suppressed required a thread adaptor

Springfield Armory Waypoint 2020

June 25, 2025Product review, Shooting hardware2020, 308 winchester, bolt-action, hunting, hunting rifle, springfield armory, waypointcoldboremiracle

Preface

In our ever changing world there is some solace in knowing that we are spoiled for choice when it comes to sporting arms. Being a part of the firearm industry certainly offers me additional privileges and access, and today I intend to share with you another one the countless rifles I’ve been able to examine. Today we are taking a close look at the Springfield Armory Waypoint 2020 rifle chambered in 308 Winchester.

Springfield Armory, Waypoint, 2020, 308 winchester, US Optics, TXH 3-18,

The Waypoint 2020 is marketed as a lightweight precision rifle with a definite nod towards the hunting crowd. The Waypoint is a bolt-action rifle patterned after the extremely popular Remington 700 footprint. There is a variety of models but all of them feature a carbon fiber stock, and detachable box-magazines. Different color camo patterns can be selected, as well as other features like carbon-wrapped barrels and radial muzzle brakes. Let’s get into it.

The Springfield Armory Waypoint 2020

2020 Action

The foundation of the Waypoint rifle is the 2020 action, a two-lug ninety-degree bolt action much like the Remington 700 it closely resembles. I say closely because it greatly improves over it’s predecessor. The 2020 action uses a one-piece fluted bolt-body with a removable bolt-handle. At the front of the bolt you’ll find the sliding extractor and spring-plunger ejector. The sear is tripped by a Trigger Tech Field trigger, which in my experience is fantastic.

Springfield Armory, Waypoint, 2020, 308 winchester, US Optics, TXH 3-18, Banish backcountry, suppressor — the **Banish Backcountry suppressor** worked great with the Waypoint

At the back of the action you’ll find the bolt-stop/release. This is the stronger and superior design, making the bolt quick to remove and firmly stopped when it reaches the aft stroke. The Waypoint 2020 action comes with a scope base-rail installed, using both screws and dowel pins for security.

Carbon Fiber Stock

Rigid and lightweight are the first things that come to mind when feeling the Waypoint stock. At the back there is a soft rubber recoil pad as well as some flush mounted QD-cups for attaching a sling. The vertical grip is very modern and comfortable, allowing easy placement of your thumb at the proper angle. The Aluminum trigger-guard is also very well done, and features the mag-release in the front of the trigger area. And using AICS pattern magazines is a sure way to gain points with most shooters.

The front of the stock also features a QD-cup for sling attachment, as well as M-Lok slots on the bottom to attach a bipod. I found the stock to be very comfortable and very serviceable.

Carbon Wrapped Barrel

The twenty-inch barrel is carbon fiber wrapped, for weight reduction. At the muzzle it was threaded 5/8-24 with a radial muzzle brake installed to tame the rifle. Chambered in 308 Winchester the barrel features a 1:10 twist which allows for a great deal of bullet compatibility.

Springfield Armory, Waypoint, 2020, 308 winchester, US Optics, TXH 3-18, carbon fiber barrel

Specifications

Springfield Armory Waypoint 2020 308 Winchester
Weight	6 Pounds 9 Ounces
Length	41.5 Inches
Barrel	20-inch 1:10 twist Carbon Fiber
Trigger Adjustment	2.5-5 Lbs
Muzzle Device	Radial Blast Brake ⅝-24 threads
Magazine	AICS compatible 5-round
Optics Mounting	Picatinny Rail 6-48 Screws
Receiver	Stainless Steel 2020
Color	Evergreen Camo/Green Cerakote
MSRP	$2599

Range Preparations

In order to properly test the Waypoint, I would add a few things and bring along others. First off was a good scope, for that I decided to go with one of my favorites. The US Optics TXH 3-18 is a perfect scope for a precision hunting rifle, with a set of 34mm rings it dropped perfectly into place on the Waypoint. I’d also add a Harris bipod for supported shooting, using the M-Lok slots I attached a pic-rail section to make my bipod easy to install and remove.

For ammunition I brought a nice spread as well. First off were a couple selections from Hornady, the American Whitetail 150 grain ammo, and the Precision Hunter 178 ELDX. I also brought along some Barnes Vor-TX 130 grain ammunition as well as a box of DTM 308 Match 175 grain.

And just for good measure I also threw in my Silencer Central Banish Backcountry suppressor, which would make a perfect lightweight companion to this rifle.

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My first foray with the Waypoint was at a public range, not something I enjoy but worth the time. It took no time to zero the rifle with just a couple shots after I boresighted it. After which I shot a few different groups to see if the rifle preferred one ammo type over another. It came as no surprise that the DTM 175 match seemed to shoot the best, with a Barnes 130 grain in a very close second place. Velocities from those two were 2560fps and 3020fps respectively. After some accuracy testing, I continued shooting to see how the rifle functioned and fed.

Springfield Armory, Waypoint, 2020, 308 winchester, US Optics, TXH 3-18, Athlon Velocity pro chronograph, — testing **Barnes VOR-TX** **ammo** with the **Athlon Velocity Pro Chronograph**

Springfield Armory, Waypoint, 2020, 308 winchester, US Optics, TXH 3-18, target, accuracy — Some average groups from testing

CMMG MK3 308 Winchester

February 27, 2025Product review, Shooting hardware308 winchester, AR, ar10, cmmg, mk3, sr25coldboremiracle

Preface

The Mk3 rifle series from CMMG is based on a 308 Winchester sized AR action, allowing for similar cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor as well. Much of the same features of CMMG’s smaller rifles are built into the Mk3 making it familiar and simple to operate. Today we are taking a look at the CMMG Mk3 308 Winchester rifle, to see how it compares to other similar rifles I’ve shot. Based on my experience with other CMMG products I was expecting some great results.

The CMMG MK3

If you go to CMMG’s website, you will find a variety of MK3 rifles from their various lines. There are four different lines that all include MK3 variants, there is the Dissent line of which I am a big fan. The Dissent uses a buffer inside the upper receiver which means you no longer need a buffer tube opening the doors to a bunch of new stock options.

The Banshee line of firearms is mostly pistol and SBR type personal defense firearms, with shorter barrel lengths and appropriate accessories. The Resolute rifles offer rifle lengths and accessories for longer engagements. And lastly the Endeavor line of rifles which feature more of a marksman configuration built for long-range.

There is a MK3 version of all these rifles that you can select based on your needs. The rifle we are testing today is a slightly older MK3 that came out before these more modern lines from CMMG. While still based on the CMMG MK3 receiver set, this rifle features different furniture and handguard.

Outfitting the MK3

I wanted to see what this rifle was capable of, so I put a US Optics TXH 3-18×50 riflescope on it using a Zro Delta cantilever scope mount. With a 3-18 it would do well shooting targets at relatively close distances, and with a max of 18X it would also be suitable for distances at the end of the 308 Winchester’s envelope.

I grabbed a few different types of ammunition to test in the rifle, some PPU 150 grain ball ammo, as well as some 175 grain DTM match. I also grabbed a small tripod with a saddle to support the rifle for precision shooting.

I also wanted to see how the rifle faired as a suppressor host, so I grabbed my YHM R9 suppressor. It has never done me wrong when testing 308 chambered rifles, and now it was time to try it on the MK3.

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Again, CMMG’s current production Mk3s have significantly better features like improved charging handles, triggers, and other controls. I have several new CMMGs that prove the company has stepped up its game significantly. Upgraded handguards and furniture are coupled with handsome Cerakote finishes and M-LOK handguards, while features like CMMG’s muzzle devices also improve the look and performance.

CMMG Mk3 308 winchester, accuracy, target — A typical group from the Mk3

Taurus Expedition Rifle

June 25, 2024Product review, Shooting hardware308 winchester, expedition, Tauruscoldboremiracle

Introduction

Taurus is a well known firearm manufacturer, well known for pistols that is. The company manufactures a variety of clones and unique handguns but today we bring you something new from Taurus. Our subject today is the brand new Taurus Expedition bolt action rifle, we will review this rifle chambered in 308 Winchester as it currently is available from the factory.

The Taurus Expedition

On the cover of the box, there is a large hunting logo. I think it is pretty safe to assume that Taurus is going after the hunting market with this rifle. And with its short barrel, light weight and 308 chambering I can see it being a hit with many hunters.

Today’s Taurus USA has new goals and culture, one of them being to create guns that they themselves would use. As hunters, some of the folks at Taurus wanted to bring the technology they’ve invested into a hunting rifle. Something they could be proud of and successful with.

I must say, as a hunter, and a precision rifle junkie, if I had been in charge of the Expedition’s development, I probably would have done things almost the same way. The incredible suite of features is matched by lightweight, and a handsome package. And at a price point below what I’d expect for all that.

Specifications

Caliber	308 Win
Barrel Length	18 Inches, Cold hammer forged
Barrel twist	1:10
Action type	Bolt-action Remington 700 clone
Overall Length	38 inches
Overall height	6.67 inches
Width	3.12 inches
Weight	7.06 lbs
Magazine	Detachable box AICS type
Capacity	5 round factory
Receiver/barrel material	Stainless steel
Receiver/barrel finish	Diamond Like Coating

Features

Taurus’s Expedition rifle boasts a significant list of features. When I say significant I mean for a rifle priced in this range, as well as being an introductory model. First off, the Expedition uses the very popular Remington 700 footprint which means you can use the huge aftermarket supply of parts. But wait, there’s more.

The Expedition also incorporates many of the same features that more expensive custom actions offer. Things like a three-lug bolt, M16 style extractor, dual plunger ejectors, and a Savage-like barrel nut system that allows easier barrel changes and assembly. Surprisingly it doesn’t end there either, the Expedition comes with a muzzle threaded ⅝-24 for all your muzzle accessories.

The stock of the rifle also incorporates some additional things. There is a Spartan Precision tripod mounting socket in the front of the stock, allowing use of those support devices. Additionally there is an M-Lok slot at the six o’clock position to add other things like ARCA rails or a tripod foot in my case. Feeding the rifle is done via AICS style magazines. The rifle comes with a polymer five-round mag, but I also intended to use both polymer and metal ten-round models as well.

At the back of the stock, there is a “butt-hook” that allows good purchase for your support hand to keep the rifle steady. The whole thing is finished in a gray textured paint that looks pretty good IMO.

Keeping the bolt secured in the action is done by a left-side spring-loaded stop, very much like those found on custom actions. I like and prefer this design over other designs due to its higher strength. The bolt-handle is skeletonized which reduces weight, and it also appears to have a removable bolt knob for customization.

Taurus Expedition Rifle review

I had planned on mounting a brand new Steiner T6Xi 3-18X56 riflescope on the Expedition. For that I installed a Nightforce 20 MOA one-piece scope base on the Expedition receiver. Then using some Vortex 34mm medium rings I leveled and mounted the Steiner in place. It was a good look, but I wanted to add more, to fully equip the Expedition. So I also grabbed a Maxim Defense PRS 30 suppressor, a Harris Bipod, and my Precision Rifle Solutions tripod. The latter of which uses a foot that can be attached to the bottom of the rifle stock by M-Lok.

With an assortment of ammunition in hand, I headed out to my shooting spot. I fired a few shots through the rifle to ensure function, then it was time to zero the scope. After a few shots into the berm, I moved to paper and fired a few groups with a good zero.

Shootability

Having put several hundred rounds through the Expedition at this point, I am quite confident with its capabilities. I really like the three-lug bolt throw, it makes a much shorter throw and therefore faster operation of loading the rifle.

The trigger feels fine, though I wouldn’t be opposed to swapping it out for one of my Trigger Tech Diamond’s. Anything that uses AICS magazines is better in my opinion, and the Expedition worked great with every magazine I tried. Shooting from the tripod was very convenient and easy to go back and forth with QD tripod attachments.

Taurus expedition 308 winchester, steiner t6xi 3-18x56 — Extraction of rounds was flawless and very consistent

The ejection of the rifle is very consistent, and positive. In fact, feeding cartridges was very smooth all the way around. The lightweight bolt handle and knob worked great, but I do think they may be a touch delicate if you had some sticky rounds from hot loads.

Overall the rifle felt great, shooting at targets from one to nine-hundred yards was very doable. And I would feel very confident hunting these wide open Rocky Mountains with the Expedition.

Reliability

At no time did I experience any failures or malfunctions during my shooting. As mentioned, the magazines and cycling of rounds was great. The only thing I could complain about on the rifle was a screw that sat slightly high in its countersink. This resulted in some excess tension while running the bolt, but after properly seating the screw the problem went away.

Ergonomics

The Expedition stock doesn’t look particularly amazing to me, but it is perfectly comfortable. I attached a stock pack to get a better sight picture but that is more about my scope mounting than anything. I like the grip angle and the butt hook at the rear. The foregrip area is also quite easy to hold while hiking. The bolt throw takes a second to get used to. And I did notice that I would frequently engage the safety by accident by bumping it with my hand as I pulled the bolt back. This is likely something easily corrected with training.

I may use the rifle for some of the younger shooters in my family this fall, the rifle is short enough for some of the smaller statured shooters. Which is an added bonus.

Accuracy

My biggest concern for this rifle was the accuracy because without accuracy I’d have no further interest. After a few boxes of ammo were spent, I setup a target at one-hundred yards. Shooting the DTM 175 match ammunition I fired two 5-shot groups. The first one included a cold bore shot that hit about 3/4 inch high. If you were to throw that shot out, the following nine shots would have still gone in around .5 MOA. That is pretty good in my opinion, and exactly what I was hoping to see from this rifle.

target — Two five-shot groups fired at 100 yds, the left group has the high cold bore impact

Pros & Cons of the Taurus Expedition

I’ve spent a few months shooting the Expedition now, and I have yet to find something about it I can say I dislike. The closest thing I can come to a negative with this rifle is the way the bolt handle is bolted onto the bolt body. I can’t say it’s a bad thing because it hasn’t failed. But my guess is that it would be the first thing to break under heavy use.

I can however say a lot about the things I like. I love the short eighteen-inch barrel, it reduces the rifle weight and makes it much more maneuverable. The short throw of the bolt makes it easy to shoot quickly, and the AICS magazines are a must have nowadays. Bolting on parts that I already had on hand is nice, and that feature continues to shine as time goes on.

Accuracy from the little rifle is excellent, and makes the icing on the cake.

Preferred Ammunition

The best accuracy experienced while shooting the Taurus Expedition came from Hornady 168 Match and Desert Tech 175 Match. I have no problem hunting with those loads, but I’m sure you could also use Hornady’s Precision Hunter 178 ELDX with similar performance.

Accessory Options

Any hunting rifle needs a good sling, and for a lightweight rifle like this I love the Butler Creek stretchy type slings, they are comfortable and stay on your shoulder.

Next up I would for sure put a bipod on the rifle, and it is hard to go without a Harris SL bipod here. It’s a perfect match for the rifle.

I also put my Quake Industries stock pack on the Expedition, this helped my sight picture with the elevated scope. And it also gave me a place to stash some extra rounds.

I for sure would put a suppressor on the Expedition, it is a great host. I used the Maxim Defense PRS 30, but any good 30 cal suppressor would go well with the rifle.

Final Thoughts on the Taurus Expedition

Taurus’ Expedition is jumping into a very competitive space in the rifle market. With other manufacturers offering affordable accuracy as well. Rifles from Tikka, Ruger, and Savage will all undoubtedly give the Expedition a run for the money. But in defense of this rifle, it has a lot going for it as well. I liked this rifle even more than I expected to the first time I picked it up.

I intend on enduring with this little Expedition for as long as possible. Long-term endurance over the course of a couple hunting seasons will surely show if this rifle is worth its asking price. In my opinion so far, I would say if you are looking for a rifle in this price point it is definitely worth having a look at. Taurus has changed my mind once already, so it could happen again.