Western hunters have been waiting for a cartridge that shoots flat like a magnum without the heavy recoil, and the 6.8 Western was designed with that goal. This X-Bolt 2 Hunter is chambered for it and finished in matte blued.

The 6.8 Western is a newer cartridge, so expect to look a bit harder for ammunition than with a .308 or .270. Check availability in your area before committing. For hunters going after elk, mule deer, or whitetail at longer ranges, it is a sound choice on paper. A good scope matters more than any other upgrade, so put your money into quality glass and solid mounts.

The matte blued finish cuts glare, which helps in the field, and the X-Bolt 2 line is known for an improved trigger and stock compared to the first X-Bolt.

Take time at the range to learn how this cartridge behaves with the bullet weight you plan to hunt with.

For a hunter who likes to try the newest thing and is willing to handload or hunt for ammo, this rifle is a good fit. New. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for pickup and the background check.