Browning X Bolt is an excellent bolt-action rifle. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, if you are dipping your toes in the bolt-action pool, then you will find the X Bolt easy on the wallet and on the hands.
I’m sure you already know that the X Bolt doesn’t come with any scopes let alone scope mounts.
If you are a proud owner of the X Bolt and want to improve your accuracy and partake in some game hunting as well, you probably already have a scope at your disposal.
But here is the issue, you have no means of installing it. That’s why you will need a mounting system for it. But how do you find the best scope mounts for Browning X Bolt? After all, it won’t just accept any Picatinny rings and call it a day. Don’t worry, let’s figure that out.
How To Choose a Mounting Ring for X Bolt?
Now that you know what are some of the best scope mounts for Browning X-Bolt, how do you choose which one is the best one for you? Well, it’s more simple than you might realize.
First thing first, compatibility. If your scope isn’t compatible with any of the rings, then that one is out from the start. But if multiple rings are compatible with your scope, then you can make your decision based on the cost.
If the rings are too expensive and they are out of your budget, then you can settle down for an affordable option as well. As long as the rings are made decently and they can hold zero (which all of the mentioned ones can), they are good enough to be used with the X-Bolt.
1. Browning Rifle Accessory 12532 X-Bolt Sys Mount
The rifle on topic here is made by Browning, of course, they would be in the race to make scope mounts for their own gun. This one is a medium sized 1” pair of rings for your scope.
The scope ring is made out of extremely durable 7000 series aluminum. The aluminum is lightweight and extremely durable. The CNC machined housing has a burnt bronze cerakote finish.
The finishing on the scope looks extremely good and compliments all of the X Bolt rifles out there. If you are worried that your scope isn’t 1”, you have nothing to worry about. The ring is available in 34 mm, and 30mm sizes as well. Browning knows their targeted customers very well.
Where is this made?
Just like the other accessories, this one is also made in the USA.
Is this scope ring suitable for hunting scopes?
Yes, it is. In fact, it’s one of the best options for people who are buying X-Bolt for hunting.
Are rings available in other heights?
Yes, they are. If the medium is not your cup of tea, you can use low or increased height as well.
2. Leupold BackCountry Two-Piece Scope Mount
Leupold scopes are quite good and their price-to-performance value is insane. If you are rocking a Leupold scope by chance and want to stay in the ecosystem, then this BackCountry scope mount might be ideal for you.
The scope rings are made with CNC machining and the material used here is aluminum. The used aluminum is 7075-T6 aka aircraft-grade aluminum. The ring comes with all of the necessary screws and equipment to install this on your X-Bolt.
The rings are available in different heights and sizes as well. Instead of one piece, the scope ring is designed in two pieces. You can take off the top to mount this on your weapon then place your scope and install the top. Together, they keep the scope steady and prevent it from moving around.
Where is this made?
Just like other Leupold accessories, this one is also made in their USA factory.
Is this a good choice for VX-Freedom?
It’s an excellent choice for that gun. Make sure to take the correct measurement and desired height.
Will this fit the Browning bolt short action?
Yes, it will fit. But keep in mind to follow the provided guide by Browning to install it the right way.
3. Talley Browning X-Bolt Scope Mount Rings
Talley rings are easily one of the best valued scope rings in the market. They make so many good scope rings for different mounting systems, it’s absurd. But one thing they don’t neglect is the quality of the product.
This pair of rings is made to be installed on the Browning X-Bolt. But if your weapon follows the same footprint as the X-Bolt. Then you can use this on your gun as well. The rings are made out of high-quality aluminum alloy. It uses a 7000 series alloy known for its durability.
With precisely cut-through CNC machining and an anodized finish to it, the scope ring is easily one of the best valued scope rings for Browning X Bolt.
The one I’m mentioning is fit for all 30mm scopes in existence. But if you have a different thickness of scope tube, then you should get the one that matches your tube.
Where is this made?
Talley is a very proud manufacturer from the USA. Just like their other accessories, this one is also made in the USA.
Does this mount come with all the necessary screws?
Yes, it does. You won’t need to buy them separately. You will find 8 screws inside the package.
Will this fit Western Hunter?
As long as it has the X-Bolt pattern (which Western Hunter has), it will be usable.
4. Browning X-Lock 1” med Integrated Rings
The X-Lock Integrated rings from Browning are made for the X-Bolt series of rifles. The scope rings are lightweight and extremely durable. They are not a new entry in the market either.
They have been serving customers including hunters for well over half a decade now. The scope rings are made from high-quality aluminum. The aluminum is rust free and it cannot be rusty down the line either. You can use this in a swamp-like place if you want to.
The rings are two piece designs. The top of the scope ring comes off if you unscrew it.
Just by removing the top portion, you can change your scope (with the same tube scope) without removing the rings from your gun. Definitely not as fast or efficient as QD, but it’s something that might come in handy to some folks.
Where is this scope ring made in?
The scope rings are designed and machined in the USA.
Is this made out of steel or aluminum?
It’s made out of 7000 series aluminum. Browning also mentions this on their website on the information page of the ring.
Is the finish anodized or blued?
It’s a blued finish in matte black.
5. Browning X-Lock 1” Low rings
What’s the difference between these and the One I mentioned above? Nothing. They are both the same thing just at different heights. If you wanted the X-Lock base for your X-Bolt but wasn’t vibing with the medium height, then this is the height that you should go for.
It uses the same material and the same screws with the traditional Lock design from Browning. Overall, a good alternative for a lot of folks.
6. Talley X-Bolt Scope Mounts
If the Talley sets mentioned above are out of your budget, then this one will be within your budget. To some extent, they are the same pair of rings just at different price points. While the other pair of rings are made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, this one is also made out of the same material, gotcha!
Jokes aside, it’s essentially the same type of ring but has some minor differences. The finish on the rings is different and this pair of rings is available in lots of different sizes and heights. I know the other one has too, but the finish on that variant might not cater to everyone.
If you are looking for an inexpensive pair of mounting rings made for hunters backing the strong Talley durability, then this is the one you should go for.
Does this come with Allen screws?
It comes with Torx head screws and L wrench T-15.
Will these fit on Western Hunter?
Yes, it will. The Western Hunter shares the same X-Bolt pattern.
Where is this made?
This is made in the USA.
7. Browning X-Lock 30mm intermediate height ring
Essentially, I just mentioned the same set of scope rings thrice. You won’t be wrong if you are having a bit of deja vu. But as you can see from the name, they have some minor differences.
The main difference on this one is the height of the scope ring and the type of scope it can accept.
The previous two Browning X-Locks were made for 1” rings. But this one here is suited for 30mm. If your scope is 30mm, go for this. It is also quite inexpensive compared to the rest of the scope rings.
Conclusion
That didn’t take that long. After all, scope mounts aren’t the most complicated things. They are nice little products that will make your life easier. I’m aware finding the best scope mounts for Browning X-Bolt can take a bit of your time and money, but once you get it and install the scope on your X-Bolt, the experience will be blissful.
With that said, that’s all for now. It can be a bit confusing and overwhelming but don’t worry. There is no wrong decision here as I mentioned. Thanks for reading as always, Hope to see you on the next one. Till then, take care and have fun.