Most shooters and hunters worldwide are familiar with the X-BOLT series of bolt-action rifles and carbines produced and marketed by Browning International S.A. of Belgium and by its global branches, including Browning Arms Company in North America. Ever since its launch, Browning's X-BOLT proved itself to be a groundbreakingly reliable and accurate hunting companion in almost all conditions, gaining indeed the trust of countless sportsmen worldwide, so much that it has actually no need for introduction here. What's important, anyway, is that the fine folks at Browning International are well aware of how times change quickly when it comes to hunting, shooting sports, and firearms technology; even though the X-BOLT continues to be a sturdy and trustworthy platform, it is constantly upgraded to meet the everchanging needs and tastes of shooters worldwide, and once again Browning seems to have got it right.
Late 2013 will in fact see the launch of a new variant of the Browning X-BOLT rifle, dubbed the "Varmint GRS", which will integrate the tried and true action and trigger that made this design famous in a laminated, oil-treated wood stock manufactured in Norway by Grodås Mønsterteknologi AS; the GRS stock features an ergonomic pistol grip and buttstock design, and a totally adjustable butt, with extensible buttpiece and cheekpiece. This matches the presence of a 24-inches heavy fluted, satin barrel with M18x1 threads to result in an almost unmatchable performance for both varmint hunt and medium-to-long-range shooting competitions (e.g. Five at 200 specialties). The Browning X-BOLT "Varmint GRS" will also come with integral scope and bipod mounts.
The Browning X-BOLT "Varmint GRS" rifle will be approximately eight pounds heavy and will be available in .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester and 6.5x55mm-Swedish calibers, with an overall capacity of four rounds in a detachable magazine for all of them; it will be sold in an ABS case and will come with sling rings and a safety mechanism to make it inert for long-term storage. Distribution of the Browning X-BOLT "Varmint GRS" is slated to start in 3rd quarter, 2013; no manufacturer's suggested retail price has been announced as of yet.
