Buy one, get one free on all hats. Ends 7/31/25.

Browning’s X-Bolt 2 Vari-Tech Stock

Published on July 14, 2025 by Jace Bauserman

Browning doesn’t do normal, because normal doesn’t make a splash. Since the early designs of legendary gunmaker John M. Browning, this forward-thinking gun manufacturer has been all about the splash.

Regarding bolt actions, Browning doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. They already had the wheel with their excellent X-Bolt. However, Browning made a big splash when they dropped the X-Bolt 2.

In addition to the redesigned receiver, the Vari-Tech stock is one of the big stories with the X-Bolt 2. The composite Vari-Tech stock was designed to provide a personalized fit and is adjustable for length of pull (LOP), comb height, and grip angle.

Depending on the model, the stock comes cloaked in Browning’s OVIX camo finish or, in the case of one of my favorite X-Bolt 2 models, the Matte Black of the Hunter Composite.

Do yourself a favor: If you purchase an X-Bolt 2, take advantage of all the adjustments the Vari-Tech Stock offers. From the adjustable LOP (between 13-5/8" and 14-1/8") to the three-position movable comb to the interchangeable grips.

Eye-to-scope alignment is critical to accuracy, especially as you stretch the distance between the muzzle and the target. Depending on the scope rings and optics you choose, you may be craning your neck or scrunching it up to obtain a whole field of view and proper eye relief. Why fight this? Adjust the Vari-Tech stock and experience eye-to-optic perfection. You may also prefer a vertical grip over the sporter grip with which X-Bolt 2 rifles ship. If so, change it. The LOP may be a tad too short. If it is, adjust it.

The good news is that you can easily tailor your X-Bolt 2 to your liking. You just need to know how to do it.

The better news is that you don’t need to take your X-Bolt 2 to a gunsmith. Let’s explore all the adjustability Browning’s X-Bolt 2 models feature and how to make the changes.

Vari-Tech Stock Comb Adjustments

The comb on the Vari-Tech Stock is adjustable in three areas. Like a traditional stock, you’ll find two holes that connect the 1-1/4-inch Inflex recoil pad to the stock. Above the top hole, you’ll find a smaller hole.

Begin the comb height adjustment process by inserting the included 2.5mm Hex wrench into the hole. (This Hex wrench has a longer-than-normal stem to reach the internal screw.) You will feel the wrench drop into the screw hole. If you don’t, turn the wrench clockwise slightly until it indexes. You’re in the proper comb adjustment hole if the wrench feels tight when you try to loosen it. You’ll also feel the comb loosen as you turn the Allen counterclockwise, which you’ll need to do to relieve screw tension so you can properly adjust the comb.

You’ll know that the screw is loose when the comb slides backward. After sliding the comb backward, you can adjust the height one slot at a time or remove the entire comb from the stock. If you remove the comb, slide it back in the groove you want and lock it back down.

Bonus Tip: I recommend not tinkering with the comb height before mounting your scope. Proper eye-to-scope alignment is only possible if the optic you plan to hunt with is properly mounted atop the rifle’s receiver.

Vari-Tech Stock LOP Adjustments

Browning ships X-Bolt 2 rifles with a length of pull of 13-5/8 inches. An extra pair of spacers is included with each X-Bolt 2 rifle, and a pair of spacers is already inside the stock. The included spacers allow users to adjust the LOP from 13-1/8 inches with no spacers to 14-1/8-inches with all four.

Begin the process by removing the Inflex II recoil pad. This is done by using a small Phillips head screwdriver and loosening the two screws — top and bottom — that hold the recoil pad in place. You do not need to loosen the comb height adjustment screw when adjusting LOP.

After loosening both screws, remove the recoil pad, leaving the screws inside the recoil pad so they don’t get lost. Next, use the same Phillips screwdriver to remove two more internal screws in the top-half of the backend of the stock. These screws go through the LOP inserts and hold them in place.

With those two screws removed, pull back on the stock’s bottom half. The bottom half of the stock will pull away, exposing the pair of spacers that come standard with any X-Bolt 2 rifle. You can now add or remove spacers to the stock to shorten or lengthen LOP. Once LOP is set, reverse the assembly process.

Vari-Tech Stock Grip Adjustments

Hunters typically favor the sporter grip that comes standard on hunting X-Bolt 2 rifles. However, some hunters and many target shooters prefer a vertical grip (LR and Target models come with the vertical grip installed). Again, wanting to make a big splash, Browning includes both grips with its X-Bolt 2 rifles. Like comb height and LOP, swapping grips is a breeze. Don’t let removing the action and barrel from the stock intimidate you, the process is elementary.

To remove the stock, take out the pair of bolts that run through the trigger housing and secure the stock in place to the barrel and action. All that’s required is a 4mm Hex head wrench. Pull up on the barrel, and the barrel and action will separate from the stock.

Inside the box your rifle shipped in, you’ll find either the sporter or target-style grip. Looking down inside the stock at the rear of the action channel, you'll notice a single silver Phillips head screw. Loosen the screw until the grip can be tipped forward and pulled away. Now, insert the rear of the replacement grip into the stock, swing the front up, and tighten the Phillips screw to reassemble. Slip the barrelled action into the stock, replace the bottom metal, and torque the screws to 35-inch pounds.

For a test run, I made a grip change on my X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite and an LOP and comb height adjustment to my X-Bolt 2 Speed LR. From start to finish — and I wasn’t working in a rush — the process took me nine minutes. Making Vari-Tech adjustments is easy, and each adjustment serves a specific purpose.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve read, it doesn’t require a gunsmith degree to make any customizable adjustments to Browning’s X-Bolt 2 Vari-Tech-equipped lineup. Remember, Browning offered these adjustments to give YOU (the shooter) options. The goal, whether in the field, on the range, or in competition, is to be as accurate as possible. Shouldering a gun that fits you perfectly and fills you with confidence will do that.