Episode 5 - Inside the XPR: Big bolts, slim mags and optimized controls.

Episode 5 - Inside the XPR: Big bolts, slim mags and optimized controls.


Winchester XPR’s large diameter bolt
The Winchester XPR’s large diameter bolt resists flex upon firing for added accuracy and long life.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the XPR from Winchester Repeating Arms is the large diameter bolt body. There’s a very important reason for it being bigger that most other rifles in its class. A larger diameter bolt means a more rigid bolt, and a more rigid bolt better resists flexing under the tens of thousands of pounds of back-thrust pressure the hits it every time a cartridge is fired. (And even beyond 50,000 PSI in the big magnum calibers.) And that big bolt continues to resist back-thrust pressure over a lifetime of regular use – which is often thousands of firing cycles. (That beats the competition’s flimsy - and kinda flexible - bolt bodies hands down.)


XPR Composite
The bolt body of the Winchester XPR features a tough nickel Teflon™ coating for smoother operation.

The XPR’s rugged bolt is crafted from chromoly steel barstock and then, like the rifle’s receiver it’s through-hardened during the heat-treatment process. The bolt design offers three front locking lugs and a short 60-degree bolt lift for improved scope clearance when cycling. (This becomes especially important when you have a large diameter or low-mounted scope installed and you’re wearing gloves.)

The bolt body’s exterior features a nickel Teflon™ coating for smoother operation and added corrosion resistance. The one-piece bolt handle is sculpted to give you a more positive grip, an important feature to help you make a lightning quick reload and follow-up shot on a trophy animal. The XPR’s bolt can be fieldstripped in just seconds without any special tools for cleaning and lubrication.


XPR Composite Safety
The Winchester XPR offers a two position safety, bolt release button and a cocking indicator.

Every XPR has a two-position safety that’s convenient to operate with the thumb of your firing hand. The safety’s design fully retracts the trigger away from the actuator so you know that when it’s engaged your rifle is positively on-safe. Located just in front of the safety button is the bolt release button that allows you to cycle the action to remove unfired cartridges while the safety is engaged. 


XPR Enlarged Trigger Guard
Wearing heavy winter gloves is never a problem with the Winchester XPR’s enlarged trigger guard.

The XPR’s cocking indicator on the rear portion of the bolt shroud gives you both a tactile and visual reference of your rifle’s cocked/uncocked condition. That’s critical when you need to verify its status while watching or tracking a game animal.

The XPR has a one-piece polymer trigger guard and magazine frame design that offers a generous guard opening for use with gloves. 


Winchester XPR’s rugged polymer magazine
Slim and light, the Winchester XPR’s rugged polymer magazine holds three cartridges.

The XPR’s detachable box magazine is constructed of a light yet rugged polymer and securely latches at both the front and rear for added security and to endure feeding reliability. The magazine is a slick and slim single stack design that feeds cartridges in a straight line right into the chamber. Nothing could be more straight-forward.  The XPR’s magazine capacity is three cartridges in both magnum and standard calibers. Because they are so slim, additional loaded XPR magazines can be easily carried in your pocket or pack for a fast reload.

XPR magazine release
The magazine release is forward of the magazine so it drops right in your hand. Very easy.

Read the entire 5-part series plus the introduction: "Winchester Knows Bolt Actions."

Read the entire 5-part series plus the introduction: "Winchester Knows Bolt Actions."


So there you have it. These are just a few important reasons why the XPR from Winchester Repeating Arms is no bottom-of-the-bowl budget gun. It doesn’t cut corners or compromise on either quality or performance. It’s a rifle that’s built to work, built to hit hard and, most of all, it’s built to last. It’s a high quality hunting rifle you’ll be proud to own and use, now and for many, many years to come. 


Copyright Winchester Repeating Arms, 2017. Written by WRA staff writer Scott Engen. Photos copyright by Winchester Repeating Arms, or Olin company archives,  in the public domain or as indicated in the caption.