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This won't be a full review on the referenced rifle. I wanted to share some of my experience with my Browning X-bolt Stainless Stalker to see if others have had similar experiences and/or to inform others who may be considering this rifle in the future.
First off, let me say that even though I don't have much experience with many other centerfire hunting rifles, I like this rifle very much. For the past two deer seasons, it has been everything I want in a hunting rifle, and a bit more (for better or worse).
I purchased this rifle because it is light weight, ergonomic, accurate, and designed to tolerate harsh weather and terrain. I wanted a rifle that could endure normal field use so I don't have to worry about scratches or dents to a pretty gun. In other words, function over form. Nothing looks better to me than high polished blue steel on a fancy grade wooden stock. However, the X-Bolt Stainless Stalker is still quite stylish with the stainless over black and I wouldn't mind putting "battle scars" on it.
Back on topic. The stock has a Dura-Touch Armor Coating. To me it feels like a rubber coating. Despite what Browning calls it, I wouldn't consider it to be armor. The stock still scratches easily when I moved through the brush. I don't care about the cosmetic damage, I just want to inform you that the armor coating doesn't really offer much protection against that kind of thing.
The coating is marketed for all weather conditions, however, something notable occurs in colder late season conditions. I notice during my hunts that areas of the rubber coating turn white/grey in cold weather (snow/hail conditions). Moisture probably is a major contributing factor for this. In this white/greyish state, the coating feels almost gummy. Has anybody else also experienced this phenomenon? The rifle still works, it's just weird. Maybe Browning should add that as an added feature to the rifle.
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