Colt CBX Tac Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle Review

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

As the truck door inadvertently slammed shut, and a pair of (now) alerted does scurried deeper into the field, my hunting partner and I watched an effortless two-hundred-yard shot become a poke that only favors the prepared. We were only planning on plinking that day, but when a buddy leans in and tells you he has two depredation tags that had to be filled that afternoon, the allure of shooting steel quickly fades behind the aroma of a seared backstrap.

“How far are they now?” I asked. “Four-hundred and twenty-six, he replied as he hit them with the laser range finder one last time. With close to 21 pounds of rifle and scope pressed against my shoulder, it was obvious that we wouldn’t be able to get any closer. However, just moments ago, we were landing first-round hits at twice that distance. We were confident in our ability to drop the pair where they stood. Shortly after dialing up, we counted down and pressed off a duo of shots in pure synchrony, watching both does fall just a few feet from one another. As we loaded the truck, the utility behind a lightweight rifle capable of reaching out was staring us straight in the face, and since that day, I’ve always been interested in trying out the latest and greatest feathery tackdriver.

When Colt released the CBX Tac Hunter, I was first in line to squeeze a few rounds through it. Recently acquired by CZ, the struggling company was in need of some fresh products to meet the precision shooting craze head-on. After introducing their heavy target-based CBX Precision, they knew they could dive into both markets with a hunting-focused offering built on the same action. Subbing out the heavy bull barrel for a medium-profile sporter and an aluminum chassis for a polymer stock, the rifle now comes in at less than seven pounds, giving it the weight it needs for stability and recoil management without taking it out of the running for a good stalk. At the time of this writing, it was only available in .308 Winchester, but the 6.5 Creedmoor version ought to be ready by the time this sees print.

A Closer Look

At first glance, you might mistake Colt’s Tac Hunter for a CZ 600, and that’s fair as they share the same bolt. However, when you get down to it, the receivers are genuinely different, as the Tac Hunter accepts its barrel via a Remage barrel nut system. Differences can also be found in the trigger units, safeties and magazine systems. While CZ’s rifle runs largely proprietary mags, Colt’s utilizes a detachable AICS-style box with a 5-rounder included with the rifle. Those interested in using this rifle for competitions like NRL Hunter can easily upgrade that to a 10- or 12-round version, as these are becoming the new standard.

The bolt is one of the most unique on the market. Taking a page out of Weatherby’s book, it features three pairs of locking lugs for extra security and a more positive lockup. Their configuration also yields a shorter, 60-degree lift that is faster and easier to manipulate. The bolt’s body is larger than its head, making it less likely to bind and delivering an ultra-smooth throw without the need for excessive lubrication. Lube is a double-edged sword, as it reduces friction but also attracts dirt. In short, I always opt for systems that can reach peak performance dry. When drawn rearward, the opening in the bolt faces down toward the magazine, allowing the case to slip under the groove that comprises the top half. This creates a partially controlled feed system that balances simplicity with ammunition management.

Colt’s barrel approach shows they are in tune with the times and doing their best to keep manufacturing costs down. Hammer-forged pipes were once considered the epitome of precision rifling; however, that is starting to change. Button rifling has come a long way, and its rapid nature is proving to be beneficial, as it doesn’t stress the barrel in the way that hammer forging does. At the end, you’ll find 9/16x24 threading, which is a nod to the growing number of hunters using suppressors in the field. Why they chose that pitch is beyond me, but adapters are plentiful for those running cans with the more common 5/8x24 pitch.

The Tac Hunter does not ship with rail or bases; you must supply those yourself. Luckily, it accepts Remington 700 hardware, which you can find in the checkout lane at the grocery store. Pulling one from my junk drawer, I took the opportunity to test out Steiner’s new 2-12x H6Xi riflescope, as it features the perfect magnification range for the .308 Win. this rifle is chambered in. Using a pair of their H-series rings, I quickly locked it onto the rail and headed to the range.

Results From the Bench

I began testing the rifle in a benchrest position with Black Hill’s Gold ammunition. This particular load features Hornady’s all-copper CX hunting bullet, which I have found to be exceptionally accurate and devastating on game. I paired it with Winchester’s Subsonic Power-Point offering that offers dead-quiet performance with reliable expansion at reduced velocities. I capped my muzzle off with a Silencer Central Buck 30 suppressor for this portion of the testing and enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon. I must point out, however, the Winchester load did break the sound barrier on my 20° test day. Warmer temps will increase the velocity threshold, so these are likely better suited for a Texas pig hunt than a Pennsylvania deer harvest.

At the time of this testing, I had a few boxes of Federal’s Component 175-grain Terminal Ascent projectiles on hand. Being that I have a reloading bench within arm's reach of my shooting point, I decided to roll my own to see if I could get things tighter. Hodgdon’s Varget is the .308 Win. shortcut for bullets of this weight, and I had a rough idea where in the charge spectrum things would start to sing. Working towards that point, I found a half-MOA zinger at 40.7 grains with the bullet sitting ten-thousandths off the land. The only problem was that it was too long to fit into the magazine. After seating it to a comfortable overall length of 2.875 inches, things opened up a bit, but I was still able to maintain an average that barely skirted the MOA benchmark that I sought.

With the benchwork behind me, I clamped the rifle into a Bog DeathGrip tripod and worked over a steel plate that hangs at 200 yards. Here, I was able to get a better feel for the recoil pulse, which I found to be wholly rearward, allowing me to track impacts and correct if needed. The trigger was crisp enough to snap off rapid follow-up shots, and the overall shooting experience was just plain excellent.

Rifles have come a long way in just the past twenty years. No longer is weight an indicator of accuracy, and we are finding better ways to use materials to create the rigidity that was previously obtained through mass. Colt’s Tac Hunter brilliantly speaks to this idea while offering all of the comfort and ergonomics of a gun built for long hours at the range. This firearm is easily capable of making a 600 shot on an animal, but thanks to its nimble nature, you shouldn’t ever have to.

Colt CBX Tac Hunter Specs

• Type: Bolt-Action
• Chambering: .308 Win.
• Barrel: 20 in.; 1:10 twist, threaded 9/16x24
• Weight: 6 lbs., 14 oz.
• Stock: Gray Polymer
• Finish: Nitrided bolt, barrel, and receiver
• Sight: None, drilled and tapped for scope mounts
• Trigger: Adjustable
• MSRP: $999
• Manufacturer: Colt, colt.com

---