Weatherby Range XP 2.0 Rifle: Valuable Upgrades, Fantastic Performance

When I found out that Weatherby was updating their Model 307 Range XP rifle, I naively thought to myself, “How can something so well pieced together be improved upon?”

And then I remembered my trip to their Sheridan, Wyoming headquarters. It’s cliché to say, but there was a vibe. Weatherby not only has a state-of-the-art facility with machinery and equipment to produce excellent rifles, but they also have an enigmatic workforce filled with hard-working, happy and driven employees. This combination allows them to innovate and improve upon existing offerings while maintaining tight tolerances and consistency.

Enter the Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0.

Weatherby designed the original Range XP as “a shooter-friendly platform that can dominate the shooting range or the mountain range.” This new iteration lives up to that creed without deviation, as I was able to test it at the range and in the field.

Lights, Cameras, 307 Action

The Range XP 2.0 is built upon the Model 307 action, which is a smooth, 2-lug push-feed action with a spiral-fluted bolt and 90-degree throw. Since it is a Rem 700 footprint, it is highly compatible with a full array of aftermarket componentry and support.

Thankfully, Weatherby has tastefully assembled lots of the high-quality parts available and wrapped them into this rifle as a standard baseline.

My test rifle shot as good as it looked. We went to verify zero and I felt like I was on the show Candid Camera or MTV Punk’d. I’d never want to assume that any double-checking of a rifle system's point of impact is frivolous or rhetorical in nature, but even shooting two separate rifles and switching between different shooters, we were hard-pressed to not continuously shoot sub ¾ MOA groups, most times it was much closer to ½ MOA—I was very impressed, to say the least.

Barrel Upgrade

A noticeable and major change to the Range XP 2.0 is the presence of what Weatherby has coined “Skip-Fluting.” This design pattern aids in the dissipation and distribution of heat in the barrel while simultaneously retaining rigidity. My test rifle was chambered in Weatherby’s 6.5 RPM and came with a gray cerakoted 24-inch barrel and typically a recoil-reducing Accubrake (in our case, they were outfitted with suppressors for an upcoming hunt).

Taking Stock of Custom-Tailoring

The Range XP 2.0 boasts a lightweight, vertical grip stock with well-thought-out texturing on the common touch points. This made the rifle feel grippy in hand regardless of them being bare or mitten-clad.

Sometimes composite stocks can feel hollow or “plasticky," which wasn’t the case with this rifle. It felt solid, carried exceptionally easy (even with a full-size can on the muzzle end), and balanced effortlessly while aiming on targets.

The hand-painted sponge camo finish might not be a revolutionary stylization but adds a level of refinement and custom feel that matches the performance of this rifle. When I was at the factory, I was able to meet the guys and gals that do this one-off art and can attest to their attention to detail and focus.

In addition, the stock comes with a fully adjustable cheekpiece and the ability to modify the length of pull to accommodate the shooter. The option to custom tailor to the specific needs of the hunter or shooter is invaluable. If you want to run a sling and/or a bipod, it comes with two swivel studs in the foreend.

Things That Make It Go Bang

The rifle comes with a TriggerTech adjustable trigger that can be lightened if you see fit. I didn’t have the chance to measure the pull-weight, but I’d go out on a limb to say it felt as if it was around 3-3 ½ lbs.

It broke crisp and clean, which is status quo for TriggerTech products, and has a two-position safety that can easily be manipulated by an index finger.

The Magpul AICS-style detachable magazine fed reliably and seated properly. In my test rifle, it fit 5 down and 1 in the pipe if you desire. The magazine release worked flawlessly and was accessed seamlessly. I always dread fumbling around with my thumb looking for small gadgetry levers; the paddle button is intuitive without obstructing other functions.

The magazine supplies the payload, the trigger initiates, and the projectile touches. Weatherby understands this, and their Select Plus ammunition is loaded in small batches for quality control and fluid continuity of observable numbers.

How It Performed

Excited to try out this new rifle and see how the 124 grain Hammer Hunter Select Plus factory ammo performed, I set my standards and expectations high.

Despite having a muley tag (good for MD or WT), I had no reservations about taking a nice, mature whitetail, as I seldom see large ones where I live, and both species grow large in this particular area of Nebraska.

During the morning of the opener, we bumped a very large 8-point whitetail who was super tall, unique, and had a gigantic body. We slowly followed it over dune-type hills and eventually caught up to it bedded.

I set the rifle up on a tripod with a shooting saddle-clamp, and it balanced well and was extremely steady. After what seemed like an eternity, the buck got up to check on his doe, and my shot rang out. The monometal bullet struck true and with authority, dropping the buck at 226 yards in his tracks.

The Nitty Gritty

The Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 is a super-capable rifle that can be used in a wide variety of settings. From the range to the mountains to even NRL-style shooting events, it punches way above its price point and is up to the task of being your adventure companion.

Weatherby Range XP 2.0 Specs

• Type: Centerfire Bolt-Action
• Caliber: 6.5 RPM (tested), .223 Rem., .257 Weatherby, 280 Ackley Improved, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Rem Mag, 7 BC, 7 PRC, 30-06 Springfield, .308 Win
• Capacity: 5 + 1 Magpul AICS Detachable Magazine
• Action: Model 307 (Rem 700 footprint)
• Barrel: 1:8 Twist, Skip-Fluted 24 inch Magnum Sporter + 2 inch Brake (6.5 RPM test rifle), threaded 1/2x28
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.
• Overal Length: 43.75 inches
• Stock: Hand-painted composite with vertical grip
• Length of Pull: Adjustable from 13.5-14.25 inches
• Finish: Cerakote
• Trigger: TriggerTech adjustable
• MSRP: $1,279 (starting at)
• Manufacturer: Weatherby Rifles, weatherby.com