Gun Review: Winchester XPR sets new standard for budget rifles

By Kristin Alberts

The new Winchester XPR rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
From the gun that won the west to the bargain basement, Winchester Repeating Arms has now done it all with rifles. With little fanfare, Winchester entered an already-flooded budget rifle market, but did so with superior features and accuracy. The synthetic-stocked, bolt-action Winchester XPR is available in all popular deer calibers, plus some hot, new chamberings as well.
Make no mistake – the XPR is no Winchester Model 70, but then again, it’s not meant to be. Initially introduced in a non-assuming black synthetic, the XPR sets itself apart in fit and function. The trigger is the same fully adjustable unit found in the venerable Model 70, exceptional on a rifle of this class. A single-stack, dropbox magazine and target crown on the 20-26-inch barrels are also sweet.
Made in Winchester’s Portugal factory, the fit and finish may not match that of higher grade, Belgian or American made long guns, but the XPR was never intended to win beauty pageants. Price, regardless of caliber, is $549 black and $599 camo, with store prices even lower, making the rifles affordable, capable, and accurate.
On the range
The test XPR came in 6.5 Creedmoor, the

Source: Guns.com