Winchester Repeating Arms's press release highlighted three XPR bolt-action configurations suited to different spring black bear hunting approaches.
Over-Bait Hunting
For hunters working over bait at typical distances of 50 to 150 yards, Winchester recommends the XPR Stealth Suppressor Ready in .450 Bushmaster. The rifle features a 16.5-inch barrel that can accept a suppressor while maintaining a compact overall profile. The short barrel makes the rifle maneuverable in thick cover where black bears are hunted.
- Steel receiver with Perma-Coat black finish
- Drilled and tapped for scope mounts with included Talley Picatinny rail
- 5/8"x24 threading for suppressor or muzzle brake
- Green composite stock with Inflex Technology recoil pad
- Two-position thumb safety with sling swivel studs
Spot-and-Stalk at Distance
For open-country stalks where bears may be taken at 400 to 500 yards, the XPR Extreme Hunter in .300 Win. Mag. offers a 26-inch precision button-rifled barrel with fluting and muzzle brake. Winchester states the rifle delivers over 2,000 foot-pounds of energy at 400 yards when loaded with 190-grain Expedition Big Game ammunition. The XPR Extreme Hunter carries a sub-$900 price tag.
- Steel receiver with Tungsten Cerakote finish
- Precision button-rifled barrel with matching finish
- Composite stock in TrueTimber Midnight camouflage
- Adjustable M.O.A. trigger with 60-degree bolt lift
- Inflex Technology recoil pad and sling studs
Close-Range Spot-and-Stalk
In forested regions of the East and Pacific Northwest where spot-and-stalk hunts typically end at closer ranges, Winchester recommends the XPR Extreme SR in either 6.8 Western or 7mm Rem. Mag. Both versions use 20-inch spiral-fluted barrels. The receiver, barrel, and bolt handle wear Flat Dark Earth Cerakote.
Winchester notes that XPR barrels undergo thermal stress relief and precision button-rifling to ensure accuracy and consistency. The fully free-floating barrel design eliminates pressure points that might affect point of impact with temperature or humidity changes. The rifle uses the same M.O.A. trigger as Winchester's higher-end Model 70, featuring zero take-up, zero creep, and zero overtravel.
Bottom Line
The three XPR configurations allow hunters to match their rifle setup to hunting method and terrain. Winchester positioned all three as capable big-game rifles suitable for multiple North American game species, not just black bears.
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