The world of AR-platform rifles has taken off in ways few could have predicted. It’s not just about 5.56 or .223 anymore—you can now get an AR chambered in just about any caliber imaginable. Want to plink with .22 LR? No problem. Need something with enough stopping power to handle big game? Grab a .450 Bushmaster or even a .50 Beowulf. I’ve built up a respectable collection of ARs myself, ranging from .22 up to .450 Bushmaster. Along the way, I added a 9mm AR for fun, several .223/5.56 models for the range and home defense, and one chambered in 7.62×39, which I’ve successfully used for deer hunting. My son even took his first deer with the .450 Bushmaster. These guns are as versatile as they come.
But if you’re in the market for something a little more substantial, something that can handle hunting, competition, and just about any shooting scenario you throw at it, the S&W Volunteer X in .308 might just be what you’re looking for. But before we get too far into what makes the Volunteer X special, it’s worth taking a little trip back in time to understand where it all started.
The AR Platform: A .308 Before .223
Most people associate the AR-15 with 5.56/.223, but that wasn’t the original caliber Eugene Stoner had in mind. Back in 1956, Stoner developed the AR-10 for ArmaLite, chambered in .308. He figured the military might be interested. They weren’t. At least not right away. A year later, Stoner downsized the rifle, and the smaller-caliber 5.56 caught the attention of military brass, who were ready to move away from the larger .30-caliber rounds. One big selling point was the lighter weight of 5.56 ammo, which meant soldiers could carry more of it into battle.
The AR-10’s little brother, the AR-15, was soon licensed to Colt, which turned it into the M-16 that became standard-issue for U.S. troops. While the AR-15 in .223/5.56 dominated the civilian market, the original AR-10 chambered in .308 never really disappeared. Fast-forward a few decades, and the AR-10 is back in full force, thanks to shooters who want a bit more punch from their AR. Which brings us to the S&W Volunteer X.
First Impressions of the S&W Volunteer X
Smith & Wesson has been cranking out innovative firearms lately. Not long ago, I got my hands on their stainless-steel lever-action rifle in .44 Magnum and the updated Bodyguard 2.0 in .380 ACP. Both impressed me enough that I ended up buying them. The lever-action rifle grouped my hard-cast handloads into one ragged hole, and the Bodyguard felt like a full-sized M&P had been shrunk down without losing any of its shootability.
So, naturally, I had high expectations when the Volunteer X showed up. Chambered in .308, this rifle is billed as competition-ready right out of the box. The MSRP of $1,779 caught my attention. That’s quite a jump from the price of Smith & Wesson’s entry-level AR-15s, which start under $800. What could possibly justify the premium? I didn’t have to wait long to find out.
Shooting the Volunteer X
Recovering from a broken collarbone (and the surgery that followed), I handed shooting duties over to my friend Ed—a former deputy who knows his way around an AR. While he put the rifle through its paces, I played with my new Caldwell VelociRadar chronograph, still learning its quirks. It turned out to be a fun day at the range for both of us.
We started at 50 yards with open sights. Sure, some of you are probably thinking, 50 yards? That’s not much of a challenge! Fair enough, but with open sights, I didn’t want to push things too far. Ed fired three different loads: Hornady Superformance 150-grain, Hornady American Whitetail 145-grain, and Monarch steel-cased 150-grain.
Even without a scope, the rifle performed well. While I wasn’t chasing sub-MOA groups that day, I have no doubt this rifle is capable of it with the right optic and ammo. My goal was to get a feel for how it handled and see what Ed thought. His verdict? The Volunteer X is solid. He owns a Ruger SFAR, so he’s no stranger to AR-10s, and he gave this one high marks.
A Closer Look at Features
What sets the Volunteer X apart from the crowd are the thoughtful upgrades that come standard. The flat-faced trigger was a highlight—minimal take-up, followed by a clean break at just under 4 pounds. It’s one of the better triggers I’ve come across on an off-the-shelf rifle.
The charging handle is another standout feature. It’s larger than the standard AR handle, with prominent “ears” that make it easy to grab. Lefties will appreciate the fully ambidextrous controls, including the safety selector, bolt release, and magazine release. As a lefty myself, I’m always on the lookout for rifles that don’t feel like they’re actively trying to make my life harder. This one passes the test with flying colors.
Specs and Build Quality
The Volunteer X feels like a premium rifle because it is one. Here are some key specs:
- Caliber: .308 Winchester
- Barrel: 16 inches, threaded with a PWS 762 muzzle brake
- Sights: Williams Gun Sight Company folding sights
- Stock: B5 Systems SOPMOD
- Forend: BCMGunfighter with M-LOK slots
- Safety: Fully ambidextrous
- Weight: 8 lbs. 9.5 oz. (measured on my scale)
The fit and finish are excellent, and once you factor in all the third-party components—B5 Systems, BCM, Magpul—you start to understand the price tag. Smith & Wesson didn’t cut any corners with this rifle. By my rough estimate, the upgrades alone add about $500 to the rifle’s value.
Final Thoughts
The S&W Volunteer X is a well-built, well-thought-out rifle that fills a nice niche. If you’re interested in long-distance competition shooting and want something in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, this rifle deserves a spot on your shortlist. Smith & Wesson has done a lot of the customization work for you, so you won’t need to spend hundreds more upgrading it right out of the gate.
Throw a quality variable-power optic on it, take the time to find the right ammo, and you’ll be ready for just about anything—whether that’s punching holes in paper at 300 yards or heading into the woods for hunting season. I wouldn’t hesitate to take this rifle into the field. It’s a serious tool for serious shooters, and I’d volunteer to shoot it any day of the week.