Is the XCR-L worth it?

kykamo

kykamo

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Hey guys,

So I'm looking for a NR semi auto rifle that can easily mount optics to and is 2 moa or better under 8 lbs. I would use it for run and gun fun, plinking and varminting. It would seem that the XCR is the best option. I like that it can shoot 556 or 762x39 and 545, when that becomes a thing, so it's a rifle I could keep for a long time and be the go to rifle for all calibers. Probably a good investment??

Currently I have an SKS, a Ton-o-fun rifle, but i long for better accuracy and optics. So is the XCR worth it? 2500-3000$ is alot of money. Or is waiting for something else like the type 81 or first 545 to come along and until then continue thrashing the sks for the mean time?

Is the XCR a good lifetime investment that will always stand toe to toe with future guns? Or is it better to wait for something to possibly come that's half the price and does the same thing??

What would u guys do?
 
Love mine...not sure about it being an investment though. We do pay a premium for non-res black rifles in Canada, as you know.

Not sure what the pricing is, but the Bushmaster Non-res is touted as a much more accurate rifle...so maybe that should be on your radar...without the easy caliber switch of course.
 
Type 81 is a lost cause plain and simple.

XCR-L's are awesome rifles, I've had my mitts on a Gen1 in 5.56 that I put a good bit of rounds through and fell in love with the gun at that time.

I own a Gen2 XCR-L Keymod 7.62x39 and love it, I also have an SKS done up with the HiCal XCR magazine adapter as a "cheaper option" I first went with but discovered very quickly the lack of an easily operable bolt hold open is pain in the ass....also ergonomics are #### on an SKS.

Ergonomics on the XCR blow the tits off of a lot of guns, everything is awesome to use, the left side charging handle can be goofy for some people tho.

I'm left handed and I just tilt the entire rifle how the Spetsnaz would tilt their AK and slap it with the supporting hand.


Weight!!! A Keymod Light Barrel XCR-L weighs in around 7lbs 2oz unloaded and sporting factory grip and iron sights........a standard SKS unloaded comes in at 8.5lbs.

Optics options.......XCR can mount anything every which way including a kitchen sink.

Ease of transportation!!! I often carry my XCR-L when out riding a motorcycle and I only run a red dot or iron sights so removing the barrel for compact transport is a huge bonus.......it's not a precision rifle so that slightly off zero concern isn't a problem for me.....nor have I ever noticed the rifle not hit where my sights are aimed.

Price........ya I wish it was $2000 taxes in but is what it is......$3100+taxes local now.....big should out to Wanstalls for selling me my XCR for the old shipments price! :D

The XCR boast about fast magazine changes.............I'm by no means the fastest or smoothest but damn you can burn through ammo fast with this gun!

DuQBcBq.jpg




Then there is the COOL FACTOR..........anytime you bring it out to the range or bush someone will eyeball it real good.........I love that it shoots cheap surplus ammunition no problem as if someone has never held one or fired one before I am very insistent they give it a try.........as long as I get good vibes from the person.
 
I would recommend the XCR-L. I've had mine along with a couple of calibre conversions for 3 years trouble free. It's accurate enough and versatile. There are plenty of accessory options available as well as interesting colour choices. The option to shoot cheap 7.62x39 ammo and then easily switch to 5.56 NATO for practical shooting is a beautiful thing. The rifle is robust and fit and finish is good.
Good luck with your selection and have fun.
 
Mine was worth it.
I have a gen2 x39 with >20,000 rounds of corrosive ammo through it, and counting.
I've broken an op-rod and a hammer spring, but meh, I treat it like a rental.

Lifetime investment, no. Lifetime rifle, sure.
2moa or better, no. 3moa or better, sure.
Under 8lb, not with glass or anything else hanging from it.

It's a wicked awesome rifle. It's the one that always comes with me, hunting, plinking, even long(ish)range gongbanging. I'd buy it again.
 
They are forgetting to tell you, if you #### around with barrel retention screw (the weakness of the otherwise outstanding design), you need to re-zero the rifle.

Also seen people complain about misaligned uppers, which is normal for L.

If you want affordable, accurate 7.62x39, CSA vz58 is the best bang for the money.
 
9x19p said:
Mine was worth it.
I have a gen2 x39 with >20,000 rounds of corrosive ammo through it, and counting.
I've broken an op-rod and a hammer spring, but meh, I treat it like a rental.

Lifetime investment, no. Lifetime rifle, sure.
2moa or better, no. 3moa or better, sure.
Under 8lb, not with glass or anything else hanging from it.

It's a wicked awesome rifle. It's the one that always comes with me, hunting, plinking, even long(ish)range gongbanging. I'd buy it again.
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20k !!! Holy #### brah. How did you break the op rod? And hammer spring?


As for play between upper n lower as someone else mentioned- its minmal and can be fixed with a super small "tab" of electical tape. Srsly.
 
kykamo said:
Good to know guys. How easy is it to clean if u use corrosive? Same as SKS where u dump it in the tub and disassemble it then wipe?
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The same but easier, the XCR strips easier than an sks. All I ever use is hot water, dry and chase with G96. <-- Not a recommendation, just my preference. Use what works for you. That said, the XCR manual is specific about types of lube. I haven't followed it.

I only clean the gun every couple thousand rounds.

skatemike77 said:
20k !!! Holy #### brah. How did you break the op rod? And hammer spring?

As for play between upper n lower as someone else mentioned- its minmal and can be fixed with a super small "tab" of electical tape. Srsly.
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I still don't know why the op-rod broke. The tube cracked approx 300 degrees around just in front of the lugs that hold to the bolt. Replacement was a new design... hmmm. The hammer spring broke from bump firing a few mags. I wasn't on the trigger but it was fun to watch.
The op-rod still runs the gun, I found the crack while cleaning. The hammer spring will strike commercial primers but only ~25% of surplus primers. One leg snapped off.

I kept both pieces, like trophies. ;)

I've replaced all other springs as maintenance. Wolverine Supplies keeps parts on hand and they're fantastic to deal with.
 
BlackVoid said:
They are forgetting to tell you, if you #### around with barrel retention screw (the weakness of the otherwise outstanding design), you need to re-zero the rifle.

Also seen people complain about misaligned uppers, which is normal for L.

If you want affordable, accurate 7.62x39, CSA vz58 is the best bang for the money.
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Ya I've thought about that VZ. But no optics. Also IV been waiting for the type 81 first since it's cheaper and is supposed to shoot better.

But what do you guys think? 1100-1400$ for a VZ a better deal than a XCR?
 
Same here i like my XCR-l it the rifle i shoot the most i would say , probably got around 3-4k throw it and no parts breaking , accuracy is not bad at all since i shoot mostly corrosive surplus it an average of 2-3 inch sometime less, price when up a little since the $ is bad and expect price to go up by june again because of the UN crap

mine is a 7.62x39mm

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img_2015.jpg
 
Hummm and I'm late to this thread. Yes, worth it... Investment? Depends on what you mean, but as far as keeping current, I've not seen anything it's equal since it was released. What I have seen, is new calibres being supported, and continuous enhancement, which can't be said for the supposed competition over the years. I'm bias yes, for good reason, AND LOVE MY XCR's!
 
You should be able to pick up a NR light-profile-barrel XCR-L keymod on the EE for around $2000-$2200 used, if you're patient. I own two, and used to own a third, and they've been great rifles. Alternately you could go the ACR route, also around $2000-$2200 used on the EE, but you'd also need to spend the money to convert it to NR. ACR is arguably a better rifle with similar ergos, but is going to set you back a bit more cash.

For the money, a USED XCR is a steal. The prices of the new ones are a bit outrageous.

If you have around 3k to spend... I'd take a used $3000 NR ACR over a new $3000 XCR... just sayin'...
 
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kykamo said:
Ya I've thought about that VZ. But no optics. Also IV been waiting for the type 81 first since it's cheaper and is supposed to shoot better.

But what do you guys think? 1100-1400$ for a VZ a better deal than a XCR?
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VZ58s are 1300 new at Durham outdoors. Vz 58 is absolutely phenomenal rifle in stock configuration. The only thing you need is a piston cover rail for red dot. But it is great with irons too.

But if you go for XCR-L get a light barreled one. It heats up faster but cools down faster too. And it's not a boat anchor like HB version.
 
Pick yourself a nice keymod version off the EE, you won't be disappointed. They got lots of cool features, they are built like tanks, reliable and accurate and you could also swap calibres in seconds.
 
Grove said:
Type 81 is a lost cause plain and simple.

XCR-L's are awesome rifles, I've had my mitts on a Gen1 in 5.56 that I put a good bit of rounds through and fell in love with the gun at that time.

I own a Gen2 XCR-L Keymod 7.62x39 and love it, I also have an SKS done up with the HiCal XCR magazine adapter as a "cheaper option" I first went with but discovered very quickly the lack of an easily operable bolt hold open is pain in the ass....also ergonomics are #### on an SKS.

Ergonomics on the XCR blow the tits off of a lot of guns, everything is awesome to use, the left side charging handle can be goofy for some people tho.

I'm left handed and I just tilt the entire rifle how the Spetsnaz would tilt their AK and slap it with the supporting hand.


Weight!!! A Keymod Light Barrel XCR-L weighs in around 7lbs 2oz unloaded and sporting factory grip and iron sights........a standard SKS unloaded comes in at 8.5lbs.

Optics options.......XCR can mount anything every which way including a kitchen sink.

Ease of transportation!!! I often carry my XCR-L when out riding a motorcycle and I only run a red dot or iron sights so removing the barrel for compact transport is a huge bonus.......it's not a precision rifle so that slightly off zero concern isn't a problem for me.....nor have I ever noticed the rifle not hit where my sights are aimed.

Price........ya I wish it was $2000 taxes in but is what it is......$3100+taxes local now.....big should out to Wanstalls for selling me my XCR for the old shipments price! :D

The XCR boast about fast magazine changes.............I'm by no means the fastest or smoothest but damn you can burn through ammo fast with this gun!

DuQBcBq.jpg




Then there is the COOL FACTOR..........anytime you bring it out to the range or bush someone will eyeball it real good.........I love that it shoots cheap surplus ammunition no problem as if someone has never held one or fired one before I am very insistent they give it a try.........as long as I get good vibes from the person.
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Don't mean to derail the thread, but how are you carrying the rifle on the bike? Slung on your back, strapped to the bike, or??

I loved my gen1 too, but ended up getting rid of it because it was too front heavy for a weakling like me to shoot comfortably off hand.

The gen2 keymod with light barrelwould be an excellent rifle.
 
Nothing magic, just another fun gun. I have had the L in 556/762x39 and the M in 308. I only shot brass ammo. Not really any more accurate than the shorter Tavor. On a good day you can pickup a stock Tavor for 2K. Way more fun, but just another fun gun like all the rest. Try not to hang every accessory available out there, too costly and nobody else wants your custom tactical bits, keep it clean and low drag. None of these turned me into the super sniper I was not trying to be.
Just another fun gun.
 
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