RoArm XCR Frequently Asked Questions, Where

[XCRmonger]

It isn't the greatest rifle ever built. There is no such thing. There is no rifle that does everything anyone could ever want. It's simply impossible. And how many people do you know own just one rifle and are satisfied? Every rifle is interesting and unique in some way. I have nothing against AR15s, though I wouldn't own one that wasn't piston driven.

In fact, here I am thoroughly enjoying one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBMb5plxZOo

That said, we all do have our preferential carbines/rifles. You find what works for you and utilize it. Though there is nothing deadlier or more effective than an operator who knows how to use their rifle despite its weaknesses.

One thing I noticed at a Farnam class is how many people had no idea how to use their rifles. Guess that's why we attend such classes and learn how to do more than shoot a tin can with them.

 

[carbonrod]

I checked all of the bolt including the ejector as recommended, but found none of them to be loose.

All of the times that I saw the ejector come loose started with tight bolts, and all ended with one or both of those bolts interfering with the trigger. Same goes for the bolt release. It can work itself loose. Should be a tighter design IMO, but in the end, we could get them to hold. Just one of those things that shouldn't be left for field maintenance.

I am wondering why you think the release lever should lock, I actually quite like it. Some people have posted that they would like the rifle to swing to a full 90 degrees when open, but I prefer the short space.

Had a new shooter out who managed to open the top by accident.

 

[XCRmonger]

the ejector bolts issue has been LONG since rectified. We went from using 242 loctite and a small crescent wrench for installation to 277 loctite and a small ratchet wrench, which gets them much tighter. Mine was installed thus, and has not budged since. That's after 6700 rounds of abuse. They don't come loose anymore, unless someone got a model with 242 loctite. Even then, it's not a guarantee they will work loose. I've seen XCRs thousands of rounds in and the ejectors haven't moved.

 

[carbonrod]

I now have 6700 rounds through my personal XCR. I have cleaned it twice. I've shot it wet, freezing cold, extremely hot, and it has never hiccuped.

Saturday I was shooting with a friend and local who is over 10,000 rounds in without cleaning and no issues.

I am good friends with several police officers who carry the XCR as their duty rifle and are past 10,000 rounds. One of them is SWAT and has over 100,000 rounds through his.

Do they/ you run the same bolts in the bolt release, and ejector system as is/was shipped to Canada? How is their bolt for punched primers?

the ejector bolts issue has been LONG since rectified. We went from using 242 loctite and a small crescent wrench for installation to 277 loctite and a small ratchet wrench, which gets them much tighter.

Yeah, that is what we did on ours as well. We also used a small lock washer on some with loctite on the threads only.

I agree that the ones that I saw became quite reliable systems(couple thousand rnds through at least one of them. -35C and snow no prob). It was just disappointing to have to do so many home fixes on them.

It sounds like the new ones may have learned from previous models, which is exciting. New designs usually take some run in, and that is fine.

How are the new bolts for pierces/cratered primers?

Do you still recommend a 300rnd break in?

 

[carbonrod]

...

 

[XCRmonger]

The bolts do not punch primers unless the firing pin hole is not properly beveled. Once we realized this, we made sure every bolt was inspected and marked before shipping. I personally bevel the bolts before they go to heat treat now.

When you talk about the bolts in the bolt release, are you talking about the one screw that goes through the bottom of the bolt catch?


All parts are the same, if that's what you mean. The installation method was what changed. Much stronger loctite and much tighter screws.

 

[Armedsask]

It isn't the greatest rifle ever built. There is no such thing. There is no rifle that does everything anyone could ever want. It's simply impossible. And how many people do you know own just one rifle and are satisfied? Every rifle is interesting and unique in some way. I have nothing against AR15s, though I wouldn't own one that wasn't piston driven.

In fact, here I am thoroughly enjoying one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBMb5plxZOo

That said, we all do have our preferential carbines/rifles. You find what works for you and utilize it. Though there is nothing deadlier or more effective than an operator who knows how to use their rifle despite its weaknesses.

One thing I noticed at a Farnam class is how many people had no idea how to use their rifles. Guess that's why we attend such classes and learn how to do more than shoot a tin can with them.

I agree completely with your post. I'm starting to think I have more of a problem with those owners claiming the XCR is be-all-end-all than I do with the actual rifle.

 

[XCRmonger]

the 300 round break in is a gentle guideline. It's so people don't call in if they have one or two failures to extract. The problem is people want to buy a brand new rifle and shoot it dry with low pressure ammo, like Wolf. This just won't fly. Some tolerances are tight and need to be worn in. All we ask is you use a good brand of ammo the first several hundred rounds. It doesn't seem like an irrational request to me?

My XCR is my beater, though she doesn't look it. I broke her in with Wolf ammo and two drops of oil on the bolt. Ran like a top despite the fact, and I never ran into issues.

We try our best to make the XCR idiot proof, but telling people a brand new rifle isn't going to have a single malf during initial wear in is unrealistic. That AR i was shooting in the vid was brand new, and it took five takes to get it through a mag without sticking.

 

[carbonrod]

The bolts do not punch primers unless the firing pin hole is not properly beveled. Once we realized this, we made sure every bolt was inspected and marked before shipping. I personally bevel the bolts before they go to heat treat now.

Exactly what I wanted to hear. The drill bit fix, while it worked, does not yield confidence. How are the newer bolts marked BTW?

When you talk about the bolts in the bolt release, are you talking about the one screw that goes through the bottom of the bolt catch?

Yes. When it comes loose strange things can happen.

All parts are the same, if that's what you mean. The installation method was what changed. Much stronger loctite and much tighter screws.

Yeah, that is where we went as well when dealing with some of these. Each time we ran into an issue it would cost us a range day though. In the end, I think each of the rifles ended up being solid, it just took some playing.

 

[XCRmonger]

I agree completely with your post. I'm starting to think I have more of a problem with those owners claiming the XCR is be-all-end-all than I do with the actual rifle.

That's how some people are. They're no different than the die-hard direct impingement fans who claim piston driven rifles of any sort are garbage, and yell it from mountain tops regularly. We all have our favorites, and some of us want to defend it from onslaught. I have to make a conscientious effort to NOT get emotionally involved every time I see a thread about the XCR. My aggravations come from when people bring up stories of XCR failures when the rifle was only a year into shipping.

Look at the SIG 5.56. It was going to be the solution to everyone's problems... was it? nope. It's a new platform and has had teething issues. As will the SCAR and the ACR. It's how manufacturing works. Testing just doesn't prepare you for everything that could and would go wrong. You find a problem, you make sure it doesn't happen again, and you keep working hard to improve upon your product.

 

[XCRmonger]

Exactly what I wanted to hear. The drill bit fix, while it worked, does not yield confidence. How are the newer bolts marked BTW?



Yes. When it comes loose strange things can happen.

Yeah, that is where we went as well when dealing with some of these. Each time we ran into an issue it would cost us a range day though. In the end, I think each of the rifles ended up being solid, it just took some playing.

The new XCRs shipping to Canada have a small gold paint dot on them. That's my signature, verifying the bolt has been properly chamfered.

The bolt catch screw does not under normal circumstances work loose. The screws have loctite on them. If a screw was reused several times before it got put on that rifle in particular, the loctite may have worn off enough to allow movement. It's not something I've ever heard of happening until you mentioned it.

The XCR platform is great, but it has at times been a learning experience for us. Ultimately, for the best.

 

[XCRmonger]

I'm going to lay down. I'm not running at 100% today. People are dropping like flies around me with the flu.. ugh. So far I've managed to ward it off with regular cardio, but I think it's catching up...

If anyone has additional questions, feel free to post them. I'll follow up tomorrow. 'Night.

 

[carbonrod]

The new XCRs shipping to Canada have a small gold paint dot on them. That's my signature, verifying the bolt has been properly chamfered.

Lol. Thanks. Would have expected pink to match your rifle, but oh well.

The bolt catch screw does not under normal circumstances work loose. The screws have loctite on them. If a screw was reused several times before it got put on that rifle in particular, the loctite may have worn off enough to allow movement. It's not something I've ever heard of happening until you mentioned it.

The XCR platform is great, but it has at times been a learning experience for us. Ultimately, for the best.

One of the rifles that we had did not have any loctite. Serious. My buddy bought it after I had mine, and after the ejector came loose, we pulled all the screws, and none of them had gum on them. Like you say though, these were early production rifles though. Among the first in Canada anyway. After it came loose on one, each of us locket the screw down.

What is different about the new triggers BTW?

 

[Armedsask]

I agree teething issues are expected in manufacturing and know of them first hand. However, I'm also of the opinion the XCR just had/has some poorly executed design features.

The small hair pin cotter pins that hold the FCG and take down pins in place are what failed on mine. They would not be my first choice for pin retention and I was very disappointed in their use. Honestly, to me, it seemed like a cheap, easy way out solution. To their credit, Robarm gave 110% customer support and sent out new hair pins. I have no issues with Robarm, they are a great company. I look forward to the day the XCR is refined into the great rifle system it has the potential to become.


Again, I'm not "hating". I'm posting my concerns and opinions of the rifle.

 

[USP]

I dunno, I think it wouldve been better if Robarms had done the R&D themselves in house rather than let the public do it for them and then at a later date revise deficiencies and qc issues. Offering anecdotal testimonials at a later date isnt a substitute from proper design, engineering, assembly and qc product before it leaves the factory.

 

[bear.23]

I agree teething issues are expected in manufacturing and know of them first hand. However, I'm also of the opinion the XCR just had/has some poorly executed design features.

The small hair pin cotter pins that hold the FCG and take down pins in place are what failed on mine. They would not be my first choice for pin retention and I was very disappointed in their use. Honestly, to me, it seemed like a cheap, easy way out solution. To their credit, Robarm gave 110% customer support and sent out new hair pins. I have no issues with Robarm, they are a great company. I look forward to the day the XCR is refined into the great rifle system it has the potential to become.


Again, I'm not "hating". I'm posting my concerns and opinions of the rifle.

I don't own one... Yet.. I'm sorta waiting on the 308 and having the money to get it.... But I like to hear all the details... I don't need another 223 But being NR... It might be interesting..
I hate mickey mouse solutions.. (and hairpins)

Dillon used to use those on their failsafe systems I don't know how many I lost.. I do know I used to keep 10 in stock becuase people were always loosing them...

 

[mrsmitty]

USP is correct, but being such a small company it is harder to do this. Its no problem for companies like FN, HK and Colt to dump a couple hundred grand to a few million on R&D but for a small company like Robarm that just isn't feasible.

 

[USP]

USP is correct, but being such a small company it is harder to do this. Its no problem for companies like FN, HK and Colt to dump a couple hundred grand to a few million on R&D but for a small company like Robarm that just isn't feasible.

sure, but if you decide to manufacture a product, R&D is just the price of getting it to market. This is one of the reasons why you dont see alot of smaller arms makers succeed- its just to costly and difficult.

 

[SIGGER]

This is where the problem starts, recreational shooters who think a range gun stacks up with a proven combat firearm design. 700 rounds is nothing. In the grand scheme of things, your rifle is unfired. Is it a good gun? Sure. Can it be improved? Yes. Is it the best rifle out there? No.

Doesn't look like anyone had a problem during a high round carbine class, other than someone shooting a prototype weapon. The AAR is here: http://xcrcarbine.com/forum/index.php/topic,276.0.html

My XCR has been problem free FYI

 

[hbean]

sure, but if you decide to manufacture a product, R&D is just the price of getting it to market. This is one of the reasons why you dont see alot of smaller arms makers succeed- its just to costly and difficult.

For the longest time in the US Military procurement program, you rarely see a product submitted for a competition that is has been fully refined or even tested, lot of submissions can barely be considered as a proof of concept.

The whole process is if the Military like the concept, they are than given R&D funding to further refine and develop into a production prototype, after which a long term field trial is taken, in a way it is how free enterprise works.

In comparison in some other countries, arms development and manufacturing are conducted by State own factories and labs, where they have the luxury of time and resource, so at the end you see a more refined product.