new to black rifles, XCR or SL8?
- Thread starter Rob_man587
- Start date
I stand corrected; there's two of you.
There is many more, my private message count is high concerning peoples who share with me on the MR-1, i will always have one, they are what we call the sleeper of the bunch and even if i can directly compare it with the SA black special, it is not outclassed, far from it, but there is a XCR-M coming pretty soon ( actually, i think, i am gone order it this week ) but will it be a fair fight. 308 against 223 or 39... JP.
blaxsun
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
<yawn> ... All indications are that it's a 1.5-2.0MOA rifle at best using factory ammunition (YMMV). It might be more accurate than the Tavor, but any perceived accuracy can't offset the bizarre ergonomics, terrible control replacement and lack of mounting options. It's still a fugly rifle.
Anyway... I'm sure the OP would prefer to hear from actual SL8 and XCR-L owners, as these are the two choices he's narrowed it down to.
- Location
- Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
I'm unable to offer a comparison of the rifles, but as an SL8 owner I can say that it appears to be an MOA gun out the box, using commercial target ammo (eg Hornady Steel Match). I feel no need to customize the rifle further, though I did get a set of Dlask rails for it, for a lark.
It does have a relatively long and heavy barrel, but it is a match barrel for a precision rifle.
I plan to use the rifle for coyote hunting out to 300 yards or so. Next year, I'll get to work on hand loading with the full expectation of notably improving accuracy.
In short, a big thumbs up from a very happy owner of an accurate and so far totally reliable gun.
It does have a relatively long and heavy barrel, but it is a match barrel for a precision rifle.
I plan to use the rifle for coyote hunting out to 300 yards or so. Next year, I'll get to work on hand loading with the full expectation of notably improving accuracy.
In short, a big thumbs up from a very happy owner of an accurate and so far totally reliable gun.
In their niche, some precision is possible, now comparaison with a bolt gun is inapropriate as we all know they are no match to a one inch group at 300 metres but some of those semi will give with a tailored load a sub moa performance up to 200 metres... JP.
Well as the title says im new to this, and i am in search of a NON- RESTRICTED black rifle. iv looked at xcr's, sl8's, kel tec, and swiss arms and so far out of all of them iv narrowed down to the xcr and the sl8.
Now iv looked at videos, reviews and read enough about the xcr to write a noveland i have yet to come up with a half decent video OR review of that matter on the SL8. i think the rifle is pretty versatile to what im looking for.
For those wondering i want something reliable, good fire power BUT no cost at loosing accuracy, not to mention the ability to get upgrades or spare parts heaven forbid i break one. im a simple guy and love simplicity.
i like the idea of being able to have a continuous rail on the top of the rifle, but still having the quad rail system just in case i turn to an "advanced civilian" and decide to go for a flashlight and what not.
SO what i want to know is what are your opinions about the sl8 the pros cons, versatility and your preferences on the rifle, as well as the comparison to the xcr. (note) if i were to choose which style of sl8 id throw that thumb hole stock that they have in the garbage and get an adapter for an AR style stock. my 2 cents
thank you all for your help, and time you took to read my usless question
Cheers Rob
P.S i am going to need a beard before i buy a black rifle!
The SL-8 will meet all your requirement except for your cost budget if you plan to throw the thumbhole in the trash and buy a pistol grip lower. I haven't seen a stripped lower go for less than $450 used on the EE and a new one will be more. Then you need to swap over all the internals. You would be better off to just spend a little more up front and buy a black special.
I think you will like the XCR more as long as you can handle the slightly lower accuracy. My SL8-4 was easilly sub MOA with heavy match ammo but with 55gr FMJ it was prob around 1.5 so it's not that much different between the two so unless you are going to buy match grade ammo all the time or handload your going to be shooting 1.5+MOA no matter which rifle you buy. I understand your desire to have the accuracy high but you can't really have the total package without spending $3000 and up. Battle rifle designs are typically not sub MOA guns because they are not target rifles. There are a couple exceptions where you get the good looking semi auto that also shoots really well but you have to pay. The biggest exception is the AR which with a decent barrel can shoot really well and looks good at the same time. But then you can only play at the range.
I have also heard that even though some people had some problems with the earlier XCR's the new ones are working out well and RobArms sounds like they have really good customer service as long as you don't call them and start screaming at them about your troubles.
And both rifles are muzzle heavy.
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The magwell cracking issue was only in the earlier ones from what I've read. I had the lower on mine replaced twice but supposedly HK beefed it up in front of the bolt catch and also made the bolt catch wider to fix that problem.
As for the all plastic thing, They have steel where it needs to be, it's how modern manufacturing keeps quality high and cost and weight down. The issue with the plastic cracking was an engineering oopsy that was corrected. Even with the cracked lower on mine it still functioned 100% other than the bolt not locking back reliably after the last shot.
You may not like the feel of it but it isn't going to break or fall apart just because the rifle has a lot of plastic. Just like a Glock, they aren't for everyone but they are strong and reliable.
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I just went through the same situation on choosing a rifle. After all the research I thought I would buy an XCR, untill I handled it. Did not fit me well, ended up with the SL8. I posted a thread a couple of days ago about my decision called First Black Rifle. If you can get them side by side to handle would be the best way to decide.
i have to agree with you here, guys im not looking for a PR i just want accuracy at the best i can get for a semi, i dont plan on goin to a range and sitting at a table. i am however used to heavy front end rifles, i am currently using *cough looks around for earth to open again* a ruger sr-22 with all quad rails and iron sights, and magpul grip and stock,its no black rifle in terms of cal, but its as close as i can get for price and fun. so far im leaning towards the xcr for outa the box shooting once im past the break in period. i like being able to get the rifle learn it before i shoot it, then just buy ammo and BAM dead paper targets lol.
so far the SL 8 sounds awesome for me if i were to go for more accuracy but lets be realistic here, if your running around like an idiot shooting targets on the run your not gonna get accuracy anyways, with breathing and adrenalin.
I have owned them both. SL8 was consistently more accurate but the ergonomics sucked. Shot about 5000 rounds with zero issues. Definetly a good gun. Enter the XCR, reliable, comfortable, easy to pimp, almost as accurate. Bonus is the caliber conversions. XCR still with me, SL8 is not.
one thing im still confused about is the cal. the rifle comes in 5.56 nato? so am i still able to use .223 rounds in the rifle safely without the size diff hurting the rifling? i have heard that i loose accuracy, but in reality all i will be buying is .223
good to know.
alright everyone i think iv decided to go with the XCR, all i need to do is get more molaa!! lol thanks everyone for your information!!! its much MUCH appreciated!
blaxsun
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Best of luck - post pictures when you get it!
haha, i should grow a bad ass goatee to look proWoo! A new upcoming black rifle owner
haha, i should grow a bad ass goatee to look pro
That is called a tactical beard
There are a few XCR-L's in the EE right now and a couple are actually decently priced
Good luck.
