Rifle: stock new model XCR-L in 5.56
Optic: elcheapo cabelas tactical prism sight 3x (for testing only until I figure out what optics I really want)
Ammo used: Remington UMC, American Eagle FMJ 55gr
First off I want to say that although I am expirenced with a few black rifles I am not aware of all the black rifles on the market and their exact features. I am going to do my best to give an unbiased review of my xcr and I will be comparing it mostly to my experiences in the army with a C7A2. I, like many others on CGN, consider a rifle that costs 2300-2500$ to be a big purchase that needs to be heavily considered and researched and I hope to make it a little easier for anyone who is looking at one.
Out of the box: first picking up the rifle I am pleased. Fit and finish is as good as any rifle I have seen. Gun is lightly oiled, no scratches handling marks or any defect (which should be the norm for this $$$) the case the gun comes in is nice but too small. As soon as you mount optics on the rifle the case is useless. The only minor inconvenience was there was some red lock tite that leaked out from the ejector screws. Which brings me to my next point
Lock tite and the XCR: I'm sure you have all read the xcr horror stories of parts flying everywhere. I did read these stories and also have seen lots of people who never used lock tite and had no problems. But being the pestimist I am I grabbed some medium lock tite from crappy tire and applied it to some parts as listed in the stickies. So far no problems with losening screws on my rifle.
Ergonomics: In a nutshell, awesome. Very AR like. Everything can be controlled with your trigger finger and thumb. The 45 degree saftey is much nicer then an standard 90 degree throw, however it was a little stiff to turn the saftey ON when I first got the rifle but after 500 rounds it's smooth and crisp. The non reciprocating charging handle is great in function and ergonomics however makes the rifle uncomfortable to sling in certain configurations.
Weight and length: this is a heavy rifle. Make no mistake about it. That being said, it doesn't mean the rifle isn't capable of doing what you need it too. If you are looking for a competion rifle where hundredths of a seconds matter then yes you'll probably want something shorter and lighter but this is Canada. Non restricted = long and front heavy. The rifle seems longer in pictures and videos (to me) and in reality it is about 2 inches longer than a non restricted CZ858 with the stock fully extended. I'm a average sized guy about 5'11" 170 pounds and this rifle is heavy but eat you're wheaties and you'll be fine
RANGE DAY (all that matters): rain, mild wind 10*C.
Break in: People say (and Robinson Armament) to break in the XCR on gas setting 4 (crazy high) for 200-500 rounds. I did not do this. I set it to gas setting 1 and it was ejecting the brass 12 feet and I had ZERO failures out of 500 rounds. As a welder with a fairly vast knowledge of metallurgy I don't see the point in cycling the action harder (faster) than necessary as it doesn't actually increase friction on parallel parts but only at the rear of the reciever and wrecking the buffer pad. Of course every rifle is different and I suggest you follow RA's Reccomendations. This part is just my exciprence and opinion after inspecting all the mating surfaces of the internals.
Function: flawless (so far). Zero failures. Clean crisp action. Solid consistent extraction and feeding. No excessive wear on parts as seen on early model xcr's. Happy happy. This is where more horror stories come in with the XCR but I believe this is all in the past. With thorough inspection and understanding of your rifle I believe all problems are avoidable.
Accuracy: not the best. I was shooting from prone of my elbows at 100 yards. Ive never enjoyed shooting off a bench and usually only sight in my rifles that way. With a c7 in the army I was very capable of 2 MOA all day long (100m prone unsupported) With the xcr the very best I could do was 2.5 MOA with a more realistic group of 3.3 MOA. Could I do better with sand bags, a real scope and a bench? Probably ya. These are my results and I am happy with them. Your rifle may vary, some guys can achieve awesome results with different ammo/ hand loads.
Edit- sorry no pictures of accuracy tests, it was raining and didn't want to wreck my girlfriends camera. Whether or not you believe my results is totally up to you.
Cons: heavy and long rifle. But this is the price for non restricted friends. You have to weigh this out for yourselfs. I knew I wanted something for the sandpits with buddies and coyotes in the future.
Pros: everything else! It's a non restricted black rifle with a lot if the same characteristics of an AR.
Conclusion: it took me over a year to finally commit to purchasing this rifle and I am more than happy I did. Highly reliable and loads of fun. I know this isn't the best review in the world but if it helps one more gun nut join the XCR brother hood then Ive done my job.
Thanks guys.
)
