XCR at SHOT 2014 - Keymod XCR, 9.5" XCR-M

loki_81

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http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/01/15/robinson-xcr-overlooked-great/

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With $700 AR15 rifles everywhere, it is hard to sell the American public on more expensive semi-automatic modern sporting rifles no matter how many bells and whistles said rifles may have. As such, the Robinson XCR is a rifle that you do not see too often at the range, and that really is a shame. Our neighbors to the north love them due to their non-restricted status, but shooters here in the USA have never quite warmed up to the rifle. Here at SHOT 2014 is the first time I have been able to play with one for a bit.

The XCR was a competitor in the recent US Military Individual Carbine Competition, and from what I have heard, the soldiers loved the rifle.

Here is the light version, chambered in 5.56 by default but caliber conversions to 6.8 and 7.62×39 are available now:

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The rifle handles well and features a non-reciprocating charging handle, familiar AR style controls, and is piston operated.

The rep from Robinson was able to field strip the gun in about 15 seconds too, and this genuinely impressed me (it was “AK” fast).

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Robinson is also very NFA friendly, and produces factory SBRs for sale which makes me a happy camper.

Here is the 5.56 version:

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Also at the booth was the XCR-M, Robinson’s 7.62×51 rifle. The one on display was an SBR that I imagine throws fireballs into the next county:

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I shouldered and manipulated the rifle quite a bit, and to be honest I found it to be very well balanced, at least more so than a SCAR 17 with a similar barrel length:

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Alas, my impressions of the Robinson rifles:

Factory SBRs are a great option
Caliber conversions are available now (are you listening, FN and Bushmaster?)
All the features of a modern military style semi auto you should expect
Cleaning should be painless
Switching calibers is incredibly easy
I wish I saw more of these around!
 
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hxxp://firearmsandtraining.########.ca/2014/01/2014-shot-show-robinson-arms.html

I met with Alex Robinson and he's a changed man. He's adopted the policy of producing products customers want. I had to do a double take to make sure this wasn't the product of some medicated alternate reality.

I was assured it was not.

He saw more and more of his staff modifying their XCR by cutting down the rails to make the gun lighter.

Now he is finally offering.an XCR without rails but has the ability to add them if you want.

The rifle is nicely balanced and very light.

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They have also redesigned the bolt to reduce trigger slap and increase the durability of the plastic/rubber bolt carrier stop.

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Also, to change calibers only a small change is required to the bolt apart from the obvious barrel changes.

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All the current upgrades to the upper and bolt can be used to upgrade older XCR's which I am very happy about.

Another new product is a short barreled .308. It has a 9 inch barrel. It felt awesome. I wish I had a opportunity to shoot it.

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Here's an example where they will cut the rails to the way tou want it. This XCR has shorter side rails.

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I have to say I am VERY happy with my recent XCR-L purchase....OD is the most accurate by the way...and I am glad they are making their changes backward compatible. Personally, weight issues are not an issue for me, "cause I drum right." :D
 
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