As an alternative sporting rifle that can be used for non-restricted purposes as well, what are the pros and cons of these two rifles comparativly from someone who knows something about both? Although I am not in any position to start yet , the intention is to one day try three gun and it would be advantageous to me to have a rifle that is non-restricted and would still work well in a 3-gun situation. Looking for information and advice. Thanks in advance
As an AR alternative.....XCR-L vs. WKC180C
- Thread starter procrawler
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Hey there. Best way to get feed back on both is to join a club. Lots of great members who will more than willingly let you “try before you buy.”
Otherwise, read lots on them. If you are a member of CSSA, they have done some really good past publications of their range reviews on the firearms you listed.
Good luck on your search.
Otherwise, read lots on them. If you are a member of CSSA, they have done some really good past publications of their range reviews on the firearms you listed.
Good luck on your search.
I own both and the XCR L is in a different class from the WK180. Build quality isn't even comparable. That said both are accurate and I haven't had an issue with either one. If you can only have one and you are a buy once cry once kinda guy go with the XCR all day long. If you are looking for a cheap bush gun go with the WK. I love the XCR ergonomics, how they handle, how they shoot and I really like the design overall. Feels like the rifle was made for me if that makes sense. I have the competition model and for 3 gun they are a great choice. That said they aren't for everyone so Id suggest try finding one you can handle. The WK is a fine rifle and is worth the money but you are comparing a $1000 rifle to a $3000 rifle. In this scenario you get what you pay for. If you have the cash go with a newer XCR L and you won't be disappointed.
I have a friend selling a 7 yr old, barely fired, XCRL...and has offered me a great deal incl case, ammo and scope too for the price of 1.5 WKC's.....this is the only reason I am asking because new XCRL $ is way out of my budget.
I have handled it and think it is awesome feeling ergonomically ( maybe a bit heavy ), and it exudes a very nice build quality.....the easily adjustable gas is nice, and low maintainace as far as cleaning is cool too....I even dig the folding stock. I suppose I was just concerned with it being a 2012 model, wondering if it had been helpfully updated since then, and possibly the accuracy being less than ideal for long shots someone might need in some 3gun competitions, mostly due to things I have read about the barrel mounting design. Nobody wants to be that guy who can never make any of the long shots, lol.
I have handled it and think it is awesome feeling ergonomically ( maybe a bit heavy ), and it exudes a very nice build quality.....the easily adjustable gas is nice, and low maintainace as far as cleaning is cool too....I even dig the folding stock. I suppose I was just concerned with it being a 2012 model, wondering if it had been helpfully updated since then, and possibly the accuracy being less than ideal for long shots someone might need in some 3gun competitions, mostly due to things I have read about the barrel mounting design. Nobody wants to be that guy who can never make any of the long shots, lol.
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So on Cabelas right now a XCR-L is going for $2580, a 180C goes for $1095 a delta of $1495
So for the price of the new XCR-L you can buy:
- New WK180C $1095
- 10 x 10/30 magazines for $320 (Irunguns)
- 2000 rounds of federal for $800 (gotenda)
- A bushnell 1-4x24 AR Illuminated Optic for $350 (gotenda)
- A few pints of good beer
I'm not saying don't buy the XCR-L, but am I am saying that if you are going to the range and enjoying a bit of target shooting or some fun in the woods that really value for money comes with the 180c.
So for the price of the new XCR-L you can buy:
- New WK180C $1095
- 10 x 10/30 magazines for $320 (Irunguns)
- 2000 rounds of federal for $800 (gotenda)
- A bushnell 1-4x24 AR Illuminated Optic for $350 (gotenda)
- A few pints of good beer
I'm not saying don't buy the XCR-L, but am I am saying that if you are going to the range and enjoying a bit of target shooting or some fun in the woods that really value for money comes with the 180c.
Recent-production XCR-L over WK in a second, if cost isn't an issue.
Ergonomics are MUCH better. XCR was designed from the ground up to be an improvement over the AR, and in some (many?) ways it succeeded. The only things kind of 'meh' about the XCR platform are the hokey barrel retention design and the stock. However, as long as you torque the barrel retention nut down well and leave it alone, it's not an issue. The stock can be replaced with an ACR stock, negating the mediocre-stock issue.
Older XCR-Ls are pretty front heavy, so if I was choosing between an old heavy-barrel, heavy railed forend XCR and a WK, it would be a bit more difficult to decide. There, cost and what I was using it for would factor in more. if I was looking for a lightweight AR alternative on the cheap, WK. If the weight didn't mater and it wasn't too much more expensive, then older XCR-L
WK was designed and built as a cheap NR alternative the the AR. The designers succeeded at this.
Honestly I'd take an ACR over either.
Ergonomics are MUCH better. XCR was designed from the ground up to be an improvement over the AR, and in some (many?) ways it succeeded. The only things kind of 'meh' about the XCR platform are the hokey barrel retention design and the stock. However, as long as you torque the barrel retention nut down well and leave it alone, it's not an issue. The stock can be replaced with an ACR stock, negating the mediocre-stock issue.
Older XCR-Ls are pretty front heavy, so if I was choosing between an old heavy-barrel, heavy railed forend XCR and a WK, it would be a bit more difficult to decide. There, cost and what I was using it for would factor in more. if I was looking for a lightweight AR alternative on the cheap, WK. If the weight didn't mater and it wasn't too much more expensive, then older XCR-L
WK was designed and built as a cheap NR alternative the the AR. The designers succeeded at this.
Honestly I'd take an ACR over either.
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I've owned wk180 and xcr-l keymod (current gen).
Biggest advantage of wk180c is part interchangebility with AR. Means I have access to match grade barrel and good trigger. My wk is more accurate with factory barrel than my xcr-l. Factory trigger was aweful but I replaced it. Bad thing is the rifle is heavy and bulky. Reliability is also concerning due to the large opening on the side.
XCR-L keymod has the BEST ergonomics among any 223 semi rifles, period. It is light and very slim, controls are at the perfect place. Functions perfectly and very easy to maintain. Mine has pretty good trigger. Too bad accuracy is mediocore (mine is about 4 moa and lots of vertical stringing) and aftermarket barrel is non-existing.
XCR-L quad rail (gen1) is very front heavy and unweldy. I'd take wk180c over it.
XCR-L competitiom model (longer handguard) is not as good as the normal one due to heavier weight and more expensive.
Overall, if I want a shtf rifle I can depend my life on, it's xcr-l keymod. If I want a groundhog/coyote hunting rifle out to 300 yard, or a range toy, it'll be wk180c. For multigun match both works equally well. Personally I would not consider a gen 1 xcr-l.
Biggest advantage of wk180c is part interchangebility with AR. Means I have access to match grade barrel and good trigger. My wk is more accurate with factory barrel than my xcr-l. Factory trigger was aweful but I replaced it. Bad thing is the rifle is heavy and bulky. Reliability is also concerning due to the large opening on the side.
XCR-L keymod has the BEST ergonomics among any 223 semi rifles, period. It is light and very slim, controls are at the perfect place. Functions perfectly and very easy to maintain. Mine has pretty good trigger. Too bad accuracy is mediocore (mine is about 4 moa and lots of vertical stringing) and aftermarket barrel is non-existing.
XCR-L quad rail (gen1) is very front heavy and unweldy. I'd take wk180c over it.
XCR-L competitiom model (longer handguard) is not as good as the normal one due to heavier weight and more expensive.
Overall, if I want a shtf rifle I can depend my life on, it's xcr-l keymod. If I want a groundhog/coyote hunting rifle out to 300 yard, or a range toy, it'll be wk180c. For multigun match both works equally well. Personally I would not consider a gen 1 xcr-l.
As a side note, a Macabbee SLR is a pretty strong contender in your price range, and attainable these days. I have had an XCR keymod, and the SLR, but haven’t tried the 180 yet. The 99% AR parts interchangeability of the Maccabee give it the edge in my opinion. That being said I enjoyed the XCR and wish I kept it. I built an SLR for just over 2k$, (and my personal one for much more but that was incremental), and I’m sure you could come in cheaper if need be. But the upgradeability is a huge plus.
Don't forget the tavor. You can get a used one in good condition for under 2k. It's a better platform than the 180. And of course you can get an atrs ms receiver set and build your own or have them build. Full ar parts compatability is nice due to number of options.
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Go with the XCRL ; not only do you get the extras that your buddy is throwing in , but you would also be saving the tax ( and maybe shipping ) by buying used . It sounds like your buddy wants around $1500 for the package , so grab it before someone else does .
XCR-L.
I have a WK with a few thousand rounds and it's beat to #### now. Kodiak has been great to deal with for the multiple warranty requests I've had to send it in for so they really support their weapon but for any heavy duty use I'd look elsewhere for now.
If you're going to shoot like 100 rounds a year then WK would be alright but after the multiple failures I've had with the WK I can't recommend it.
I have a WK with a few thousand rounds and it's beat to #### now. Kodiak has been great to deal with for the multiple warranty requests I've had to send it in for so they really support their weapon but for any heavy duty use I'd look elsewhere for now.
If you're going to shoot like 100 rounds a year then WK would be alright but after the multiple failures I've had with the WK I can't recommend it.
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after replacing trigger, extractor and spring i love my wk! driving tacks every weekend... oh, i had to replace the bolt and bolt carrier but, wolverine where excellent to deal with!!!
my buddy has an XCR in .308, i like it but honestly i prefer my WK. i might be bias though haha
my buddy has an XCR in .308, i like it but honestly i prefer my WK. i might be bias though haha
it most certainly is not trash! lol...
It's true!
How do you reconcile these two posts, considering they are both about the same gun?
OP, I have never shot the WK-180C, as i've always had an alternative in the safe and didn't need to get one. That being said, I did have a keymod XCR-L and it was a wonderful rifle. Aside from the charging handle, I actually preferred the ergonomics/controls to the AR. It shot everything I threw at it and I can't recall it giving me a single issue. I only sold it because I had the chance to jump on an SLR. You can't go wrong with an XCR-L, especially at the price your friend is offering.
