Currently own both and having used them extensively (> 4000 rounds on each), a few thoughts,
- Ergonomics: The XCR has superior ergonomics - left side charging handle, safety is easier to manipulate, magazine button release on the magwell and the finger bolt release at the base of the magwell/ trigger guard intersection. The ergonomics on the PE90 take a little bit of training to master, but work just as well. It just depends which school of though you align yourself to.
- Magazines: The Swiss has by far the better magazine over the AR15 mags. Built like a tank, smooth in operation and virtually jam-free – and has a ‘bullet feeder’ to boot. Additionally, they can be stacked for bonus coolness factor. The 5 round capacity compared to the LAR 10 rounders is a slight negative, but for paper target shooting I don’t suppose it really matters too much. An OEM Swiss magazine is pricey, but used ones or the Dominion Arms mags are competitively priced to the AR mags.
- Magazine changes: On the XCR, they are quick and efficient with minimal drama. On the Swiss you get the bonus swagger of the AK style ‘flick and change’. Magazine seating on the Swiss is more involved (insert at an angle and lock) but more positive and you can tell when it is fully seated. The XCR’s changes are just like an AR – drop free the old mag and slam up the new one.
- Build quality: They both are superbly built and feel like they are carved out of a single block of steel but the Swiss Arms is slightly better with tighter tolerances and certainly has more heft to it.
- Sights: The stock diopter iron sights on the Swiss are just stupendous, although the Midwest Industries flip ups on the XCR are not too shabby either and just as accurate. But compared to the Swiss, they look delicate and fragile and are, comparably, difficult to manipulate. Oh and the Swiss has night sights as standard equipment.
- Accuracy: They are almost equally accurate, Slight edge to the Swiss although the XCR does have the ‘more’ accurate heavy barrel.
- Reliability: Both are dead stupid reliable with factory ammo and quality mags. Haven’t abused either, but have noticed they run just as well to the 500 odd rounds that I run them to before cleaning.
- Trigger: Prefer the Swiss trigger – it’s exceptionally light and smooth, but the XCR’s ‘match’ trigger is also sublime and leagues ahead of most AR triggers.
- Operation: They are both very very smooth operating firearms and operate like a well oiled sewing machine. The XCR does throw spent brass a fair distance (~15-20 feet) whereas the spent brass on the Swiss likes to bounce off the receiver and hence causes some scratching – but hockey tape fixes that.
- Maintenance: Both are low maintenance and unassuming firearms. They will keep running for extended periods without cleaning. The XCR does require a few bolts to the loctited in place and checked periodically. I have never had any come loose or fall out – just incorporate it part of the cleaning/ inspection procedure and forget about it being an issue.
- Rails: The XCR has a s**t ton of rail space for mounting everything up to and including your kitchen sink. The Swiss is tastefully minimal. Note that the Classic green does not come with a top rail either (but aftermarket rail available) so mounting a scope requires additional investment over the XCR.
- Stock: The XCR has a fixed stock, the Swiss has a folding one. Take your pick. There is no play with the folding stock and the LOP on both stocks is just perfect.
- Balance: Both balance very well if a touch front heavy. Recoil is mild on both when compared to an AR and offhand and sitting position shooting is easy with or without a sling. The Swiss has a built in bipod for prone, but I find it to be a touch too high for me.
- Design: The XCR’s design is elegantly simplistic and rugged whereas the Swiss uses the tried and proven AK design philosophy.
- General ‘feel’: They both have a lot of ‘presence’ when compared to an AR. The XCR looks a lot more stylized whereas the Swiss has the traditional ‘Old Army’ look. Personal preference really. The Swiss does, however, feel slimmer in the hands and more handier even though it does have a ~ 2” longer barrel.
My recommendation: If you have an AR, buy the Swiss and get the XCR later. If you don’t have an AR, get whichever one tugs at your purse strings stronger. They are both really really nice firearms and you can’t really go wrong with either. One has to really nitpick as, believe it or not, there is not a whole lot of difference separating the two!
