Hunting with an XCR-M

canadiansurvivor

canadiansurvivor

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Hey guys, I am getting ready to make a new gun purchase, and I was just looking for some opinions (this boards got lots!).

Basically I want a STANAG mag type rifle that gets decent accuracy (Happy with 1-2 MOA) that is non restricted, and I can take out hunting as well as shoot paper. I already have a dedicated 7mm RM hunting rifle, I've just always fantasized about hunting with an AR. Well we cant do that but...

The XCR-M interests me (mostly because it's in .308), however I've heard they are quite the hefty rifle. Now listen, I can haul a heavy pack or a gun, I just want to know if there is anything else around there. Or maybe if I should wait for something thats soon to be released you've heard of. The Keymod model looks nice, but you start to realize if buying new (only way to get keymod setup) that your in over 3k and new Tavors, and NR ACR Conversions are now in the ballpark. Unfortunately not in .308 win, but like I say I have a hunting rifle already....

What would you do if you were me?
 
Another option is looking for the cheapest used XCR-M you can find, and then ordering a light profile barrel for it from Wolverine. Should set you back about $500... you might be able to recoup some by selling the heavy barrel at a deep discount.

By most accounts the light barrel makes a significant difference in how the gun handles. If you get lucky you can swing the whole deal for $2500-2600.
 
canadiansurvivor said:
Hey guys, I am getting ready to make a new gun purchase, and I was just looking for some opinions (this boards got lots!).

Basically I want a STANAG mag type rifle that gets decent accuracy (Happy with 1-2 MOA) that is non restricted, and I can take out hunting as well as shoot paper. I already have a dedicated 7mm RM hunting rifle, I've just always fantasized about hunting with an AR. Well we cant do that but...

The XCR-M interests me (mostly because it's in .308), however I've heard they are quite the hefty rifle. Now listen, I can haul a heavy pack or a gun, I just want to know if there is anything else around there. Or maybe if I should wait for something thats soon to be released you've heard of. The Keymod model looks nice, but you start to realize if buying new (only way to get keymod setup) that your in over 3k and new Tavors, and NR ACR Conversions are now in the ballpark. Unfortunately not in .308 win, but like I say I have a hunting rifle already....

What would you do if you were me?
Click to expand...

I bought one, knowing I'd play with it and carry it for moose.

I sold it a few months later based on what I considered to be a bad investment. Never actually hunted with it.

I decided it was a number of things, not one of them being a decent rifle for honest to God hunting. Good for other things, sure, but ultimately in my opinion, the XCR-M is a rifle that over commits and under delivers.

If you want to carry something cool while hunting, sure, but, a hunting rifle it is not.

Why not consider a Ruger Scout rifle if you want something cool? Or, buy a AICS in .308. Honestly, if you've got money to burn, and want something that will do both hunting and paper well, in a ###y package, that's the direction I'd go.

Truth is, until we can actually hunt with AR10 type platforms, it's just not worth it in trying to find a decent semi to replace it.

I don't miss my -M one bit. It cost me $3200ish shipped, and I managed to get 2800 for it a few months later after 150 rounds of "what is this sh!t". I ended up turning that 2800 into a lot of other things, like a bow, and a Hornady L-N-L, and a M&P Pro, oh, and a snowblower. Honestly, the 700 from that sale that paid for the snowblower was quite possibly the best purchase I'll ever make in my life after this past winter.

Whatever you do, buy it used. That way when you tire of it, you'll do okay.
 
The gun would put three shots into a decent 1.5" group, then throw the next two 4-5" high and to the right.

Consistently.

Rinse and repeat. FGGM, Handloads, you name it, it threw it.

All I can say is the barrel is held in place with a set screw. You pay a lot of money for mediocre design.
 
SPRTN308 said:
The gun would put three shots into a decent 1.5" group, then throw the next two 4-5" high and to the right.

Consistently.

Rinse and repeat. FGGM, Handloads, you name it, it threw it.

All I can say is the barrel is held in place with a set screw. You pay a lot of money for mediocre design.
Click to expand...

Hey SPRTN did you have the hbar or light profile barrel?
 
Mine was the heavy barrel. I had it this time last year.

Don't get me wrong, if the OP was a fun black tactical rifle that he can shoot paper with, and carry in the bush, the XCR will do it.

However, it's not a great rifle for either. It won't print great groups, and it's a big, awkward rifle in the bush. Ideally, if I was goign to take it in teh bush, I'd rather it have a 20" barrel without the flash hider/brake. It would be about the same length, but definitley be more accurate, and a touch safer to use in case you don't have hearing protection in.

I just think for the money, the rifle is a real let-down from a "performance" standpoint. Not so much quality, as, it *IS* well made. It just doesn't deliver from a price/performance ratio.

It's at best a 3/5 for both target/hunting use.

As a CQB type platform, it gets a 4.5/5. I just cant' give it a 5, but, it does everything well from an ergonomics, manual of arms standpoint, and if you want to do some service rifle or CQB type stuff with it, and can afford .308, then, yeah, go for it. That was my plan. I was goign to play with it, take it to CQB for fun along side my AR, and then carry it in the bush for moose season.

Ulitmately, when it started throwing consistent flyers at 100 yards on the 4th and 5th shots, I new it was a poor design, most likely due to heat and barrel movement issues.

Reliable yes. But accurate only 3/5 times on a consistent basis? Not worth $3200.

I want to be fair, as not everyone cares about "precise battle rifles", but, as far as I'm concerned, when you cross over the $2000 threshold, that firearms *should* at a bair minimum, provide you with a consistent result *every* time. So, if the XCR is at best a 1-2 MOA gun, then I expect it to turn in 5 shot groups on demand within 2".

Mind didn't. Even with great ammo, great trigger, and all afternoon at the range. It would shoot those first three really well, but, what baffled me was that it woudl then start throwing flyers in a consistent manner. If I let it cool down, it would repeat said phenomenon.

The proof I believe is that no one else on this board who owns one woudl post any accuracy reports. I posted my results, and yet, no one else has posted great 5 shots groups. I've asked the other folks who claim its great, and yet, no one is posting their handloads that work, or photo's of said results. They just don't exist.

But, the OP's original question was for 1-2 MOA, STANAG compatibility, and for shooting paper and hunting.

the XCR is not a 1-2 MOA rifle. At least not in 5 shots. And for $2000 plus, it has to be. My argument goes one step further. If on that 4th or 5th shot, it decides to throw a flyer, what's to say that one time you get a shot at an animal, it for whatever reason decides to thow a flyer then, and wound the animal?

That simply ruled it out for me. It just has to put the bullet where you're aming everytime within an acceptable degree of accuracy.

The XCR-M platform, as it stands based on my experience, does not meet that threshold.
 
I hunt with my RFB every year....it is THE ultimate rifle or the hunting we do here...THICK boreal, swamp, fast action, with the occasional long poke across a beaver pond.

036a7e8c.jpg
 
I hunt with an XCR-L in 6.8 SPC. It'll shoot MOA with decent bullets and is a blast to shoot. 7 deer in 2 years with it, all 1 shot kills. I haven't even managed to empty the 10 round pistol mag yet. :p

 
SPRTN308 said:
Mine was the heavy barrel. I had it this time last year.

Don't get me wrong, if the OP was a fun black tactical rifle that he can shoot paper with, and carry in the bush, the XCR will do it.

However, it's not a great rifle for either. It won't print great groups, and it's a big, awkward rifle in the bush. Ideally, if I was goign to take it in teh bush, I'd rather it have a 20" barrel without the flash hider/brake. It would be about the same length, but definitley be more accurate, and a touch safer to use in case you don't have hearing protection in.

I just think for the money, the rifle is a real let-down from a "performance" standpoint. Not so much quality, as, it *IS* well made. It just doesn't deliver from a price/performance ratio.

It's at best a 3/5 for both target/hunting use.

As a CQB type platform, it gets a 4.5/5. I just cant' give it a 5, but, it does everything well from an ergonomics, manual of arms standpoint, and if you want to do some service rifle or CQB type stuff with it, and can afford .308, then, yeah, go for it. That was my plan. I was goign to play with it, take it to CQB for fun along side my AR, and then carry it in the bush for moose season.

Ulitmately, when it started throwing consistent flyers at 100 yards on the 4th and 5th shots, I new it was a poor design, most likely due to heat and barrel movement issues.

Reliable yes. But accurate only 3/5 times on a consistent basis? Not worth $3200.

I want to be fair, as not everyone cares about "precise battle rifles", but, as far as I'm concerned, when you cross over the $2000 threshold, that firearms *should* at a bair minimum, provide you with a consistent result *every* time. So, if the XCR is at best a 1-2 MOA gun, then I expect it to turn in 5 shot groups on demand within 2".

Mind didn't. Even with great ammo, great trigger, and all afternoon at the range. It would shoot those first three really well, but, what baffled me was that it woudl then start throwing flyers in a consistent manner. If I let it cool down, it would repeat said phenomenon.

The proof I believe is that no one else on this board who owns one woudl post any accuracy reports. I posted my results, and yet, no one else has posted great 5 shots groups. I've asked the other folks who claim its great, and yet, no one is posting their handloads that work, or photo's of said results. They just don't exist.

But, the OP's original question was for 1-2 MOA, STANAG compatibility, and for shooting paper and hunting.

the XCR is not a 1-2 MOA rifle. At least not in 5 shots. And for $2000 plus, it has to be. My argument goes one step further. If on that 4th or 5th shot, it decides to throw a flyer, what's to say that one time you get a shot at an animal, it for whatever reason decides to thow a flyer then, and wound the animal?

That simply ruled it out for me. It just has to put the bullet where you're aming everytime within an acceptable degree of accuracy.

The XCR-M platform, as it stands based on my experience, does not meet that threshold.
Click to expand...

Wolverine Supplies did post photos of their testing experience here: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/707886-Testing-the-XCR-M

They got great results. Did you pursue the problem at all, or just kinda give up on it? Can't fault you for giving up.. but maybe you just happened to have a dud? What steps, if any, did you take to fix it?
 
SPRTN308 said:
Mine was the heavy barrel. I had it this time last year.

Don't get me wrong, if the OP was a fun black tactical rifle that he can shoot paper with, and carry in the bush, the XCR will do it.

However, it's not a great rifle for either. It won't print great groups, and it's a big, awkward rifle in the bush. Ideally, if I was goign to take it in teh bush, I'd rather it have a 20" barrel without the flash hider/brake. It would be about the same length, but definitley be more accurate, and a touch safer to use in case you don't have hearing protection in.

I just think for the money, the rifle is a real let-down from a "performance" standpoint. Not so much quality, as, it *IS* well made. It just doesn't deliver from a price/performance ratio.

It's at best a 3/5 for both target/hunting use.

As a CQB type platform, it gets a 4.5/5. I just cant' give it a 5, but, it does everything well from an ergonomics, manual of arms standpoint, and if you want to do some service rifle or CQB type stuff with it, and can afford .308, then, yeah, go for it. That was my plan. I was goign to play with it, take it to CQB for fun along side my AR, and then carry it in the bush for moose season.

Ulitmately, when it started throwing consistent flyers at 100 yards on the 4th and 5th shots, I new it was a poor design, most likely due to heat and barrel movement issues.

Reliable yes. But accurate only 3/5 times on a consistent basis? Not worth $3200.

I want to be fair, as not everyone cares about "precise battle rifles", but, as far as I'm concerned, when you cross over the $2000 threshold, that firearms *should* at a bair minimum, provide you with a consistent result *every* time. So, if the XCR is at best a 1-2 MOA gun, then I expect it to turn in 5 shot groups on demand within 2".

Mind didn't. Even with great ammo, great trigger, and all afternoon at the range. It would shoot those first three really well, but, what baffled me was that it woudl then start throwing flyers in a consistent manner. If I let it cool down, it would repeat said phenomenon.

The proof I believe is that no one else on this board who owns one woudl post any accuracy reports. I posted my results, and yet, no one else has posted great 5 shots groups. I've asked the other folks who claim its great, and yet, no one is posting their handloads that work, or photo's of said results. They just don't exist.

But, the OP's original question was for 1-2 MOA, STANAG compatibility, and for shooting paper and hunting.

the XCR is not a 1-2 MOA rifle. At least not in 5 shots. And for $2000 plus, it has to be. My argument goes one step further. If on that 4th or 5th shot, it decides to throw a flyer, what's to say that one time you get a shot at an animal, it for whatever reason decides to thow a flyer then, and wound the animal?

That simply ruled it out for me. It just has to put the bullet where you're aming everytime within an acceptable degree of accuracy.

The XCR-M platform, as it stands based on my experience, does not meet that threshold.
Click to expand...

I've been meaning to create a thread to address the XCR-m's accuracy. I haven't due to being unable to get down range without needing snow shoes. I will post a few targets from last year to provide some data.







These three targets were shot the morning of October 30/13 at Selkirk game and fish at about 100 meters on the rifle range it was about ºC.

Targets were shot in the order they are numbered over a few hours, first target was shot gun and shooter cold, last target was the last rounds fired for the day.

Ammo used was NORINCO 7.62X51 M80 NATO Ball Cartridges 145 Grain FMJ

https://www.canadaammo.com/product/detail/1000-round-crate-of-norinco-7-62x51-nato-ammunition/

Rifle: XCR-M .308 OD Green serial number is in the low 500s

Scope: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 3-9x 50mm with the DOA reticle, Mounted on Buris steel medium rings and an A.R.M.S quick detectable riser (i cant't remember the number).

I almost forgot to add, shots were taken from the bench off of a 2x4 stand resting on the front edge of the rail cover

Sorry for the upside down pictures but it doesn't really matter on targets

I believe any inconsistency's in accuracy are the fault of the shooter and/or the ammo i have purchased some higher end Horndy AMAX and some Federal Premium to try out and i believe better group are possible.
 
Last edited:
Porkchopsandwhich said:
I've been meaning to create a thread to address the XCR-m's accuracy. I haven't due to being unable to get down range without needing snow shoes. I will post a few targets from last year to provide some data.



Targets were shot in the order they are numbered over a few hours, first target was shot gun and shooter cold, last target was the last rounds fired for the day.

Ammo used was NORINCO 7.62X51 M80 NATO Ball Cartridges 145 Grain FMJ

https://www.canadaammo.com/product/detail/1000-round-crate-of-norinco-7-62x51-nato-ammunition/

Rifle: XCR-M .308 OD Green serial number is in the low 500s

Scope: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 3-9x 50mm with the DOA reticle, Mounted on Buris steel medium rings and an A.R.M.S quick detectable riser (i cant't remember the number).

I almost forgot to add, shots were taken from the bench off of a 2x4 stand resting on the front edge of the rail cover

Sorry for the upside down pictures but it doesn't really matter on targets
Click to expand...


I solved your mystery....
 
I'm with Wrongway, I have a RFB and its a great bush rifle. Small & compact. Some would say on the heavy side but with the way bullpups are laid out, you dont notice the weight at all and shooting 308, I welcome the heft.

I also own an XCR-L in 6.8spc but find it a bit long and front heavy. Both have similar accuracy but I would grab the RFB over the XCR every day of the week.

I still love the XCR as ergonomics are great and it has its purpose, but if I could own a NR AR15/10 the XCR would be gone. ( i do own 2 AR15's by the way)

YMMV
 
SPRTN308 said:
The gun would put three shots into a decent 1.5" group, then throw the next two 4-5" high and to the right.

Consistently.

Rinse and repeat. FGGM, Handloads, you name it, it threw it.

All I can say is the barrel is held in place with a set screw. You pay a lot of money for mediocre design.
Click to expand...

I have the same feelings and experience as SPRTN308 when it came to my XCR-M. It's a beautiful rifle with great ergonomics and the trigger was really nice but the way the barrel is held in place just rubbed me the wrong way and I ended up selling it.
 
SPRTN308's accuracy results are not unique. Brobee did a rather thorough write up on the -M as well with the same kind of flyers.

I was never happy with the accuracy on my -L either. It was never better than a 4 moa rifle. Not accurate enough to be interesting.
 
The barrel retention system was what prevented me from buying one. I was suspect of it along with the lack of match grade barrels for it. Actually was liking the latest versions and with keymod monolithic rail it would have been great.

I like the RFB but it's not perfect either. Handles nice and is super short.

Ultimately the AR10 / AR308 rifles are where it's at. If it wasn't restricted this would be a short discussion. The new DPMS GII Recon I just received would make a very nice hunting semi. Light and handy but 308. It's a shame.
 
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