Rob xcr

I had the privledge to shoot a few rounds through Paul's a little while back. I did find the frount end a little heavy but overall I really enjoyed shooting it. Has it won me over from my AR, no. I think its priced a little high. I do like the fact you do not need a ATT.
 
angryeyebrows, thanks for the review. Some of those things you mentioned would drive me nuts on any rifle. Never mind on something over $2k.

I had some funds earmarked for a new rifle but i think i'll buy a new tv instead.

There is some more stuff that disappointed me that I left out of my little writing... I thought it was turning into a big fat rambling mess. I'll include it here just so others know what to expect.

When you break the rifle in half to strip it, it only bends just far enough to get the bolt group out. A little annoying. I kinda had to bend it a little further then it naturally wanted to go just to get the guts out of it.

Also, when I attempted to put an aftermarket pistol grip on I realized that the XCR uses it's own specific bolt to hold it on so replacements would not be as easy to come by. When I got it snugged up, it was still loose. I tried tightening it more and it felt like cross-threading. So I tried another popular brand of pistol grip and that was loose too. I even tried another A2 grip with no luck. I guess I could have added another washer from the hardware store but I was a bit disappointed that I assumed they were interchangeable with the AR series. Maybe it was just specific to the rifle I had.

If you really want a nice non restricted rifle save some more money and get Classic Green. I have tried it all (at great expense) and I'm back to the Swiss rifles. I honestly think if you're after very high quality, durability, and a proven design, you should get a Swiss Arms rifle. The ARs are also good but they lack the classy European style.

To those who would doubt, I've owned and used everything from the designer Noveske brand ARs to the bone stock Colt LE carbines to the ultra rare HK 416 and I'm back to the Swiss!
 
Last edited:
When you break the rifle in half to strip it, it only bends just far enough to get the bolt group out. A little annoying. I kinda had to bend it a little further then it naturally wanted to go just to get the guts out of it.

Why didn't you just push the hinge pin and separate the two halves?
 
You could do that but sometimes it's less convenient to juggle two halfs of a rifle and the guts...especially if you are in the field and just want to give the bolt a quick wipe.
 
I don't wonder if there haven't been some minute changes since you had that rifle. I'm not saying that you are incorrect as I haven't seen your rifle, but my XCR does not have those problems- it is easy to strip, and separating the upper and lower reciever is easier than an AR but I find that they lock up tightly when put back in place. Maybe the QC has changed some, I don't know.
 
I don't wonder if there haven't been some minute changes since you had that rifle. I'm not saying that you are incorrect as I haven't seen your rifle, but my XCR does not have those problems- it is easy to strip, and separating the upper and lower reciever is easier than an AR but I find that they lock up tightly when put back in place. Maybe the QC has changed some, I don't know.

I never said it wasn't easy to take apart completely...but if you want to be able to strip out the guts with out separating the two receivers, it's a bit of a pain in the ass.

Anyway, I think your missing my point. Bottom line is the rifle is OK...not the pinnical of quality as some people would have you believe.
 
Best thing to do is go to a stocking store or find someone locally who owns one let them show you how to take one apart and fondle it for yourself, what Angryeyebrows said is is more personal preference not a design flaw, personally I pop the catch tilt the top receiver back and the bolt slides right out into my hands it couldn't be simpler. Robinson Arm actually have posted videos on their website on how to do this. (www.robarm.com/XCR_videos.htm)

Anything short of a 60 year surplus rifle that has been firing corrosive ammo all it's life and been buried in the backyard in a burlap bag for the last 5 years, they will all be able to shoot a 3-4" MOA groupings or better at 300 m.
 
The first thing I noticed when I picked it up was the front end weight. Rob Arm chose to make our 18.5 inch barrel in an HBAR profile which directly contributes to the front heavy feeling. As soon as you add a light and a vert grip you really do notice it if you are used to shooting ARs.

This is mostly a factor of the barrel profile, and length. Remember, this is a barrel in excess of 18.5", most AR's are shorter. That makes it front heavy. Also, its a thicker barrel, which aids in heat dissipation. I'd prefer it be lighter overall, but it balances fairly well once you get used to it.

The second thing I really wanted to check out was the gas system and quick change barrel feature. I immediately noticed the looseness of the gas tube...not just a little wiggle room but loose to the point where the tube could move back and forth substantially. It left me feeling like I'd assembled it all wrong and something wasn't lining up. Upon further reading online, I discovered this movement was "normal", Engineered there from the manufacturer to aid in the shaking loose of carbon fouling. Some people had taken to smooshing the tube slightly to get rid of the rattle. Not what I want to do to an expensive rifle. If you're like me and used to Swiss Arms and ARs then this might drive you nuts, cause it bothered the Sh*t out of me...but I have problems

I suspect this no longer applies. The system has been modified, and mines as tight as a nun's... well... you know.

There are also a number of other bolts (Ejector, Casing Deflector etc.) that should be checked and possibly loc-tited in place. Kindof annoying. Really disliked the delrine cocking handle and casing deflector. The didn't break but felt cheap.

They only really need to be checked on first use. I made sure mine were tight (no loctite), and they haven't loosened in the 1000 rounds I've put through it. I actually like the composite material on the handle and deflector.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but this rifle was entered into competition for a replacement combat rifle no? From a military end users perspective, I'd be mighty disappointed to give up a Colt for this. Definately NOT something I'd take with me into harms way.

Yes, disqualified on a technicality (they forgot to include something in the box, they shipped it to them, it arrived in time, but they refused to put it in the box). I think it is the subject of legal action.

The reports from the operators who use it (mostly SWAT units and Security Contractors speak very highly of it.
When you break the rifle in half to strip it, it only bends just far enough to get the bolt group out. A little annoying. I kinda had to bend it a little further then it naturally wanted to go just to get the guts out of it.

The purpose of the break open is to access the bolt, barre, oprod and oprod spring. If you want to clean the trigger group you push the pin out and break it down in half.

Also, when I attempted to put an aftermarket pistol grip on I realized that the XCR uses it's own specific bolt to hold it on so replacements would not be as easy to come by. When I got it snugged up, it was still loose. I tried tightening it more and it felt like cross-threading. So I tried another popular brand of pistol grip and that was loose too. I even tried another A2 grip with no luck. I guess I could have added another washer from the hardware store but I was a bit disappointed that I assumed they were interchangeable with the AR series. Maybe it was just specific to the rifle I had.

I've never tried this, but I am told by others who have that it is a problem which no longer exists (or never existed).

You could do that but sometimes it's less convenient to juggle two halfs of a rifle and the guts...especially if you are in the field and just want to give the bolt a quick wipe.

The only reason to completely break it down is to access the trigger group. You can extract and clean the bolt without having to break it completely down. You can access the bolt while it is cracked open.
 
This is mostly a factor of the barrel profile, and length. Remember, this is a barrel in excess of 18.5", most AR's are shorter. That makes it front heavy. Also, its a thicker barrel, which aids in heat dissipation. I'd prefer it be lighter overall, but it balances fairly well once you get used to it.

Are you re-explaining to me what I wrote in my post? I don't really understand the last bit....it either feels balanced or it doesn't...in the case of this rifle, you and I both agree it is front heavy.

I suspect this no longer applies. The system has been modified, and mines as tight as a nun's... well... you know.

Unless it has been modified since the last batch arrived then I don't think they've changed anything. Like I said it was designed to jiggle around.

They only really need to be checked on first use. I made sure mine were tight (no loctite), and they haven't loosened in the 1000 rounds I've put through it.

You're probably right. It was just something that bothered me about it.

The reports from the operators who use it (mostly SWAT units and Security Contractors speak very highly of it.

Do you have any credible sources for this information? I'm sure there are few small police agencies down in the states that have bought the rifle. Any large, well known agencies?

The purpose of the break open is to access the bolt, barrel, oprod and oprod spring. If you want to clean the trigger group you push the pin out and break it down in half.

I think you misunderstood what I was talking about. I don't care if I can or can't access the trigger group by cracking it open, my issue was with how far it cracks...only enough to barely get the guts out...and the rifle I was using needed a little pressure to get it open that much. Either I grow a third hand to get the bolt group out with out dropping it OR they mill a little more out of where it pivots to allow the rifle to open more. Again my personal opinion, take it or leave it...I don't care.

I've never tried this, but I am told by others who have that it is a problem which no longer exists (or never existed).

Well it does so check your sources or try for yourself. Maybe it isn't a widely experienced problem but it was a problem on this rifle. I guess that speaks to the QC issue.

Anyway, I'm done with this XCR thread and XCRs all together. You can tell yourself whatever you want and justify every issue until the cows come home but it still doesn't make the rifle stack up any better against other offerings on the market...especially in $2000+ price range.
 
Anything short of a 60 year surplus rifle that has been firing corrosive ammo all it's life and been buried in the backyard in a burlap bag for the last 5 years, they will all be able to shoot a 3-4" MOA groupings or better at 300 m.


I think it sounds like you are saying just about everything out there will shoot 10 rounds inside 4" at 300m - much inline with the Swiss Arms guarantee; is this correct?
I'd like to see the look on your face after you see the best results you can muster with your XCR at that range - You might want to take a stab at shooting that far out - it's an eye-opener. Don't forget to post photos of your results.;)
 
I think it sounds like you are saying just about everything out there will shoot 10 rounds inside 4" at 300m - much inline with the Swiss Arms guarantee; is this correct?
I'd like to see the look on your face after you see the best results you can muster with your XCR at that range - You might want to take a stab at shooting that far out - it's an eye-opener. Don't forget to post photos of your results.;)

Never said I can shoot such a group personally, I pretty sure as wonderful a Swiss Arm might be it, it will not magically make me shoot any better, :p I have learn long time ago, it is the idiot behind the trigger that plays a big part on how accurate the shots are placed.
 
the 18.6" is indeed very front-heavy. Every now and then I pester Alex to find a way to have the Canadian barrels fluted. At this point, we'd have to buy a new machine to get that done. I'm not sure if they will or not.
 
the 18.6" is indeed very front-heavy. Every now and then I pester Alex to find a way to have the Canadian barrels fluted. At this point, we'd have to buy a new machine to get that done. I'm not sure if they will or not.

What is the XCR barrel anyways? A modified AR barrel or does it have to be made from a blank?
 
XCR has some great control features. PROs - Charging handle on the left, bolt catch can be engaged EASILY, gas/rod/piston style bolt - little fouling in the chamber area, non restricted.

CONs - heavy for standing shoots, parts are more difficult to come by, Priced High

XCR satisfies the individual who wants more out of their firearm than just a range day. Excellent Varmint Hunter.

Groupings are so close to measure vs. equivalent length AR
 
angryeyebrows, thanks for the review. Some of those things you mentioned would drive me nuts on any rifle. Never mind on something over $2k.

I had some funds earmarked for a new rifle but i think i'll buy a new tv instead.

Here's a thought from left field -- why not purchase the rifle and shoot it for a few months ...... then sell it on the EE for practically what you paid for it (or maybe more lol ) ? As a bonus the price of the TV may have dropped enough by then to offset the price of a case of Ammo.

:rockOn::rockOn::rockOn:
 
The XCR defines "mediocre".

My feeling is the AR is Mediocre, but the problem is it is better than anything else out there including the XCR. I'm saving right now to purchase my first black rifle besides a CZ858. As much as I am intrigued by the XCR and its potential improvement over the AR, I can't see spending the money on something with mixed reviews. I work hard for my money and this will be a big purchase for me. No matter how much I want to find an improvement over the AR, after 40 some odd years, I highly doubt that day will come. My choice is AR.
 
Back
Top Bottom