RobArms XCR-M first impressions and initial range report

Can Can

Can Can

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Just took my new XCR-M to the range today and ran 110 rounds through her. The following are my observations and impressions. I'm sorry, but there are no pics accompanying this report.

1. The firearm itself is well put together and esthetically pleasing. Fit and finish are excellent. The gun had some red Loctite residue around the ejector bolt holes, but I solved that with a couple swipes of acetone. Extremely easy to break down and field strip. I didn't bother with a full tear down, but will do so after a couple of shooting sessions.

2. The ergos are excellent, although the XCR-M is slightly front-heavy. It's not a big deal for me, as I am a big fan of my HK SL8, and the weight distribution of the SL8 is very similar to the XCR-M. I actually felt right at home holding the XCR-M!

3. The range trip was rather uneventful. I was shooting at a 25m indoor range so all I bothered sighting in was my windage with the factory supplied MI BUIS. The 110 round session was trouble free until I tried dropping the gas setting to 3 around the 80 round mark. I was able to drop it to 4 after 50 rounds without any issues, so I took a big chance at the high school dance with the 3 setting- I started getting FTEs so I bumped it back up to 4 and finished off the remaining 30 rounds with zero problems.

4. After 110 rounds, it was obvious that the factory grip is woefully small. I have average hands but it seems the factory grip is made for small children with short fingers. Other than that, FAST stock is decent enough- I'm sure there are better out there, but unless it makes a world of difference I don't think it would be money well spent for me.

5. If I was to choose a highlight of the XCR-M, it would be a combination of the lack of recoil and the fact that the controls are VERY user-friendly. I would compare the recoil to my NR Kriss- VERY manageable, and almost laughable for a .30 caliber firearm. The controls are easy to reach and respond well. My only complaint is that the safety digs into my hand a little bit, but this could be attributed to the wimpy grip allowing my hand to climb too far upwards(see #4).

So, in closing, I'm rather happy with my purchase so far. I welcome feedback regarding a replacement grip(something a little thicker?), and am in the process of choosing an optic in the 2.5-10 or 3-9 range. Suggestions?????

Paul
 
The only real concern I have with the XCR-M is the barrel retention. I suspect that is the weak link with this rifle. I've been tempted many a times to grab a XCR-M. But ultimately I'd want a SS match grade barrel and being positive that the one screw system isn't going to cause accuracy issues. With the monolithic upper I'd like to see an accuracy version. I don't think I'd be able to resist one of those.

I think they look cool in FDE. Also the 308 versions of 223/5.56 seem to always be flag ships so they are the company's nicest products.

For grips I like Ergo and magpull Miad. Find out if the XCR-M fits standard grips. With the AR10 you need a wedge piece for grips with a beavertail style back. The curve isn't the same as the AR15. Most likely the XCR-M is the same for grips as the AR15, but it's worth checking first.


Looking forward to reading about 100 yard accuracy and long term impressions. Some pictures would be nice. Although being stuck to an iPhone at the moment I can see how if posting on a mobile device pictures are a pain to post.
 
Good review Paul :D.

I agree whole heartedly with point #4 and to echo some of the previous posts I found the Ergo grip to be the best fit for this platform when I had my -M. The MIAD was also too small for the rifle. Hope that helps save you a few $$ in grip experimentation ;).
 
I wonder if the fab or magpul grip will push your hand lower away from the safety. I ran 40 PMC 147g down the tube to do the break in, they were all over the target. reloaded that brass with 165 Horn sst's and did some load tests between 47and 48g of 550vity every thing shot into 1 moa or less , the 47.5 load was just under 3" at 400 yds.
 
I really wanted to like my XCR-M a lot. I really did. But it couldn't shoot. No matter what I did with it. Factory ammo, hand loaded. Didn't matter. And that being said, I also still have an XCR-L in 6.8 and it's one rifle I will not sell. It does inch groups and has shot many deer already, so I'm very happy with it. I'd still have the M if it shot better.

That said, it has standard grips and I ERGOed both. Wonderful grips. Can't go wrong there. And the ethos of the gun are excellant. As good or better than an AR.
 
Get some pics up! I love my xcr-l in 5.56 and I would LOVE to shoot an xcr-m in .308. I had the opportunity to hold one and I don't remember it being much heavier than my L. Although it was quite sometime before got my xcr. I really wanna feel the recoil of the xcr-m. Dam I'm jealous but I could never afford another xcr.
 
CreamySmooth said:
I really wanted to like my XCR-M a lot. I really did. But it couldn't shoot. No matter what I did with it. Factory ammo, hand loaded. Didn't matter. And that being said, I also still have an XCR-L in 6.8 and it's one rifle I will not sell. It does inch groups and has shot many deer already, so I'm very happy with it. I'd still have the M if it shot better.
Click to expand...


My xcr-m experience was much the same.
The barrel attachment method neglects to allow for some kind of recoil lug, all recoil goes through that little barrel retention/pinch screw. That doesn't help the barrel stay in one place with the heavier recoiling .308 cartridge.
I imagine if you built a barrel for it you could tighten up the tolerances between the barrel extension and the reciever, that would help.
 
ntm said:
My xcr-m experience was much the same.
The barrel attachment method neglects to allow for some kind of recoil lug, all recoil goes through that little barrel retention/pinch screw. That doesn't help the barrel stay in one place with the heavier recoiling .308 cartridge.
I imagine if you built a barrel for it you could tighten up the tolerances between the barrel extension and the reciever, that would help.
Click to expand...

just reassembled mine after cleaning, the barrel bottomed out in the collar when I torqued the screw, so the collar is the recoil lug in the receiver, the fit between the barrel and the collar it slides into is very snug so it stays in one place . maybe just got lucky with this one or the quality has improved.
 
I just picked up an XCR-M and I have to disagree with the shooters who say it's not accurate. Shooting the cheapest brass cased ammo I could during the break-in I had zero issues and managed a .5" group at 60m off the bench with the MI Sights that came with the rifle. Probably the nicest rifle I own right now and I'd likely never sell. It'll be my hunting gun when I put a decent scope on it.

I'm taking it out again this weekend and I'll take pics of my target and distances.
 
2ndShotCanada said:
I just picked up an XCR-M and I have to disagree with the shooters who say it's not accurate. Shooting the cheapest brass cased ammo I could during the break-in I had zero issues and managed a .5" group at 60m off the bench with the MI Sights that came with the rifle. Probably the nicest rifle I own right now and I'd likely never sell. It'll be my hunting gun when I put a decent scope on it.

I'm taking it out again this weekend and I'll take pics of my target and distances.
Click to expand...

Show us a few five round groups on the same piece of paper.
 
ntm said:
Show us a few five round groups on the same piece of paper.
Click to expand...

We get it, brother. You are not happy with the XCR-M. That being said, from time to time, everyone gets a lemon. I've had my fair share over the years. Get over it, brother, unless you like looking like that guy who is unable to wash the sand from his mangina.

Good grief.

Paul
 
Can Can said:
We get it, brother. You are not happy with the XCR-M. That being said, from time to time, everyone gets a lemon. I've had my fair share over the years. Get over it, brother, unless you like looking like that guy who is unable to wash the sand from his mangina.

Good grief.

Paul
Click to expand...

Hello Paul,

I am being quite serious.
All these reports of decent accuracy, after my bad experience with vertical stringing, have almost convinced me to try another one.
I am just waiting on somebody to put up some honest to god five shot groups. Preferably a pic of a few groups on the same paper so as to remove doubts of consistency.
An xcr-m is quite a few bucks, and I will feel like a fool if I purchase another only to be bitten again...

Thank you for your concern for my mangina.

Nathan
 
ntm said:
Hello Paul,

I am being quite serious.
All these reports of decent accuracy, after my bad experience with vertical stringing, have almost convinced me to try another one.
I am just waiting on somebody to put up some honest to god five shot groups. Preferably a pic of a few groups on the same paper so as to remove doubts of consistency.
An xcr-m is quite a few bucks, and I will feel like a fool if I purchase another only to be bitten again...

Thank you for your concern for my mangina.

Nathan
Click to expand...

I'm getting an XCR-M nonetheless knowing fully well that any mechanical device with a low production run (less than 5,000 units) is not mature and might have some manufacturing and design issues.
If you're looking for a proven non-restricted 7.62 NATO semi auto rifle, a high quality M14 type rifle is the only viable solution that I know.
Always remember that initial production of AK47 and Toyota Corolla were POS because of manufacturing and design issues!

Alex
 
Lol I have been building Toyota corollary for 17 years and their still a POS.


AlexF said:
I'm getting an XCR-M nonetheless knowing fully well that any mechanical device with a low production run (less than 5,000 units) is not mature and might have some manufacturing and design issues.
If you're looking for a proven non-restricted 7.62 NATO semi auto rifle, a high quality M14 type rifle is the only viable solution that I know.
Always remember that initial production of AK47 and Toyota Corolla were POS because of manufacturing and design issues!

Alex
Click to expand...
 
ntm:

I'm always concerned when fellow CGNer's mangina gets sandy.

As for the five round groups, I will be more than willing to do a detailed range report once winter ends and I'm able to do some longer-distance shooting. I will be sure to include several 5 round targets. That being said, I didn't buy this rifle for precision shooting. Anyone who does, despite the high dollar investment, is probably setting themselves up for disappointment.......

Paul
 
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