T97 vs 5.56 Vz 58 vs XCR

For the xcr? No there awesome. I traded mine for a tavor and I still can't decide if I should go back or not. The new ones a very reliable (and so was my old one). The problems were mostly with the first few models/revisions. I'd defiantly buy another one with confidence.

My xcr was slightly more accurate than my tavor but who cares about that. All these guys who just bench shoot these rifles are using this rifles in the most boring way imaginable. Bench for zero then never again haha.

Also the xcr is not heavy or unwieldy. Maybe if your used to some 7 pound competion ar or something but I never had a problem snap shooting and transitions between targets. I also work for a living so maybe my strength is to a point where 12 pounds doesn't feel like a whole lot haha.

I was just watching a couple reviews on the new XCR and the people that have them love them. I also like the looks of the new XCR +, they're $100 cheaper than they were before. I'm use to my M305. I'm not a wuss that needs a 7lb gun. lol Thanks this helps me a bit in a hard decision.

Unless you get the magwell adapter. I believe the second gen retains the bolt hold open

I got the AR-15 magwell adapter for the 5.56 Vz 58. The problem is either the follower eventually wears out and no longer holds to the bolt open or the follower fits loose in the magazine and has a tendency to "jump over" the last round bolt hold open tab.
 
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I don't see the problem with owning all of the above. Once somebody goes down this path(firearms, but specially black rifles), one should expect a significant cost associated with the hobby. All the above rifles I believe to be a must have, plus a few more, like the M-305 and a few other maybe 9mm carbines, etc.
 
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I've been watching a lot of XCR review videos including the old one from Nutnfancy and the one filmed by Nutnfancy with the review from the president of Robertson Arms. The new updated XCR is pretty sweet and the amount of things that need thread lock is not much. I'm still going to search up more info on the gun but the new XCR is the one id get if I do get one.
 
Just bought an XCR Keymod off the EE. I'm left handed and I wanted to try a Tavor but there are never any left hand bolts around.

So I sold two rifles to fund the purchase (Rem 700 with scope and goodies and an SU16).

You're probably aware that the keymod XCR is different than the previous iterations in one large respect, weight. I was never interested in the XCR because it was too heavy. The Keymod version points and handles really nicely, I'm 6'4 so I don't notice the rifle dragging with a sling...

Got some KAC keymod rail attachments, KAC BUIS, off to the races and having fun. If you sell your T97 and VZ there are usually options for purchase on the EE if you want them back. If you buy an XCR you can always sell it for good value as well on the EE.

Keymod XCR is lighter in the front because of light barrels. You save more weight going for light barrel compare to heavy barrel.
The previous generation of XCR all came with heavy barrel
 
Lightweight barrel is now an option...

I'm starting to crave a XCR after reading this thread. Been ogling the OD green XCR-M .308 key-mod at Wolverine. I'm conflicted. Would this be choice of over a M1A? 10-round XCR pistol mags are a big bonus.
 
Handle a new keymod xcr with the light barrel. Youll take it home with you! I love mine but it has the heavy barrel. Its insane how well balanced the light is but i enjoy mag dumps so i figured the heavy would be better

Anyone that rags on the xcr is #####in about the heavy crappier old versions. They are a huge step up with the new design. I have zero complaints about my keymod .223 except for the initial price and the fact that im running low on ammo LOL
 
Do they make magwell adapter for the 7.62 vz58 so I can use the 10 round xcr mags?

You can get a 5.56 adapter for the vz58 from Zahal or sometimes Wolverine to allow standard ar15 magazines to be used including the Lar 10 rd pistol mags. BT makes a 7.62x39 adapter for the vz58 but it's pricey. Wolverine had one special ordered. Only thing I don't like is it does not allow you to keep using stripper clips with the 7.62x39.

I have the VZ58 with the stanag adapter and also a xcr keymod. If you can afford it, get the xcr. Awesome gun in 5.56 plus you can get calibre conversion kits. The 7.62x39 lets you use 10 rd pistol mags from Robinson Arms. I don't think anyone else has Canadian 10 rd capability in 7.62x39 other than Robinson Arms.

Also the 10 rd 7.62x39 magazines also fit the 6.8 SPC.
 
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I have all three.

Do you like iron sights as on the CZ and T97?
If yes then stick with them. Seriously.
Using irons on a T97 the rifle is more accurate than I am.

If you prefer glass, try and find someone with a FTU T97 and see if you prefer it. (Flat Top Upper)

The XCR benefits you in ergonomic feel and in the ability to mount optics.
It is pricey and it is front heavy, or front heavier depending on the version.
If you are more used to traditional rifle layouts, it may be your thing.

Same story, find someone who will let you hold and look at an XCR first.
I always think that two rifles are better than one.
You already have the benefit of the T97 with the 5.56mm round and that it takes AR magazines.
You also have the benefit of the 7.62x39mm round, for cheap plinking or hunting where the 5.56 is a no-no.
 
I think I will wade into this thread.

T97
I do not own one but have put about 2 or 3 magazines through one.

Plus:
Low price
Non restricted
Accepts most AR type mags

Negatives:
Ergonomics
Quality
Availability of aftermarket parts or OEM parts ?

XCR

I recently purchased a Keymod XCR with the lightweight barrel in 76.2
I have experienced two issues with this platform. The gas block came loose and caused the gun to become undergassed. Once fixed the gun ran flawlessly. The second issue is the magazines in 76.2, the 10 rd. pistol magazines are unreliable, I have modded them slightly and they have improved but in my opinion they are a weak point.

Plus:
Non restricted
Fantastic ergonomics
Accepts AR style magazines
New Keymod version is greatly improved over previous models, very well balanced.
Battle rifle accuracy in 76.2x39
Easy maintenance
Aftermarket parts available as well as OEM (when Wolverine has them in stock)

Negatives:
76.2x39 10 rd mags unreliable
Not as accurate as some AR's
More expensive than T97
Previous models had some quality issues

Here is a video of me with the XCR, all the malfunctions were magazine related.
VZ 58
I have owned several of these rifles and love them! All were in 76.2x39 so I have no experience with them in 223. My rifles have been very reliable and are a pleasure to shoot.

Plus:
Some models are non restricted.
Very easy to disassemble and clean.
Very rugged design, AK like reliability with better ergonomics.
OEM and aftermarket parts available.
With adapter installed the 223 version can take AR mags.
Reasonable price.
Battle rifle accuracy.

Negatives:
RCMP's reclassification affects some models.
Adapter required to use AR type mags.
mounting optics can be difficult.

I will throw in another option as well.

Tavor
I have owned a non restricted Tavor and found it to be a reliable rifle that is fun to shoot.

Pros:
Non restricted
Accepts most AR type mags
Decent ergonomics
Quick handling and compact
Reliable and easy to field strip
Some aftermarket parts available as well as OEM
Battle rifle or better accuracy

Negatives:
Costly
Bullpup configuration does not suite all shooters and the trigger could be improved
Heavy by AR standards
 
I'm also considering the option of keeping both the T97 and Vz 58 and just saving for 3 months for the XCR. I do love the T97 and I have loved the Vz 58 since day one. Even when I sent it off for warranty work I still really really liked that gun. The T97 is accurate even with Norinco surplus while the Vz 58 is not. Only Federal runs accurately out of the Vz 58 while everything else is garbage. T97 however seems to be a lot more forgiving in accuracy but it does run the absolute best with Federal Eagle 55gr BTFMJ.

What I like about the XCR from my one day of research is the fact a barrel can be changed in 5 seconds. Worn the barrel out? No problem. The amount that actually needs thread lock isn't much at all and they recommend to check on it every 5000 rounds. 5000 rounds is a lot of shooting. I mean, I've owned my Vz 58 for awhile now and I don't even have over 1000 on it.

I may choose the save for it option and keep the two guns. I hate getting rid of guns. The only gun I ever bought that was a big mistake was a Remington 887. Not that it didn't work. Just I could never learn to like it.
 
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