Lol, its nothing scandalous. He's just a wacky guy:
When I first stepped up to interview him he said to me "Let me explain why my rifle is the best .223 rifle ever made"
I have tape of him saying that! I mean, you can say lots of things about the XCR. That its a remarkable design, that its one of the few small businesses willing to tackle Colt and HK, etc etc. But to say that the XCR is best ever made? I find that to be over the top.
I was told that "the ergonomics are perfect" and that the only reason it wasn't chosen in the US army trials was because of military politics and the big shots at Colt and FN maneuvering behind the scenes.
There's a reason their booth at Shot2012 was small. They got in **** for suitcasing at the 2011 show. I'd call that poor business practices.
Now with all that being said: the XCR is a different rifle from most. And the XCR-M has some remarkable caliber options for a true non-restricted black rifle. If you want one, I don't think it's likely that you will be disappointed with them. But I personally do put some degree of politics into effect when I buy firearms. That's why I love my Tavor.
love the product, not so much the company...but:
Everyone says they have the best product out there, if it is or isn't is left to be decided.
IMHO, if someone who makes the product genuinely believes they have created something genius, that speaks to me more strongly than someone who employs a high priced marketing team. If people know and agree, that's even better.
The XCR is not a ground breaking rifle, it employs solid points, but still at times, remains the answer to a question maybe not everyone was asking. That, coupled with confidence you have the best, results in teh haterz. The barrel retention system looks good on paper and in theory, but really? one bolt? but I love being able to swap barrels with only an allan key.
I don't doubt that there was some political wrangling behind the scenes of the trials, but didn't they also forget to include a black firing adapter?
All that being said; RA has looked after us Canadians. Probably because we represent a large part of his market. but 18.6 inch barrels, resisting the RCMP when they went for our XCR's, stamping .223. That speaks a lot about someone.
my 0.02 as an XCR owner.