XCR-L .223 for varmint huntnig?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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Hey guys, I'm not sure exactly which forum this question belongs in, but it's the place with the most XCR talk in it...so here goes! :) A friend of mine in Alberta uses his XCR-L when coyote hunting and while he's yet to line one up, he raves about it's accuracy and function. I'm a bolt gun fan through and through, but recently got the chance to shoot an XCR-M in .308 and WOW...what an experience. Very light recoil...so I'm now starting to believe the "runs like a sewing machine" claims I'm hearing about the well broken-in .223 version. I have zero interest in making an XCR into a tactical, junked-up zombie slayer, but would like to know if anyone here scoped theirs, and runs them as dedicated hunters. Coyotes, groundhogs, gophers, crows (lol)...whatever. My .223 bolt gun is crazy accurate with handloads and I think my XCR accuracy expectations are fairly realistic....just looking for some first-hand accounts, photos, of them being used in this role and maybe the pros/cons, etc. If I decide to get one, it'll be the most expensive rifle in the safe by a large margin, so if this black gun can't hit the field and dispatch some varmints effectively, I know I won't be happy with it as a range queen.

Besides...my marriage might not survive an almost $3,000 gun purchase..so if it's throwing shotgun-like patterns at 100 yards, no need taking the chance. And yes, I read the recent XCR accuracy thread. :)

Thanks for taking a moment to reply.
 
I was posting in another thread about the possibility of an XCR in 6.5 Grendel and another member showed us some pictures of his accurized XCR in .223. It seemed to be shooting some nice groups.

The thread: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?883958-6-5-Grendel-XCR&p=8410090#post8410090

The pictures:

photo9988_zps214c2b5d.jpg


photoggg_zps10a13b8a.jpg


His isn't stock, obviously, but if it's something you really want to do it is possible.
 
I sold my very accurate XCR-L 223 Rem because it was cheaper than getting a divorce ;)
Seriously, it's a great rifle with a better than AR15 trigger and mine was very accurate with better than 1 MOA 5 shot group at 100 yards with Hornady TAP-FDP 60gr 223 Rem ammo.

The only big downsides to the XCR are:
  • somewhat expensive compared to a good AR15 (2300$ vs 1600$)
  • heavy compared to an AR15 (10+ lbs vs 7 lbs)
  • it's not an AR15
I finally sold my rifle when I realized that I was only shooting it 500 rounds per year!
It comes down to how much disposable income do you have?
The XCR-L is an excellent (and different) rifle.
I'd rather be shooting a less expensive and more accurate 243 Win bolt action rifle with almost twice the effective range for varminting.

I can't afford to own a rifle (a motorcycle, a boat or a car that I don't use)!

Alex
 
Sounds like a very expensive accuracy downgrade to me. If you have a tack driving bolt action then why switch to a much less accurate and far more expensive semi? I love mine but have no delusions of it being a precision rifle. If hunting is the goal, there are better options. The Benelli MR1 is the most reliable .223 semi Ive ever owned and they can run with SAN rifles in the accuracy department. Infact I'd call them an uglier, less ergonomic and less user-friendly version of a SAN. Reliability and accuracy are above its price range. Mount a scope and bipod and youre on your way to varmageddon.
 
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