thinking of a XCR - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

devilslayer · 11-24-2007, 01:23 AM

its been over a year now since its been released right? how are they doing? i will have three ar's soon so i was thinking about geting something alittle diffirent and it would be cool to have something that takes ar mags and 5.56.

i was thinking either the kel-tec-su-16 or maybe if i could swing it a fs2000 or maybe a 5.56 ak...but then the XCR caught my eye and just wonderd what your guys thoughts were on it.

**Badshot** · 11-24-2007, 05:37 AM

Reviews are favorable, most folks I know who own one really like theirs and aren't getting rid of them. And the XCR has been out far longer than a year

Have you thought about getting a Piston upper from LWRC or POF?

**eric_t12** · 11-24-2007, 06:17 AM

Bushy also has a GP upper. mine is outstanding!

about 1000 bucks, but i like it. th eonly thing i dont like is i still have to live with the "buffer tube-equipped" stock, which the XCR does not.

EricCartmann · 11-24-2007, 10:26 AM

Overall I am happy with mine. But I think it is fair to inform you what you are getting into:

1) Pricey, at about $1550 with Sites, price is on par with a Colt 6920 with quality rails and BUIS.

2) Changes has already been made since they first came out. New firing pin (not sure why this is), new no tools adjustable gas system (this is a good thing, but sucks for those like me that has the old gas system). And also a new trigger is in the works.

3) Trigger is awful compared to a regular AR. Some guys don't mind it, but for me I don't really like it. Supposedly it gets better with break in. Right now my XCR trigger feels like a DAO Sig trigger. I am going to give her another 500 rounds to break in, if no improvement then off to get a trigger job. Sucks that I have to pay to do this as it should come decent from the factory. All I ask for is a standard single stage trigger like the ones on my AR's.

4) Needs a break in period. I hate guns that need a break in period. I can understand match guns needing this as they have tight tolerances and you are willing to take the time to break in a competition rifle. But a break in period for a battle rifle? XCR recommends hot ammo (such as AE or M855) and #4 gas setting for the first 300 rounds.

5) Longevity? Not sure how the XCR will hold up over time. Colts and Bushmasters have been known to go trouble free for 20k rounds.

Now for the good:
1) Price. $1550 complete with backup iron sites. This is a good deal for a monolithic piston driven railed upper complete weapon. Pistons seems to be all the rage now. SCAR's, Masada's, POF, HK416's, XCR's etc. It is estimated that SCAR's and Masada's will go for about $1800. The HK currently goes for about $5k, and a POF upper alone goes for more than a complete XCR. So the XCR pricewise got all these beat.

2) Quick Multi caliber changes. This is the main reaon I bough an XCR. XCR allows you to change calibers for cheap. You can use the same weapon, all you need is a bolt and barrel swap (which you can easily do yourself without a gunsmith). I am dying to try out the 7.62x39 commie round in my XCR. I truly believe the 7.62 is the best round for anything under 200 yards. I like AK's but the ergos and sites are all effed up. Also I kinda want to try both the 6.8 SPC and the 6.5 Grendal rounds. The SPC supposedly is AK like but goes to 400 yards. The grendal is subsonic past 1000 yards! So it is the best for long range duty. With the XCR I can have basicaly 4 weapons for the price of one well built weapon (about $3200: $1500 for complete 5.56 rifle, and $550 each for the other 3 caliber conversion kits).

3) Adjustable gas system allows you to suppress your weapons easier, and helps ease recoil at a light setting.

4) Nice recoil. Believe it or not, XCR has less recoil than an AR! I even have mine at the highest setting (#4, for break in) and even at this setting recoil is slightly better than an AR.

5) Runs cooler and cleaner than an AR. This is why Piston driven weapons are being sought after. We want a weapon to run longer between cleans and run cooler. In general, cooler means more reliable. As for cleaning, at about 200 rounds the AR is absolutely filthy while an XCR just needs a wipedown.

6) Great customer service. I have not had to use Robinson Support yet but so far the reviews have been positive. Check www.xcrforum.com. For the most part people are happy with their XCR's, but if they need support, Robinson seems to providing excellent customer support.

If you want a reasonably priced one piece railed upper piston driven weapon or if you want something a little different to go along with your AR's, the XCR is for you.

**Badshot** · 11-24-2007, 11:19 AM

Nice detail Eric.. one small note, the Masada is going to be far closer to $1200-1600 config depending. That's verbatim from MagPul and my FFL

devilslayer · 11-25-2007, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badshot

Reviews are favorable, most folks I know who own one really like theirs and aren't getting rid of them. And the XCR has been out far longer than a year

Have you thought about getting a Piston upper from LWRC or POF?

not looking to get a rifle just because it has a piston. im more looking into buying something diffirent.. i have no trouble with the AR's Direct impingement system.

it would just be so much more simple if it was in 5.56 and took ar mags..plus everyone has a AR now adays..i want something alittle more exotic

Martens · 11-25-2007, 02:32 PM

I've had mine for 18 months or longer now and use it as my primary duty gun as it is the best .223 I have ever shot.

I've got 5K through it at least and probably closer to 8K or more. It is showing minor finish wear on the bolt and a little on the bolt carrier.

The trigger does indeed loosen up after about 500 rounds and I bent the legs of the hammer spring slightly and this lightened a bit further. Now it is as good as any stock AR trigger I have ever shot. I slapped a scope on it and passed sniper quals at work using wolf ammo.

Customer service has been good and mine was part of the recall. They sent the new parts to my FFL with a prepaid return package.

If you can work on an AR then this will seem very simple. I like that I can totally strip the gas system when I want and clean every bit of it--very FAL like. I also like that the gas valve can be cleaned with a 1/4 inch bit, a very nice touch by RA.

I have all of the stock options and have settled on the fixed, slider, with a CTR stock. I really liked the factory folder and it fit me great in normal uniform but was about 1/2 to 3/4 inch too long in tac gear. I hear they are working on a SCAR stock which if it is as nice as the factory, I am sure I will add.

I am on the fence about adding the new gas valve. I keep a 5/8 wrench in my range box and its not a big feal to switch to match a load. Once set, forget about it. For tinkering or suppressed, the new one may be worth it. The old one works great for a duty gun IMHO.

I have shortened the barrel to 14.7 and fixed the A2 on it and it is much handier. I think this should be a factory option, but it only cost $50 for the local gunsmith to do.

Recoil is definitely less than an AR. I forget how much less until I picked up a S&W MP15 a couple months ago and it almost "hurt." Not really, but it recoiled noticeably more. My gas is set on 4 as well and it is still a lot less. I have gone as low as 1 and recoil drops a little further, but it wouldn't consistently lock back on an empty mag, although it always functioned 100%.

The gun will feed anything and from any mag. I routinely on range days will take mags that jam up AR's and try them in my XCR. They always work as long as the mag can lift the bullet.

I think it is pretty amazing that they have the 6.8 and 6.5 kits already on the market, especially for a relatively small company. I think the pace of new products over the last year has been pretty good and faster than a lot of companies. From what I can gather, the only thing holding up the 7.62 x 39 is C-Products getting the mags to market.

I would not hesitate to recommend the gun to anyone.

devilslayer · 11-26-2007, 05:55 AM

hmmmm alot to digest..

HARD HEART · 11-26-2007, 09:52 PM

This is only my second post but don't let that fool ya. Great replies by the other XCR owners. I've only shot about 1500 rounds through mine so far but I can't say I love this rifle enough. I have my gas setting at #2 now, it shoots soft, kicks the brass about 12 feet and I don't mind leaving it alone. The only glitch I've had was with the safety. It would almost become inoperable. I would take the Houge grip(aftermarket) off, look at it and put it back together, then it worked. That happened a couple times but it seems to have worked it's way through it. I buy the cheapo surplus mags and they all work fine. I can't wait to get the 7.62x39 parts. (not looking farward to buying special mags though) For this rifle I will bite the bullet.
I trust this rifle..nuff said

Martens · 11-27-2007, 06:56 AM

You might check and make sure the hole in the grip for the safety spring is the same depth as the factory one. It was not on my Ergo grip and caused the safety to be very very stiff to the point of not working. I trimmed the spring to where it had the same exposed length as with the factory grip and it has worked perfect ever since.

11-24-2007, 01:23 AM	#1
devilslayer XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,066	thinking of a XCR its been over a year now since its been released right? how are they doing? i will have three ar's soon so i was thinking about geting something alittle diffirent and it would be cool to have something that takes ar mags and 5.56. i was thinking either the kel-tec-su-16 or maybe if i could swing it a fs2000 or maybe a 5.56 ak...but then the XCR caught my eye and just wonderd what your guys thoughts were on it.

11-24-2007, 06:17 AM	#3
eric_t12 XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SD Posts: 3,635	Bushy also has a GP upper. mine is outstanding! about 1000 bucks, but i like it. th eonly thing i dont like is i still have to live with the "buffer tube-equipped" stock, which the XCR does not. __________________ FBI: Gun Owners are Potential Terrorists Our Economic Future: GAO 21st Century Challenges The Police Have No Duty To Protect You VFW Life Member GOA Life Member

11-24-2007, 11:19 AM	#5
Badshot XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,430	Nice detail Eric.. one small note, the Masada is going to be far closer to $1200-1600 config depending. That's verbatim from MagPul and my FFL __________________ --------------------- Stupidity should should be painful! On AR15's: Learn to use your Iron Sights before you go adding all that extra crap on your gun!

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11-24-2007, 05:37 AM	#2
Badshot XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,430	Reviews are favorable, most folks I know who own one really like theirs and aren't getting rid of them. And the XCR has been out far longer than a year Have you thought about getting a Piston upper from LWRC or POF? __________________ --------------------- Stupidity should should be painful! On AR15's: Learn to use your Iron Sights before you go adding all that extra crap on your gun!

11-24-2007, 10:26 AM	#4
EricCartmann XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: My Mom's Basement Posts: 1,398	Overall I am happy with mine. But I think it is fair to inform you what you are getting into: 1) Pricey, at about $1550 with Sites, price is on par with a Colt 6920 with quality rails and BUIS. 2) Changes has already been made since they first came out. New firing pin (not sure why this is), new no tools adjustable gas system (this is a good thing, but sucks for those like me that has the old gas system). And also a new trigger is in the works. 3) Trigger is awful compared to a regular AR. Some guys don't mind it, but for me I don't really like it. Supposedly it gets better with break in. Right now my XCR trigger feels like a DAO Sig trigger. I am going to give her another 500 rounds to break in, if no improvement then off to get a trigger job. Sucks that I have to pay to do this as it should come decent from the factory. All I ask for is a standard single stage trigger like the ones on my AR's. 4) Needs a break in period. I hate guns that need a break in period. I can understand match guns needing this as they have tight tolerances and you are willing to take the time to break in a competition rifle. But a break in period for a battle rifle? XCR recommends hot ammo (such as AE or M855) and #4 gas setting for the first 300 rounds. 5) Longevity? Not sure how the XCR will hold up over time. Colts and Bushmasters have been known to go trouble free for 20k rounds. Now for the good: 1) Price. $1550 complete with backup iron sites. This is a good deal for a monolithic piston driven railed upper complete weapon. Pistons seems to be all the rage now. SCAR's, Masada's, POF, HK416's, XCR's etc. It is estimated that SCAR's and Masada's will go for about $1800. The HK currently goes for about $5k, and a POF upper alone goes for more than a complete XCR. So the XCR pricewise got all these beat. 2) Quick Multi caliber changes. This is the main reaon I bough an XCR. XCR allows you to change calibers for cheap. You can use the same weapon, all you need is a bolt and barrel swap (which you can easily do yourself without a gunsmith). I am dying to try out the 7.62x39 commie round in my XCR. I truly believe the 7.62 is the best round for anything under 200 yards. I like AK's but the ergos and sites are all effed up. Also I kinda want to try both the 6.8 SPC and the 6.5 Grendal rounds. The SPC supposedly is AK like but goes to 400 yards. The grendal is subsonic past 1000 yards! So it is the best for long range duty. With the XCR I can have basicaly 4 weapons for the price of one well built weapon (about $3200: $1500 for complete 5.56 rifle, and $550 each for the other 3 caliber conversion kits). 3) Adjustable gas system allows you to suppress your weapons easier, and helps ease recoil at a light setting. 4) Nice recoil. Believe it or not, XCR has less recoil than an AR! I even have mine at the highest setting (#4, for break in) and even at this setting recoil is slightly better than an AR. 5) Runs cooler and cleaner than an AR. This is why Piston driven weapons are being sought after. We want a weapon to run longer between cleans and run cooler. In general, cooler means more reliable. As for cleaning, at about 200 rounds the AR is absolutely filthy while an XCR just needs a wipedown. 6) Great customer service. I have not had to use Robinson Support yet but so far the reviews have been positive. Check www.xcrforum.com. For the most part people are happy with their XCR's, but if they need support, Robinson seems to providing excellent customer support. If you want a reasonably priced one piece railed upper piston driven weapon or if you want something a little different to go along with your AR's, the XCR is for you. Last edited by EricCartmann : 11-24-2007 at 10:40 AM.

11-25-2007, 02:32 PM	#7
Martens XDTalk Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 53	I've had mine for 18 months or longer now and use it as my primary duty gun as it is the best .223 I have ever shot. I've got 5K through it at least and probably closer to 8K or more. It is showing minor finish wear on the bolt and a little on the bolt carrier. The trigger does indeed loosen up after about 500 rounds and I bent the legs of the hammer spring slightly and this lightened a bit further. Now it is as good as any stock AR trigger I have ever shot. I slapped a scope on it and passed sniper quals at work using wolf ammo. Customer service has been good and mine was part of the recall. They sent the new parts to my FFL with a prepaid return package. If you can work on an AR then this will seem very simple. I like that I can totally strip the gas system when I want and clean every bit of it--very FAL like. I also like that the gas valve can be cleaned with a 1/4 inch bit, a very nice touch by RA. I have all of the stock options and have settled on the fixed, slider, with a CTR stock. I really liked the factory folder and it fit me great in normal uniform but was about 1/2 to 3/4 inch too long in tac gear. I hear they are working on a SCAR stock which if it is as nice as the factory, I am sure I will add. I am on the fence about adding the new gas valve. I keep a 5/8 wrench in my range box and its not a big feal to switch to match a load. Once set, forget about it. For tinkering or suppressed, the new one may be worth it. The old one works great for a duty gun IMHO. I have shortened the barrel to 14.7 and fixed the A2 on it and it is much handier. I think this should be a factory option, but it only cost $50 for the local gunsmith to do. Recoil is definitely less than an AR. I forget how much less until I picked up a S&W MP15 a couple months ago and it almost "hurt." Not really, but it recoiled noticeably more. My gas is set on 4 as well and it is still a lot less. I have gone as low as 1 and recoil drops a little further, but it wouldn't consistently lock back on an empty mag, although it always functioned 100%. The gun will feed anything and from any mag. I routinely on range days will take mags that jam up AR's and try them in my XCR. They always work as long as the mag can lift the bullet. I think it is pretty amazing that they have the 6.8 and 6.5 kits already on the market, especially for a relatively small company. I think the pace of new products over the last year has been pretty good and faster than a lot of companies. From what I can gather, the only thing holding up the 7.62 x 39 is C-Products getting the mags to market. I would not hesitate to recommend the gun to anyone.

11-26-2007, 05:55 AM	#8
devilslayer XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,066	hmmmm alot to digest..

11-26-2007, 09:52 PM	#9
HARD HEART XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 23	This is only my second post but don't let that fool ya. Great replies by the other XCR owners. I've only shot about 1500 rounds through mine so far but I can't say I love this rifle enough. I have my gas setting at #2 now, it shoots soft, kicks the brass about 12 feet and I don't mind leaving it alone. The only glitch I've had was with the safety. It would almost become inoperable. I would take the Houge grip(aftermarket) off, look at it and put it back together, then it worked. That happened a couple times but it seems to have worked it's way through it. I buy the cheapo surplus mags and they all work fine. I can't wait to get the 7.62x39 parts. (not looking farward to buying special mags though) For this rifle I will bite the bullet. I trust this rifle..nuff said

11-27-2007, 06:56 AM	#10
Martens XDTalk Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 53	You might check and make sure the hole in the grip for the safety spring is the same depth as the factory one. It was not on my Ergo grip and caused the safety to be very very stiff to the point of not working. I trimmed the spring to where it had the same exposed length as with the factory grip and it has worked perfect ever since.