RA XCR Rifle

[Arsyx]

Just recently I laid eyes on the Robinson Arms XCR rifle and I'm positive it will be my second rifle now. I hear good stories and the rifle is just flat out sexy. I did some e-shopping and noticed that it comes chambered in either the standard 5.56 or the new(to me) 6.8 SPC. I've never really heard of this round and I have some questions about it...

-How expensive is the 6.8SPC compared to the 5.56?

-What are it's advantages and disadvantages?

-Do you guys see the round being readily available for purchase for many years to come?

-This last question might be dumb but which round is it more similar to the 5.56 or the 7.62?

 

[Baron357]

The XCR is damn sexy, as far as caliber I would stick with 5.56 or wait for the 7.62 which I think they are developing as we speak. The 6.8 is from what I know a split between the 5.56 and the 7.62. More power and bigger bullet then the 5.56 but not as big and heavy (easier to carry and less recoil) as the 7.62. I have not shot a 6.8 but from what I have read, seen and heard it is not going to change the world. The 6.5 Grendel seems to be more effective but the shape of the casing is horrible.

The 6.8 is harder to find and much more expensive then 5.56. This may change in the future but unless the military was to adopt the 6.8 it will never be as available or as cheap as 5.56/.223.

Again IMO stick with the 5.56 or wait for the 7.62.

 

[Hauptmann]

You will enjoy the XCR if you get one. I love mine.

The 6.8 SPC is a new cartridge designed to created the best possible damage potential from 0-500 meters using the AR-15/M16 sized weapons platform. Does it do it?.....yes it does. It behaves like a large 5.56 round which rapidly yaws, tumbles, and fragments only it can to this at velocities as low as 2100fps. When it comes to wounding capability, neither the 5.56, 5.45x39, 7.62x39, or the new 6.5 Grendel can compare to the 6.8 SPC. The best way to think of the 6.8 SPC is that it is a modernized 7.62x39 which has the heavy momentum of the 7.62, but the powerful terminal effects of the 5.56.

Ammunition is harder to find locally, but easy to get ahold of online. The best maker of the 6.8 is Silver State Armory, followed by Hornady, followed by Remington. Also, Wolf is tooling up for making the 6.8 as well.

http://www.ssarmory.com/6.8_spc_ammo.aspx

So, which should you get? It depends on what your needs are. The 6.8 is going to be a better all around battle cartridge, but it is more expensive and harder to find. The 5.56 is easy to get ahold of, and it is going to be quite lethal if you use good ammunition such as 75gr Hornady TAP. More so than the 7.62x39. My advice is to get the XCR in 5.56. I keep several thousand rounds of 55gr XM193 ammuntion for range work and SHTF on hand, but I usually use 75gr Hornady TAP ammunition for serious defensive needs. The Hornady load is probably the best overall round you can get for the 5.56 at this time.

My XCR is in 5.56, but I plan to get a 6.8 SPC conversion next spring. I'm sure I'll switch back and forth between the two conversions.

 

[Arsyx]

I figured the round would be really costly. I'm most likely going to buy the XCR-L in 5.56 rather than wait for what I heard was the XCR-H chambered in .308 because I can't imagine that can keep the same dimensions with the much larger caliber, kind of like the SCAR.

 

[everallm]

Just as a clarifying point.

The XCR current format (XCR-L) will be able to move between 5.56, 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62x39 with a barrel, bolt and magazine change, same upper, same lower.

The XCR-M in 7.62 NATO will be a different lower (mag well size difference for a start) and MAY need a different upper. There will probably be fewer calibre variants in the M as the magwell for the 7.62 NATO is not going to be able to accomodate say a 416 Barret or a 408 Chey-Tac

 

[LoadedDrum]

Get the 5.56 version and buy the conversion later.

 

[GunNut]

The XCR is one sweet looking semi-auto, and is on my wish list.

I'd stick with 5.56 for now, as you can always buy the conversion barrel for the 6.8spc later.

 

[hobgob]

I've been lookin at the xcr too! the whole package seems pretty damn sweet to me. i've read some worries about whether or not the rifle will be around for a while though, some say it may go the way of the robinson vepr. im not sure, i like the rifle and a recent article in guns and ammo supported the company whole heartedly. so im savin up for one and will prolly get one. if you get one soon, let me know how you like it!

 

[everallm]

As an FYI, there is an XCR forum up and running with those of us who have fallen for this little beauty. This also has info on who may have the best price for you as well as do's, don't and gotcha's.

www.xcrforum.com

One part that I find impressive is that Alex Robinson and others working at Robinson Arms are frequent posters and give timely and useful responses to queries, feedback and requests for enhancements.

With regard to the VEPR, RA were the importers/distributers for this but had issues with the manufacturers support etc, response from RA below.

http://xcrforum.com/index.php?topic=67.0

I admit I love my my XCR and am looking forward to hiding my purchase of the 6.5 Grendel conversion from "she who must be obeyed"....