HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST XCR
The XCR is offered in so many different calibers and configurations that it’s difficult for some to choose which XCR to buy first. This purpose of this post is to help you choose your first XCR.
The first thing to do is to choose which caliber and barrel length you want for your application. We don’t have ballistic data for the calibers and barrel lengths. However, you can find data on the web which is generally applicable. Next, choose the model that is suggested for the caliber and barrel length you want.
NOTE: IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN XCR WITH A BARREL LESS THAN 16″ IN LENGTH OR AN OVERALL LENGTH LESS THAN 26″, READ THIS.
XCR-LIGHT (XCR-L)
The XCR-L is available in and convertible to the following calibers: 5.56, .300 BLK, 7.62×39, 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel, .224 Valkyrie, 5.45×39, and 6mm ARC and .22 ARC, and .338 ARC. It is available in 5 basic models based on the length of the upper receiver. These lengths from shortest to longest are: Micro, Mini, Standard, Mid and Competition.
XCR-L Micro and Mini
The XCR-L Micro and Mini are our most compact XCR-L models. They both are designed to accept 7.5” barrels. Their overall length is the same (about 18.25” with the stock or arm brace folded). The only difference is the Micro has a shorter upper receiver which exposes the gas block; and the Mini has a longer upper which covers the gas block. The gas block on either can be adjusted with the tip of a cartridge.
Calibers that work well with the Micro and Mini are 5.56, .300 BLK, and 7.62×39. Note: If you want a longer barrel now or in the future, you are better off buying the Standard model.
Also, if you want to shoot subsonic ammo in these models with a 7.5″ barrel, you are going to need a suppressor for reliable cycling. You should not use a suppressor with supersonic ammo with the 7.5″ barrel unless you have a suppressor with little or no backpressure.
XCR-L Mini with 7.5″ Barrel
XCR-L Standard
The XCR-L Standard is our most flexible configuration. We offer it in the following barrel lengths: 9.5, 11, 12, 14.7, 16, and 18.6 inches. It works with all the calibers we offer, but some barrel lengths may not work well with all calibers. For the 9.5 inch barrels or to shoot subsonic .300 BLK or .338ARC ammo, a shorter gas system is required that puts the gas block inside the Upper (Buried). For barrels longer than 9.5 inch, it is best to use a longer gas system which puts the gas block outside the Upper (Exposed). Whether the gas block is buried or exposed, you can adjust the gas block without removing the barrel.
XCR-L Standard with 9.5″ Barrel (Short Gas System)
XCR-L Standard with 11″ Barrel
XCR-L Standard with 16″ Barrel
XCR-L Mid
The XCR-L Mid is similar to the Standard model except the upper receiver is longer and covers the gas block. It was designed so that only the muzzle device of a 12″ barrel extends beyond the upper. It can accept 12, 14.7, 16, and 18.6 inch barrels in all the calibers we offer for the XCR-L. It can also accept the short gas system necessary to shoot subsonic sonic ammo like .300 BLK and .338 ARC.
XCR-L Mid with 12″ Barrel
XCR-L Mid with 16″ Barrel
XCR-L Competition
The XCR-L Competition is similar to the Standard model except the upper receiver is longer and covers the gas block. it is called a “competition” because it has a longer upper designed for those who compete in matches supporting the rifle with and extended arm. In all other respects, it is like the XCR-L Standard model. It uses the same barrels as the Standard, except the shortest barrel offered with it is 14.7 inches long. it’s also available in 16″ and 18.6″ barrel lengths.
XCR-L Competition with 14.7″ Barrel
XCR-MEDIUM (XCR-M)
The XCR-M is available in and convertible to .308 (7.62 NATO), 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 WIN, .260 REM, and 8.6 Blackout. It is available in 5 basic models based on the length of the upper receiver. These lengths from shortest to longest are: Micro, Mini, Standard, Mid, and Competition.
XCR-M Micro and Mini
The XCR-M Micro and Mini are our most compact XCR-M models. They both are designed to accept 9.5 inch barrels. However, the gas block is exposed on the Micro and covered on the Mini because it has a longer upper. ( Note: It’s not recommended to use suppressors with 9.5-inch barrels unless you exclusively plan to use subsonic ammunition or have a suppressor designed for minimal backpressure. This is because the shorter barrel combined with a suppressor can lead to increased gas pressure, potentially causing excessive wear or damaging your firearm.)
The Mini upper is more flexible because it can also accept 9.5, 12,13, 14.7,16, and 18.6 inch barrels in all the XCR-M calibers.
XCR-M Micro with 9.5″ Barrel
XCR-M Mini with 9.5″ Barrel
XCR-M Mini with 12″ Barrel
XCR-M Mini with 16″ Barrel
XCR-M Standard
The XCR-M Standard can accept 14.7, 16, 18.6, and 20 inch barrels and shoot all the calibers we offer, except 8.6 Blackout. The gas blocks for all these barrel lengths are outside the upper receiver (Exposed).
XCR-M Standard with 16″ Barrel
XCR-M Mid
The XCR-M Mid was designed so that only the muzzle device of a 12″ barrel extends beyond the upper. It can accept barrel lengths of 12, 14.7, 16, 18.6, and 20 inches. It’s available in all the XCR-M Calibers.
XCR-M Mid with 12″ Barrel
XCR-M Mid with 16″ Barrel
XCR-M Competition
The XCR-M Competition is similar to the Standard model except the upper receiver is longer and covers the gas block. Also, like the Standard model, it can fire all the calibers we offer. It uses the same barrels as the Standard, except the shortest barrel offered with it is 14.7 inches due to the longer length of the upper.
XCR-M Competition with 16″ Barrel
NFA
All NFA Rules Apply.