The AR-15 is the most-sold rifle in America for compelling reasons, like excellent ergonomics, modularity, accuracy and reliability, yet the platform has a few notable shortcomings. If you want to change out your barrel, for example, the process is cumbersome. Additionally, the gas system is non-adjustable, which precludes tuning for optimal reliability, and finally, the buttstock typically can’t be folded because it contains the buffer assembly.
The Robinson Armament XCR addresses these drawbacks while ceding nothing to the AR on ergonomics, versatility, accuracy or reliability.
The XCR is made in two categories: the “L” version is available in nine calibers and uses AR-15 magazines, while the “M” version allows for larger, more-powerful cartridges. Within each of these categories are choices of stocks, barrels, muzzle devices and colors. The models and options may even seem confusing at first, but the company can of course offer guidance. Moreover, the XCR’s modular construction allows easy reconfiguration if your needs change. (You’ll need to check the legality for each potential configuration and use in your area, including ATF guidelines.)
The XCR-L Standard Tactical Rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO is the subject of this review. It weighs less than eight pounds and has a 16-inch, light-profile barrel and shorter fore-end to reduce weight and to make the rifle quicker to point on target. Extended, it measures from about 34 to 37 inches; with the stock folded, it shrinks to 27.5 inches, which allows it to fit discreetly into a carry case.
The 5.56 NATO cartridge is affordable to shoot and available in a wide range of loads; plus, the XCR’s chamber is cut to .223 Wylde dimensions, making it safe to use with .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO loads. Wylde chambers also tend to yield better accuracy than 5.56 NATO-specification chambers.
Though the AR-15 allows for caliber changes by switching the entire upper receiver, the XCR’s system is far more flexible because the barrel alone can be removed using only a single Allen wrench. Thus, a 5.56 NATO-caliber rifle can be transformed into one of eight other calibers or three other barrel lengths in less than five minutes by switching the barrel and, depending on the caliber, the bolt and magazine. If you’re changing the length of the gas system, a new operating rod and gas tube may also be required. Such multi-caliber capability without a need for special tools or even a vise allows caliber changes that could significantly alter the ballistic performance of your XCR without buying another upper (changing from 5.56 NATO to 6 ARC, for instance), allowing you to easily adapt the gun to varying purposes.
Perhaps the XCR’s best feature is its adjustable gas system, which affords optimal reliability over a wide range of loads or when using a sound suppressor. Like many firearms, the XCR uses the small amount of gas generated by the fired cartridge to cycle the action, but, unlike most, the amount of gas bled off the barrel can be adjusted by turning a dial with settings numbered 0-7. My rifle functioned perfectly at setting 4, but I could select a higher number for shooting underpowered ammo (and thus needing more gas to cycle the rifle) or a lower number for attaching a sound suppressor (which increases barrel back-pressure). Another benefit is shooter comfort—dialing in your pressure means you don’t have to suffer more perceived recoil than what’s strictly necessary to power the rounds you’re using.
All XCRs have aluminum receivers with a hard-coat anodized finish and a layer of Cerakote for added protection. Except for the stainless piston, all steel parts are parkerized to resist corrosion and barrels are chrome-lined to military specifications, which extends their service life.
The XCR’s controls are ergonomic for both left- and right-handed shooters. The magazine-release buttons and safety levers are bilaterally mounted, with the latter having a 60-degree throw for rapid switching compared to 90 degrees on most AR-15s. The ambidextrous bolt catch/release is located just ahead of the trigger guard, easily accessed by your trigger finger. It raises automatically after the last round from the magazine is fired and locks the bolt rearward; depressing it allows the bolt to move forward and close the action. The non-reciprocating charging handle is on the left, but left-handed shooters can access it while maintaining a firing grip by sweeping their right hand under the rifle and pulling rearward.
The FAST 2 aluminum stock is thoughtfully engineered right down to a rubber pad that protects the finish on the rifle’s receiver when the stock is folded. It folds rightward and below the ejection port, allowing “fire-when-folded” capability, which might only matter if you’re in extreme close quarters. The stock length has six settings, and comb height can be adjusted to align your eye with the sights by moving the cheekpiece or the entire stock at the hinge. You’ll also value this stock’s near-zero wobble compared to most adjustable AR-15 stocks. A sole QD socket is on the bottom of the stock’s hinge to mount a sling. Robinson Armament sells three types of stocks and you need only one Allen wrench to swap them. (The FAST 3 stock offers more attachment options.) If you install its 1913 rail adapter, the XCR can also be fitted with numerous aftermarket stocks.
The XCR’s smooth, two-stage trigger makes precision shooting easier. Once on target, press the trigger through the first stage, then pause to make final sighting corrections before pressing the trigger until the break. Overall trigger pull weight measured at less than four pounds in my test and there was no overtravel.
Muzzle brakes are intended to reduce perceived recoil and muzzle rise. The standard XCR one vents laterally, so if you’re planning to use it on a shared firing line, you could replace that with an A-2 style flash suppressor, which directs most of the blast downrange. The barrel is threaded, so the switch is easy.
In testing, the XCR proved accurate with the average of all five-shot, 100-yard groups fired off a rest measuring 1.28 inches, using a mix of five standard and match loads. Light-profile, chrome-lined barrels often don’t group that well. Note that the smallest average group of 0.86 inches was with Sig Sauer 77-grain OTM match ammo; however, I shot this load using a barrel with a 1:9 twist and a three-chamber muzzle brake instead of the 1:8-twist two-chambered brake barrel I used for the others.
If you’re looking to trade up from an AR-15, the Robinson Armament XCR is serious firearm worth a serious look. Its design evinces attention to detail, modularity allowing easy reconfiguration and many useful features that both casual and professional users will appreciate.
