REVIEW: Robinson Armament Co. XCR-L

Multi-caliber weapons. What do they really bring? The advantage is obvious: when the ammunition runs out, simply convert your own weapon with a few easy steps and parts so you can utilize the enemy's resources - invaluable behind enemy lines. But even for the civilian market, a modular weapon that can quickly switch barrels and calibers is not uninteresting. In recent weeks, we had the opportunity to test the XCR-L from Robinson Armament, which is a true insider tip.After the attacks on the World Trade Center, the U.S. military wanted a modular rifle that could be used as an assault rifle, light machine gun, or DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle). The platform should remain the same, with the ability to change calibers. Such a weapon was planned for use by special forces in Afghanistan. A tender followed, in which Robinson Armament was also involved - however, this tender was later canceled.

Soon after, the program was resumed under the name "Special Forces Combat Assault Rifle - SCAR". The development of the SCAR began in 2003, and since 2009, the FN SCAR from Belgium has been in use. The models MK16 or SCAR-L (5.56x45) and the MK17 / SCAR-H (7.62x51) were modular and interchangeable with many parts, but the caliber could not be changed, although it was planned - the necessary conversion kits were missing, and were made available five years after issue.

However, the development of the XCR was not stopped after this setback, but rather continued to advance for the civilian market. The CEO, Alex Robinson, was never a fan of the AR-15 platform, so he consistently pursued his goal of building the perfect weapon.

The XCR comes in two variants: the XCR-L and the XCR-M. The L stands for Light and the M for Medium. The Light model, in addition to the standard caliber 5.56x45mm NATO, can also accommodate with the appropriate conversion parts 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm, 6.8mm Remington SPC, .300 Blackout, and 6.5 Grendel. The M model can be operated with 7.62x51mm NATO, .260 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmore, and 6mm Creedmore.

But that's not all: besides the different calibers, you then have to decide whether you want a regular fixed stock or a folding stock. In addition, there is the barrel, which on the XCR-L can be selected from 10.5" to 20". The Medium variant covers 10.5" to 18.6". All of these barrels are also available as "bull-barrel" or lightweight versions. Of course, in addition to the proven Quadrail forend, you can also choose a Keymod forend. M-Lok is not and will not be available.

The overall length of both models with a barrel length of 16.75" is 940mm with the stock retracted and can be reduced to 720mm with the folding stock. The weight ranges between 3.4 KG - 4.2 KG, depending on the configuration (Keymod/Quadrail/Caliber/Barrel).

The XCR system is based on the AK-47 - a gas-operated with a 3-lug bolt. This system and the extremely effective compensator/muzzle brake with 5/8x24 thread provide an extremely low-recoil shooting behavior - both with the already gentle .223 caliber and the stronger .308 Winchester.

The barrel is secured with just one screw in front of the magazine well and can be quickly removed, making barrel changes a breeze.

This benefits both the ambitious sports shooter, who can cover multiple disciplines from dynamic to precision with just one firearm registration, as well as security forces/military, who can quickly convert the weapon from a DMR rifle to a CQB weapon.

After removing the barrel, one must briefly open the rifle via a single button near the shoulder stock, remove the bolt and buffer tube, and when using a shorter barrel, use the corresponding gas tube. When changing calibers, another bolt is used.

But where, besides caliber/barrel changes, would be the real improvement over the well-known AR15 platform that Mr. Robinson is so opposed to?

These improvements come in the form of factory-installed ambidextrous controls for safety, bolt, and magazine release. The safety and magazine release are where you know them and could not be better placed, just on both sides.

The bolt can be locked and released from both sides in the lower area of the trigger guard.

The typical AR charging handle in front of the face is also eliminated and is the only element that is only on the left side.

It is found in the form of a large and grippable button opposite the cartridge eject. The positioning allows for charging without having to take the weapon out of the shoulder stock and also serves as a forward assist. The charging handle does not move during firing.

By the way, you can use any AR-15 compatible magazine for ammunition feeding, and for the Medium version, according to the SR25/LR308 schema. We tested standard metal magazines and Magpul PMags, all of which functioned smoothly.

Our first impression on the firing range can best be described as absolute speechlessness. The expected and familiar recoil of the AR15 or the slightly stronger kick of the AR10 was completely absent. It was almost as if we had removed the magazine and tested with a small caliber...

The precision of the XCR does not need to hide behind other semi-automatics and achieves repeatable groupings of 23-35mm depending on the ammunition used with a 16.75" barrel.

However, the XCR really shines with fast target transitions and dynamic disciplines, due to the lack of recoil. The weapon stays on target and rapid follow-up shots are no problem even for less experienced shooters. The standard trigger does a good job, breaking clean with a deliberate slight pretravel that is intentionally undefined.

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
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