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| Robinson Armament XCR | |
|---|---|
 2004 Prototype CQB/SBR version of XCR |
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| Type | Automatic / Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin |  United States, Utah |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Alex J. Robinson |
| Designed | 2004 |
| Manufacturer | Robinson Armament Co. |
| Produced | 2006–Present |
| Variants | Carbine, CQB SBR, Marksman (SPR) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Length | 37.75" (Stock Extended); 27.4" (Stock Folded) |
| Barrel length |
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| Caliber | 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, 6.8 mm SPC, 6.5 mm Grendel, any other calibers that will fit a 5.56 mm envelope |
| Action | Gas-operated Kalashnikov type short-stroke piston/ Rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire |
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| Muzzle velocity | 792-990 m/s (2600-3250 ft/s) |
| Effective range | 300-600 m (328-656 yd), depending on configuration |
| Feed system | 30-round detachable box (5.56 variant) magazine, staggered-column magazine (STANAG compatible) |
| Sights | (Picatinny rail) |
The Robinson Armament Co. XCR is a multi-caliber, gas piston weapon system developed by Robinson Armament Co. for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SOF Combat Assault Rifle[1], or SCAR competition, but was disqualified on a technicality due to late delivery of blank firing adapters. Robinson Armament continued development and the XCR is now being offered to law enforcement, the military and general public. Deliveries of the rifle began in mid-2006.
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Overview
The XCR utilizes a heavy duty bolt and extractor connected to an AK-47 type gas piston. The bolt and extractor are designed and patented by Robinson Arms, and promoted as offering higher performance over M16/M4 type bolts. Other features include a folding stock which eases storage space consumption and deploying from a vehicle, though M4 Carbine style stocks for those who prefer length of pull adjustments; it also has a monolithic top Picatinny rail with side and under-barrel rails, and forward assist integrated into left-side charging handle. Approximately 3,000 XCR carbines have been sold since its introduction in 2006.
Caliber Conversions
The XCR is a multi-caliber weapon system. The base platform is chambered in 5.56x45 NATO. Conversions are easily achieved by changing to the appropriately chambered barrel and bolt, and can be done in two to three minutes with typical household tools. 6.8 Remington SPC and 7.62x39 are the current conversion kits available. 6.5 Grendel is scheduled for future release.
The XCR can be converted to various calibers and barrel lengths within a few minutes due to the modular design without the need for a trained armorer.
In addition to conversion kits, factory guns in the alternate calibers are also sold.
Operating Mechanism
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The XCR employs a Kalashnikov type, gas operated action with the bolt carrier attached to a short-stroke gas piston; the gas chamber is located above the barrel.
The proprietary bolt is a three-lug design that locks onto the barrel extension leaving the upper receiver unstressed. There is no need to check the headspace when changing barrels. A steel fixed ejector is attached to the inside of the receiver, held in place by two bolts. The manufacturer claims this design provides stronger ejection than what is offered on the AR-15’s spring loaded ejector design. The ejection pattern is to the two o'clock position of the operator, with an optimum distance of 15ft to 20ft depending on ammunition type and gas setting.
Magazines are STANAG 4179 type.
Upper and Lower Receiver
The upper receiver is made from extruded anodized aluminum, and non-stressed. It features a non-reciprocating charging handle on left side which also acts as a forward assist.
The quad rail system is integrated into the upper receiver and compatible with most 1913 picatinny devices. The top rail is monolithic and 17” long, providing a rigid, uninterrupted plane for mounting optics and BUIS (Backup Iron Sights); the 3, 6, and 9 O'clock Position Rails are 8" long.
Developments
Since its introduction in 2006, the XCR has been refined to address feedback from customers which highlighted areas were the gun needed to be improved.
- The firing pin has been redesigned and made more robust.
- A 2nd generation adjustable gas system has been introduced. Not only is it more reliable because there are less parts to work loose, but it is also tool-less.
- The first few hundred XCR's shipped with YHM back up iron sights (BUIS). The most recent iteration ships either without BUIS or with BUIS designed by Midwest Industries, which are generally regarded as superior in design and aesthetics when compared to their YHM predecessors.
- Robinson Armament is currently researching and developing a stock with similar functionality and practicality to that found on the FN SCAR and Bushmaster ACR. This stock will be unique to the XCR, and will feature adjustments for both length of pull and cheek height/weld.
- The XCR's hammer was updated in July 2008 concurrent with the release of the 7.62x39 rifles/kits. The new heavier design allows the XCR to ignite some newer Wolf 7.62x39 ammunition made with extra-hard primers.
Availability
The Robinson Arms XCR is currently available as a factory gun in 5.56x45 NATO, 6.8 Remington SPC and 7.62x39. The XCR price can vary depending on configuration, averaging between $1,400 and $1,600 for semi-automatic versions. Select fire military and law enforcement models are also available.
See also
References
- ^ SOF is an abbreviation for Special Operations Forces.
External links
- Robinson Arm website
- XCR Online Discussion Forum
- RA XCR webpage
- Gallery of photos the XCR at RA website
- XCR MODULAR WEAPON SYSTEM REJECTION
- Modern Firearms Page
- XCR review
- Defense Review prototype overview
