Re: XCR-L vs SCAR-L
It's like 5:30 so forgive the spelling and grammer errors. This is just part one till I have both guns covered in detail.
FN brought the SCAR MK16 to a local dealer and I had a chance to put a few mags through it. This was a Class 3 select fire model with 14" intended for LEO sales.
Since I don’t walk around with my XCR everywhere I go, I did not have my personal XCR to do side by side shooting comparisons. I was only able to pull a NIB XCR off the wall and switch off with handling and working the controls.
So, how does the SCAR-L MK16 compare to the XCR-L...
Stock:
XCR factory stock just folds. Very durable, unlikely to ever break, would be better for smashing heads or slamming down on the deck to clear tough jams.
MK16 stock folds, has adjustable cheek height, and adjustable LOP, though I kept the stock fully collapsed and it felt just right in that position. There was some wobble and play on the LOP tube portion, and generally speaking it feels flimsy.
Round one: MK16 due to versatility, but obviously the XCR stock is more durable
Upper Receiver:
Both uppers are extruded aluminum.
The XCR has about half the amount of parts of the MK16, which means the XCR will be easier to build right, build faster and build cheaper. The XCR quad rail is a true free float and part of the upper receiver. You have more rail real estate, and nothing you bolt on can affect POI
Only the top rail on the MK16 is integrated. The side rails are bolt on and very short, so if you like using a VFG close to the mag well with thumb activated lights, forget it. The bottom rail is attached to the barrel (WTF) so bipods, VFG’s and lights could affect POI.
Round Two: XCR. It's just designed simpler and smarter from a manufacturing standpoint. The short SCAR side rails affect ergos and placement of extra gear, and attaching the bottom rail to the barrel is just a poor design choice, espcially considering how the MK13 attaches. Because MK16 barrels are far more complex than XCR barrels, they are sure to be incredibly pricey, by comparison
SCAR barrel
Charging handle:
The XCR charging handle is FAL like and located toward the middle of the receiver on the left side; it also acts as a forward assist. Very beefy and simple, and placed in a location that allows you to mount optics wherever you like. It is non-reciprocating.
The MK16 charging handle is ambi and doubles as a forward assist. The downside is it is very high on the receiver which affects where you can place optics, especially Eotech. You have to mount the optics way to the rear of the gun. Mid rail placement and scout position are out of the question. Doesn’t matter if you are working the charging handle overhand or underhand, you need to give thought to what optics you like and where you like to place them. It is also a reciprocating charging handle.
Round Three: XCR. Reciprocating charging handles have no place on a modern firearm, and the MK16's charging is just too close to the top rail to not have an impact on ergos
Barrel and QD system:
The XCR has 1/9 twist, QD barrel. It has a massive trunnion, and the single retention bolt attaches at the base of the barrel at the trunnion. Thus far XCR barrels coming loose is largely unheard of even though it only uses one bolt. If anything, even with the single retention bolts, XCR users indicated it still requires some effort to pull it out. Barrel changes can be done in about a minute and requires little in the way of precision.
The MK16 barrel has a 1/7 twist, and has 6 retention bolts, some of which directly impact the barrel, while 4 are at the trunnion. To change the barrel requires a special tool, requires more time and greater attention to detail. It’s much easier to affect POI with this system.
Round Four: Close to being a tie. XCR wins for overall design and simplicity, but the 1/7 MK16 twist, and greater number of retention bolts will be regarded as superior by some.
Ejection:
The XCR ejection strength can be tailored via the adjustable gas system. If the weapon is fouled, or operating in freezing temps, or loaded with underpowered ammo, the 4 setting gas system is tool-less (Gen2) can be dialed to ensure strong reliable ejection under all conditions; keeping the gas setting low reduces weapon fouling which increases reliability. Optimum ejection distance is 15-20ft to the 2 o’clock position.
The MK16 ejection is mostly to the 3 and 4 o’clock position and sends brass between 5ft and 10ft. Ejection strength can not be altered. If you encounter weak ammo, harsh fouling, or freezing temps you cant up the amount of gas to offset conditions. It does however have a suppressor mode to reduce the cyclic rate when using a "Can". The XCR has the same feature.
Round Five: XCR. No-brainer
Lower Controls:
The XCR has a single right side mag release, and ambi bolt release that is conducive to slap/tug mag changes associated to modern training techniques. The safety lever is a short throw design. Mag drops and the bolt release can be worked with one index finger. An ambi safety is available as an option
The MK16 has an ambi mag release, and right side bolt release which is akin to the AR15. The safety lever is a short throw design like the XCR, but is comes ambi as a standard feature.
Round 6: Tie. Both have perks the operator would find useful and advantageous
Weight:
The XCR-L with 16" pencil barrel weighs 7.5 lbs. The XCR uses an all metal design throughout. The HBAR model weights 8.1 lbs
The SCAR MK16 with a 14" barrel weighs 7.4 lbs, which will give the civilian 16" model an approximate weight of 7.6lbs. Contrary to internet chatter, there are no weight savings over the XCR despite the MK16 SCAR using a polymer lower. There is no HBAR model currently.
The SCAR balances very similar to the XCR. They both have a slight nose heavy feel.
Round 7: Tie, mostly but the all metal design of the XCR is something I prefer.
To be continued...
