[ny32182]

I took my XCR to the range for the second time today, and put 200 rounds through it, bringing the total round count to 340. I still haven't seen anything resembling good accuracy; but then again I was shooting Q3131 and using Troy sights with the big aperature.

Only problem, the nut on the top of the stock came loose, and that caused the stock to get loose and rattle some. Luckily I brought my wrench set and tightened it right up. I had been meaning to tighten it a little anyway.

For the last 40 rounds (after the 300 round mark passed) I turned down the gas... I started on 1, and got one failure to lock back in a few rounds. So, I left it on 2 and all was good. I am still not seeing the nice soft recoil that most of you are talking about.. I'd still say its recoiling more than the average AR. It did toss the brass about half as far as it did on 4.

Next up, I'll be trying some handloads in it.

 

[SigsRule]

I posted in a different thread about my final breaking in session. To cut to the chase, I had put the new gas block on and had the Bill Springfield trigger job done before my last trip to the range. I also had a new PWS combination muzzlebrake and flash hider on it. After putting another 60 rounds through it with no problems and dialing it down to gas setting 2, I put 20 rounds into the head area of an IDPA target at 25 yds standing off hand and rapid fire (20 rounds in about 15 secs). I settled down and using the Harris bipod from a prone position put 20 more rapid fire (as fast as I could put the chevron on the aim point and pull the trigger) into a two inch circle at 25 yds. That represents adequate accuracy for me. Next trip I'll take some good ammo and seriously see what it's capable of at 100 yds.

 

[ny32182]

You guys with all your PWS reviews do have me thinking about one of those to bring down the recoil. Maybe a Bill Springfield trigger job as well.

Has anyone else had any issues with this tension nut on top of the stock? Is that something that I should locktite?

I checked the gas block, and it seems tight. I remember reading that if it is going to come loose it is usually very early on and some sort of fouling in that area tends to lock that screw after that? If so, my gas block should be in good shape.

 

[SigsRule]

I haven't heard any reports of the new style gas blocks ever coming loose. The nut on the old style gas blocks were the ones I heard about.

 

[bolster]

You guys with all your PWS reviews do have me thinking about one of those to bring down the recoil. Maybe a Bill Springfield trigger job as well.

Has anyone else had any issues with this tension nut on top of the stock? Is that something that I should locktite?

I checked the gas block, and it seems tight. I remember reading that if it is going to come loose it is usually very early on and some sort of fouling in that area tends to lock that screw after that? If so, my gas block should be in good shape.

I don't know what to compare the XCR's recoil to, other than an AR, and mine recoils less and operates smoother than any of my carbines. I haven't tried any muzzle brakes yet. The Bill Springfield trigger is great and a very positive modification.

My stocks have stayed put, as have the tensioning screw for the folder. I had the old gas block, which never came loose and used blue loctite on my new one when I put it on a week or so ago.

 

[i303]

Might want to check to see if your gas tube are 'holes up' or 'holes down'. My manual states that with 'holes down' it has less recoil.

To me it's a 5.56mm.

What recoil?

In all fairness I did the 'holes up' my last shooting session and on '4'. I've been having some cycling problems thinking that might resolve something but I finally figured it out got it fixed.

However, I did notice more recoil.

Again refer to what I posted before, "What recoil?"

 

[ny32182]

I shot 9mm ARs, and a 5.56 Bushmaster with a "mini Y" comp. Those have very little recoil. Ability to put rounds on target just about as fast as you can pull the trigger/barely enough movement to mess up your sight picture. I do consider 5.56 with an A2 FS to have a good bit more. My issue with that particular mini-Y comp was that I didn't like the way it changed the report; seem to direct it back at the shooter, and left my ears ringing even while wearing good ear protection.

 

[SigsRule]

The trick with dealing with XCR recoil is to fire my 300 Weatherby a few times. Then like others have said, recoil - what recoil!

 

[gunner69]

I don't mean to be TOO sarcastic, but you guys with recoil problems must have compared the XCR with your .22 Rim Fire. What recoil? Like sig says try something with RECOIL, then your XCR. :2cents:

 

[TerraShrewsbury]

There are two adjustable bolts on the XCR. The first one is the one that connects the stock side hinge and the gun side hinge. Since everyone has a different preference, we left this screw adjustable for a couple reasons. (1) it allows stock interchanging and (2) you can adjust the stiffness of the folder. So, if you want you stock nice and stiff, you've got it. If you want it a little looser, you've got it.

The other adjustable bolt is the Gap Adjust Screw, located on the inner surface of the Gun Side Hinge. This controls the play between the two hinges. If loosened too much, you'll have quite a time trying to push the folder button in. If too loose, the stock will seem to rattle.

These two bolts are both to adjust the stock to your preferences. They are not loctited in or anything, as a result, so you'll want to be sure to check them from time to time.

Glad to hear you are playing with your gun. Experimenting with every possible feature is the start of a lifetime love affair. ;D

 

[thadbme]

Terra,

You will be happy to know that I referred to the videos on RA's site to adjust the stock on mine. It had a little play in it and I didn't like that too much so I followed the directions and fixed that right up!

 

[TEXAS SOLFTAIL]

Ya, that 300 Weatherby is brutal!

 

[ny32182]

I've shot a 300 Win mag a few times. Honestly I didn't think it was a much bigger deal than a .308 bolt gun as far as recoil goes. I'm sure its all dependent on ammo and the gun.

The heaviest recoiling thing I've ever shot was 3" magnum buckshot out of an 18" Rem 870 express (light by shotgun standards, I think). That was pretty brutal. More than I would find enjoyable under almost any circumstance. 5 rounds and I'd had enough. Granted I was shooting a few birdshot loads prior to that.

My employer is one of the sponsors for an industry-wide sporting clays tournament in the lower part of SC every year. I normally shoot in it. About 130 7.5 loads through a 590A1 in about 3 hours, and my shoulder is not feeling to swooft after that.

Shooting a cheap pump gun, I get a lot of weird looks from the other guys there.

i303, I will check out the ports on the gas tube when I get a chance to remove it.

I guess after all the glowing reports of the recoil-free XCR, I was expecting 22lr/9mm AR/MP5 type recoil with the gas turned down. Maybe my expectations were high.

Terra, it was the first screw that you mentioned. I will keep an eye on it. I checked the other one as well, and it seemed tight.

 

[thadbme]

I just shot today for the first time and it had a bit more recoil than I was expecting too. I've shot a whole range of different rifles and shotty's and did a few of those 3" magnum 12 gauge rounds for turkey hunting. Those aren't pleasant.

XCR has more recoil than I expected, but it wasn't bad

 

[RC20]

I have a 7mm mag, so recoil is not an issue.

that said, I was suprised at how much there was, but not affected by it, just thought it would be less. I had not taken that cartridge seriously, feeling it and seeing the affects in a sand bank changed that view (sometimes you have to touch the burner to know what hot really means)

I shot my brothers Smith AR, recoil is different feel, but both pretty much the same.

I guess what I was expecting was the same as shooting .357 police target loads in a heavy frame Smith revolver, when I was used to a 41 magnum serious loads.

It lets you know its a rifle, not a .22, but you could shoot it all day and not be beat up like a 7mm does.

 

[ny32182]

Folks, look, of course it is not in the same recoil class with ~.30 caliber rifle round. That is not what I'm saying. I'm saying it has a lot for a .223. That is all I'm comparing it to. Other .223's.

I did hit the range again yesterday with the XCR and shot some handloads. Using Hornady 55gr FMJs (not match bullets; just normal plinking bullets) and H335, I found that it liked the hotter loads the best. My two hottest loads were the most accurate, with the best being a 22.6gr load, with 12 rounds going into 2.158". Subtracting one flyer would make 11 rounds into 1.647". I was using a cheesy Simmons scope and RRA mount.

Next trip out I will take more of that load and try to duplicate the results, and I'll also load up some 68gr Hornady match bullets and see what happens.