Robinson Armament XCR
Multi-caliber gas piston rifle developed for the SCAR competition.
The Robinson Armament XCR is a multi-caliber rifle that uses a gas piston system. It was designed for the U.S. Special Operations Command’s SCAR competition, but was disqualified because the company did not deliver blank firing adapters on time. Since 2006, it has been sold to law enforcement, the military, and civilians.
The design began in 2004, with production of the XCR-L variant starting in mid-2006. About a month after the September 11 attacks, Alex Robinson was invited by the 5th Special Forces Group to work on a design for the Special Purpose Rifle Variant, which needed to fire common enemy cartridges like 7.62×39mm and 5.45×39mm alongside .223 Remington. A full-auto version of the M96 was built in 60 days and sent to Blackwater for testing, where it was well received. After Steve Holland and Colonel Jack Dills submitted the design to SOCOM, the SCAR program began, and the XCR became one of several designs from various manufacturers.
The XCR uses a heavy-duty bolt and extractor linked to a long-stroke gas piston, a design patented by Robinson Arms and promoted as outperforming standard eight-lug M16/M4 bolts. It features a folding stock, a telescoping M4-style stock, a monolithic top Picatinny rail with side and under-barrel rails, and a forward assist built into the left-side charging handle.
The XCR-L is available in 5.56×45mm NATO, .300 Blackout, 6.8mm Remington SPC, 6.5mm Grendel, 5.45×39mm, .224 Valkyrie, 6mm ARC, .22 ARC, .338 ARC, and 7.62×39mm. Conversion kits are sold for each caliber. The XCR-M .308 was announced for public reveal at SHOT Show 2011 via company email. The 6.8mm SPC variant began shipping in November 2007, and the 7.62×39mm rifles and kits in July 2008. In August 2009, three different upper receiver sizes were introduced: a Standard Upper for 11- to 18.6-inch barrels, a Mini Upper (15.25 inches) for 9- to 18.6-inch barrels (mainly 9 to 10 inches), and a Micro Upper (13.25 inches) for 7.5- to 18.6-inch barrels (mainly 7.5 to 8 inches). California-compliant versions are also made. An 18.6-inch barrel version was produced for Canada, shipped with a FAST stock and a five-round pinned magazine. On May 1, 2020, the XCR was reclassified as a prohibited firearm in Canada, making it illegal to import or sell there.
Components have been updated over time. In November 2006, the firing pin was redesigned for greater durability.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Is Ranged
- Yes
- Wars
- Russo-Ukrainian War
- Designer
- Alex J. Robinson
- Design Date
- 2004
- Manufacturer
- Robinson Armament Co.
- Production Date
- 2006–present
- Variants
- XCR-L, XCR-PDW, XCR-M, XCR-Micro
- Weight
- XCR-L Standard (empty): 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs) / XCR-L Mini (empty): 2.8 kg / XCR-L Micro (empty): 2.4 kg / XCR-L Pistol (empty): 2.35 kg / XCR-M Standard (empty): 4.19 kg / XCR-M Mini (empty): 3.719 kg
- Action
- Gas-operated long-stroke piston, rotating bolt
- Rate
- 700–900 rounds/min
- Velocity
- 792–990 m/s (2600–3250 ft/s)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The XCR was designed in 2004 by Alex J. Robinson of Robinson Armament Co., with production of the XCR-L variant beginning in mid-2006. One month after the September 11 attacks, Alex Robinson received an invitation from the 5th Special Forces Group to participate in a program to provide a design for the SPRV (Special Purpose Rifle Variant), with the requirement of being able to use common enemy ammunition types such as the 7.62×39 and 5.45×39 cartridges, in addition to .223 Remington. A full-auto variant of the M96 was built within 60 days, then sent to Blackwater for trials, where it was received positively. Following submission by Steve Holland from 5th Special Forces Group, alongside Colonel Jack Dills, to the United States Special Operations Command for approval, the SCAR program commenced, with the XCR eventually becoming one of many designs brought forward by a number of participating manufacturers.
The XCR utilizes a heavy duty bolt and extractor connected to a long stroke type gas piston. The bolt and extractor are designed and patented by Robinson Arms, and promoted as offering higher performance over eight lug M16/M4 type bolts. Other features include a folding stock, telescoping M4 Carbine style stocks, monolithic top Picatinny rail with side and under-barrel rails, and forward assist integrated into left-side charging handle. The gas chamber is positioned above the barrel. Its proprietary bolt features a three-lug design, securely locking onto the barrel extension, which helps to keep the upper receiver unstressed. The design eliminates the need to check headspace when changing barrels. The rifle incorporates a steel fixed ejector inside the receiver, secured by two bolts, which the manufacturer claims results in stronger ejection compared to the AR-15's spring-loaded ejector. Ejection pattern occurs at the two o'clock position relative to the operator, with an optimal distance of 15 to 20 feet, depending on the ammunition type and gas setting.
Variants include the XCR-L in multiple calibers, the XCR-M .308 confirmed for public reveal at SHOT show 2011, and PDW/pistol variants using different upper receiver sizes. The XCR uses STANAG 4179 type magazines. Since its introduction in 2006, components have been updated, including a redesigned firing pin, adjustable gas system, hammer, trigger, and ambidextrous magazine release.
Reader's Guide
The Robinson Armament XCR is notable for its development in response to the U.S. Special Operations Command's SCAR competition, though it was disqualified due to the manufacturer failing to provide blank firing adapters on time. Its multi-caliber capability, achieved through conversion kits, and its long-stroke gas piston system distinguish it from direct impingement designs. The rifle's design incorporates a proprietary three-lug bolt and a fixed ejector, which the manufacturer claims offers advantages over AR-15 style bolts. The XCR has been offered to law enforcement, military, and civilian markets since 2006. Its availability in numerous calibers, including 5.56×45mm NATO, 7.62×39mm, and 5.45×39mm, reflects the original SPRV requirement to use common enemy ammunition. The XCR has seen updates over time, such as an adjustable gas system and improved trigger, and has been adopted by Ukraine as an operator. The rifle's legacy includes its role in the SCAR program and its continued presence in the commercial market.
Did You Know?
- The XCR was disqualified from the SCAR competition because the manufacturer failed to provide blank firing adapters on time.
- The XCR's bolt features a three-lug design that eliminates the need to check headspace when changing barrels.
- The XCR-M .308 variant was officially confirmed for public reveal at SHOT show 2011.
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