[Shot Show 2016] What’s Coming from Robinson Arms

Say what you want about Alex Robinson, his company has done great work for Canadian gun owners. No other manufacturer has been so willing to address the specifics of Canadian law when it comes to barrel lengths, pistol magazines, and getting guns exported to us. In fact, I’ll have a feature in the Canadian Firearms Journal this summer taking a look at various companies trying to make firearms that fit our needs.

At Shot Show this year, the XCR rifles saw another stage in their continuing evolution. The big step for Canadians will be the extended forearm options.

When your barrel has to be 18.5″ long, it’s easy to get that too long look and feel with shorter handguards. The extended models Robinson is featuring offer an improved sight radius, and keymod accessory mounting.

Keymod is a big deal at Robinson Arms these days, and I can see why. One of the initial concerns regarding early XCR rifles was the forward weight, particularly with the Canadian length barrel. 2015 saw the release of light profile XCR barrels, and substantially lightened Keymod handguards. With the extended handguard arriving in 2016, Keymod is a crucial part of keeping the weight and balance from shifting too far.

The XCR is a rifle platform that’s continually evolving. Particularly if you compare the flashy lime green rifle I snapped at Shot to the original design. Stocks, controls, bolts, gas system, and recievers have all improved in subsequent iterations. I mean, just look at the original. It’s almost unrecognizable from what you see at the top of this page.

That continual forward progression is what keeps me interested in the XCR. We’ll see if 2016 is finally the year I jump on board and start shooting one.