Gunsmithing Building on.the XLR Evolution

[Oddball Six]

Seeking experience with the XLR Evolution as the XLR industries website has limits on the information available.

Does the all aluminum construction heat up uncomfortably in hot weather?

Has anyone had cause to question the softer but less expensive construction out of 6065-t6? Enough that its affected your perception of the product?

Does the XLR include a recess for the recoil lug?

XLR likes to advertise them as near drop in but my guess is that it would benefit from a skim bed much like any aluminum block systems, right?

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: Building on.the XLR Evolution

<span style="font-weight: bold">Bold</span> = my answers

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Does the all aluminum construction heat up uncomfortably in hot weather?
<span style="font-weight: bold">I think so yes, but I live in Arizona.</span>

Has anyone had cause to question the softer but less expensive construction out of 6065-t6? Enough that its affected your perception of the product?
<span style="font-weight: bold">Theyre strong</span>

Does the XLR include a recess for the recoil lug?
<span style="font-weight: bold">What do you mean? How would it not have a lug recess?</span>

XLR likes to advertise them as near drop in but my guess is that it would benefit from a skim bed much like any aluminum block systems, right?
<span style="font-weight: bold">It seems like it'd be hard to bed. I wouldnt do it.</span></div></div>


My suggestion to shooters, with all chassis systems, is to feel one and use one before buying.

<span style="font-style: italic">I personally do not like the feel of them(chassis in general)
Mcmillan and Manners are in a league of their own in my opinion.</span>

 

[TRAAV]

Re: Building on.the XLR Evolution

I just started running one. Can't offer you much but so far I like it. For now it is not skin beded. It dropped in very nice and shows no signs of stress. I will say I do not recommend a really heavy barrel such as MTU. I have very little clearence between the barrel and rail fasteners. I don't see this as a major problem it just could maybe come into contact under some conditions. That's about all I have for now.

 

[ddavis]

Re: Building on.the XLR Evolution

The XLR chassis is like artwork. Everything on mine was beautifully machined and appears to be over built. It has been pretty damn hot lately in south Texas and I haven't noticed any discomfort from the aluminum. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the scope mounting situation, but it's really not a problem as there is a lot of adjustment in the cheek riser. You are somewhat limited on ring selection though, as you will need x-high type like you would use with an AR15. Overall I'm happy with it. The main selling point for me was Kyle's customer service. It is second to none.
-Dan

 

[RobG]

Re: Building on.the XLR Evolution

I could see it getting hot if left out in the sun for a while. The alloy may be a soft one but I have no issue getting screws nice and tight. It could be bedded I suppose but I dont think its needed. I have pulled mine apart a few times with no noticeable change in impact. Just torque it down and go.

Negatives: pain to clean the barrel without loosening and lowering the cheek rest. I ordered the folder addition to handle that.
The mag release lever needs to be recontoured to give more clearance between it and the mag. I did it to mine and it makes a big difference.
Not really a negative but there is more work to remove the barrelled action compared to a standard stock.
The magwell could use some beveling to ease insertion.

Overall, I really dig it. Tons of adjustability; I can shorten LOP for my son to shoot it quick and easy; no BM to mess with and mags fit very snugly; everything tightens down very solidly; no need to bed; A+ CS.

 

[pshell]

Re: Building on.the XLR Evolution

1: I can't help with this, I live and shoot on the West side of Washington State.

2: No, not at all.

3: Yes, there is a recess for a recoil lug. I don't know if it will fit oversize lugs, but my stock M700 dropped in.

4: I see no reason to skim bed.

The recoil will be different in a aluminum stock. The recoil of the rifle feels more direct when compared to a composite stock.
When shooting off-hand or whatever, basically not prone, your skin can be abraded rather quickly by the fore-end if your not careful. I run mine without rails on the front, just a little sling adapter. The inside edges, where the bolts for the rails go through, have a little bite to them.
I bought the side folder attachment so I could clean the barrel without moving the comb around on the stock. It does not lock closed and tore up the web between thumb and hand while firing. I have since removed it.
Overall I really like the concept and XLR is a great company to deal with. I think most guys will like it if they like the AI chassis. Some can't get over the recoil, in my experience.