KRG X Ray vs XLR Element?

[R_Swanson]

Hey guys, there is a lot more feedback on this forum about the KRG's than the XLR's, and I was wondering if there is any particular reason for that? I am interested in both, and without the ability to have time behind both of them, I was curious if one chassis stood out against the other one, or if there was a consensus to which was better? Is one bedding system better than another? My understanding is that KRG uses a V-block vs XLR's multi-radial bedding system. BTW, I will be dropping a Tikka T3x CTR 24" in it.

Regarding the X-Ray...how does it perform without the spigot? Is that really a must-have accessory?

Regarding the Element... does the aluminum get too hot in warm climates? I live in Arizona.

I am leaning slightly towards the X-Ray as I like how it looks better and I like the Sako Green, but they both look good and performance/function is most important to me.

 

[MATADOR]

Stop worrying about how it looks. My best shooting (fitting) rifle is so fucking ugly I probably couldn't give it away, but it will send them in the same hole. It's all in the feel, whatever fits you the best you are liable to shoot better. I'm in the same position as you, in the middle of fucking nowhere and no other shooters to fondle their gear. It sucks. However, I can tell you that I like the XLR better, because I do, but you could easily hate it and what I think feels better doesn't mean shit to another shooter. It's not what you want to hear, but that's how it is. Both actions lock up solid in those, it's a toss up. The aluminum will get warm if in the sun. For me the spigot would be a must for steadiness, IF I had a KRG.

 

[kl3309]

If you shoot with a wrap-around grip, go XLR. If you do thumb-laid-over-top, get the KRG.
The spigot's nice to have if you've got an especially long and heavy barrel in that you can mount your bipod further forward to counter the nose-heaviness.

 

[Spock]

I have owned both. I like chassis style stocks. Both are great and really just a personal preference. I did not notice any better accuracy from one to the other with the same barreled action. Personally I like the XLR and currently have both evo and element stocks and no longer have a krg. I just like the fit of the XLRs and really like the buttstocks. Folder is a nice addition for transport and ease of removing the bolt. If you can try and get behind both as it really is just which one can you get comfortable behind.

 

[bogeybrown]

Ive heard nothing but great about the KRG, but started with XLR and have had no reason to change. I currently have two of the Evolutions, but started jonesing for the Element when they previewed it here several years ago.

As as everyone has said, it's all what feels good to YOU. Functionally they're both great.

 

[JoeBUtah]

I came pretty close to a custom build with an X Ray; changed my mind and fit my Rem 700 5R in an Element, and have been very happy with it. The grip on the XLR is very comfortable; much more so than the KRG for me. I have found the guys at XLR to be really stand up guys, and super responsive when it comes to customer service, answering questions, or making suggestions.

 

[SuperSneakySniper]

While I enjoyed the thumb rest on the KRG (i sometimes wrap my thumb around the grip, and other times I don't. I'm weird) I found the XLR to be more comfortable, so long as you get the new buffer tube version that doesn't use the castle nut. That nut dug into my thumb knuckle!

Or you can get the folding version which also solves the castle nut problem. I think all the new ones ship with the new buffer tube so you should be good to go.

The aluminum does get warm, but if you wear gloves, or if you use that wrap thing from Triad tactical (or something like that) it's no biggie.

The KRG felt like a glockish grip, like holding onto a blocky thing. It's comfortable, but it wasn't as nice as the ergo tactical deluxe you get with the XLR.

The other thing is the stock. The XLR is a more solid stock imo, because with the KRG I had to really crank that thumb nut down to prevent the cheekrest from slipping. The downside to the XLR is that it takes a while to make any adjustment. You need some time and some allen screws.

I have no experience with the KRG spigot, but I would probably get one if I were using the KRG.

Both are great options, and both companies have great support. These are just nitpicky reasons why I went XLR.

 

[R_Swanson]

Appreciate the feedback guys. It seems like they are both well made, and I should really try to find some time behind them before buying. I am not sure if that is possible, however.

 

[MidCitiesMildMan]

I know it was the furthest from optimal setup, but if you google image search KRG X-Ray, a lot of other people did it too. What I am talking about is using the pic rail mounted to the plastic skin, to mount a QD bipod adapter, then a Harris bipod. It wasn't rock solid. It wasn't as flimsy as an Accustock, but not solid. With the spigot, and a Harris directly attached, it is absolutely rock solid. If you try to pivet the rifle from the grip w/o loosening the adjustment knob on the bipod, it will hike a leg on the bipod. Zero wiggle.

Without and with photos:
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i64.tinypic.com\/350kwsg.jpg"}[/IMG2]
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i64.tinypic.com\/k3aqub.jpg"}[/IMG2]

I have another one in black coming in a couple days for my .308. It was $696 shipped with the spigot, directly from KRG.

 

[R_Swanson]

I know it was the furthest from optimal setup, but if you google image search KRG X-Ray, a lot of other people did it too. What I am talking about is using the pic rail mounted to the plastic skin, to mount a QD bipod adapter, then a Harris bipod. It wasn't rock solid. It wasn't as flimsy as an Accustock, but not solid. With the spigot, and a Harris directly attached, it is absolutely rock solid. If you try to pivet the rifle from the grip w/o loosening the adjustment knob on the bipod, it will hike a leg on the bipod. Zero wiggle.

Without and with photos:

I have another one in black coming in a couple days for my .308. It was $696 shipped with the spigot, directly from KRG.

Thanks, i thought as much.

By the time I am done outfitting a X Ray (Tikka T3 Sako Green, LOP Spacer kit, Spigot, QD Sling Cup, QD Sling plate) I am looking at 800 bucks. Honestly, it seems like much less of a great deal at that price point. Its 120 more than an outfitted XLR element, and for another 140 over the X Ray I can get a Whiskey 3 in black.

 

[MidCitiesMildMan]

Something else to ponder: https://mdttac.com/ess.html

 

[bab029]

I know it was the furthest from optimal setup, but if you google image search KRG X-Ray, a lot of other people did it too. What I am talking about is using the pic rail mounted to the plastic skin, to mount a QD bipod adapter, then a Harris bipod. It wasn't rock solid. It wasn't as flimsy as an Accustock, but not solid. With the spigot, and a Harris directly attached, it is absolutely rock solid. If you try to pivet the rifle from the grip w/o loosening the adjustment knob on the bipod, it will hike a leg on the bipod. Zero wiggle.

Without and with photos: [IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i64.tinypic.com\/350kwsg.jpg"}[/IMG2]
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"http:\/\/i64.tinypic.com\/k3aqub.jpg"}[/IMG2]


I have another one in black coming in a couple days for my .308. It was $696 shipped with the spigot, directly from KRG.

For a QD harris solution, look at the MPA branded Dloc replacement. They are a little high dollar, but if you already have a harris or two already, it's a great system that won't come loose like the stud mounted ones.

ETA: I have no regrets on my xray, other than wishing I'd sprung for the sako green instead of black.

 

[spife7980]

So what exactly does it take to add a sling to the Xray? I know up front you can go with either the 1) ambi adaptor or 2) the spigot with a qd sling plate added onto the spigot. Do either of those still require the QD sling cup on top of the aforementioned items?

Does the rear require purchasing a sling cup as well or is there one built into that mystery hole that no one has a close up of? Or does it require that bent metal piece to attach to the top? One pic I can find shows it solid while all of the others have it hallowed out with a nut or something inside. [IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","height":"196","width":"386","src":"https:\/\/kineticresearchgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2016\/04\/xray05\/3477776277.jpg"}[/IMG2]
[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","height":"191","width":"376","src":"https:\/\/kineticresearchgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2016\/04\/xray08\/1414509124.jpg"}[/IMG2]

They have a million different options and zero of them do an adequate job of explaining what the hell purpose/application they serve.

 

[R_Swanson]

So what exactly does it take to add a sling to the Xray? I know up front you can go with either the 1) ambi adaptor or 2) the spigot with a qd sling plate added onto the spigot. Do either of those still require the QD sling cup on top of the aforementioned items?

They have a million different options and zero of them do an adequate job of explaining what they hell purpose/application they serve.

Hahaha. I feel your pain. I called them and I am waiting on a return call so I can figure this out as well. It also seems like the Whiskey 3 comes with a bipod stud and all the sling QD's (if you look at the pics), but it isnt stated on the site.

I will report when I hear back.

 

[dannySH]

You wont need the QD cup for the front, you can attach the sling to the front directly on to the ambi adaptor or to the sling QD plate attached to the spigot. For rear you can use the bent metal plate or you can put a QD cup inserted inside of the mystery hole

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

 

[R_Swanson]

I just talked to KRG. This is what I was told.


Whiskey 3:
It comes with front and rear QD Cups and the bipod stud. No need to buy anything additional.

X-Ray:
It comes with a front bipod stud and a rear QD Cup.
For a front QD attachment your options are:
Spigot Mount + QD Plate
Ambi Sling mount
Whiskey 3 Forend

At this time, you cannot custom order a Whiskey 3 Forend instead of X-Ray version when ordering the X-Ray, even though they are compatible. That would be cool.

 

[SuperSneakySniper]

Im glad someone brought up the ESS that is also a good option. And another vote for the DLOC Harris adapter, that thing is awesome.

But OP is right, at 800 dollars for the Xray completed like that, might be worth looking at the Whiskey. Or even the XLR Carbon.

 

[Bicky]

Have you considered the McRee G10? Around $700 for the folder, has flush cups and sling stud.

 

[spife7980]

My cart shows a r700 green xray, spigot and spigot QD plate to be 730 plus shipping. It would be 700 without the 30 charge for the color. The whiskey is 200 more than the xray with equal colors.

Plus the whiskey is .7 lbs heavier. The spigot is .9 lbs. The whiskey doesnt have the spigot so really the only direct apple to apple cost savings there is the QD plate.So the xray fully equipped with spigot is right around the same weight as the whiskey but you get to mount the bipod out further and higher to the barrel.

The xray also isnt aluminum which is a big selling point to me. Laying out on the caliche in a hot texas sun makes exposed metal a burn hazard.

I dont like the carbon and its rail that covers the barrel up, I like it exposed for lower scope mounting and to let the barrel breathe.

Really it comes down to the xray vs the element like the title. An element with the extreme buttstock (for the flat bottom) a 2" rail and a direct QD adaptor is 732. It could be 85 less with one of the other butt stocks but they dont look like they would ride a bag near as well.

Plus my cousin has an element already and I cant be like him. It does get awfully hot too which is how I primarily discovered that metal chassis are a hazard.

 

[R_Swanson]

Have you considered the McRee G10? Around $700 for the folder, has flush cups and sling stud.

I haven't, I will research them, thanks. At first look they seem very similar to the Element.

My cart shows a r700 green xray, spigot and spigot QD plate to be 730 plus shipping. It would be 700 without the 30 charge for the color. The whiskey is 200 more than the xray with equal colors.

Plus the whiskey is .7 lbs heavier. The spigot is .9 lbs. The whiskey doesnt have the spigot so really the only direct apple to apple cost savings there is the QD plate.So the xray fully equipped with spigot is right around the same weight as the whiskey but you get to mount the bipod out further and higher to the barrel.

The xray also isnt aluminum which is a big selling point to me. Laying out on the caliche in a hot texas sun makes exposed metal a burn hazard.

Really it comes down to the xray vs the element like the title. An element with the extreme buttstock (for the flat bottom) a 2" rail and a direct QD adaptor is 732. It could be 85 less with one of the other butt stocks but they dont look like they would ride a bag near as well.

The Whiskey 3 version 5 is polymer as well.

XLR says their Extreme buttstocks are better for a benchrest of F class rear bag, where the Tactical buttstocks are better for tactical/PRS type bags. I called them to discuss this and they reiterated it... not to say you can't disagree, I just thought I would mention.

I am 100% on the fence regarding all this as well, so I feel your pain. I prefer a more vertical grip, so I am leaning towards a KRG.

 

[BCP]

KRG with a spigot, you won't regret it. Fits the tikka action like a glove. I'll post pics of mine in a little while.

 

[Spock]

Lack of front qd one of the reasons I didn't like the krg that and the buttstock was not a fit for me. Love my XLRs and Kyle's customer service is top notch!

 

[SuperSneakySniper]

With the XLR Carbon, that does allow you to mount the bipod sturdy and out further, and since it's carbon fiber up there, you're not touching anything hot, even the cheek pad is foam so it won't burn ya. Just a thought. I'm currently running a carbon and love it. I even float my thumb on the side, even without a thumb rest I find it works alright.

If a folding stock is important to you, perhaps the Whiskey 3 and XLR options would be better, but if not then, man.... yeahp true toss up. I don't use the folder if that means anything.

 

[spife7980]

The carbon equally equipped is over 1k dollars.

 

[MtnCreek]

XLR says their Extreme buttstocks are better for a benchrest of F class rear bag, where the Tactical buttstocks are better for tactical/PRS type bags. I called them to discuss this and they reiterated it...

The tactical stock tends to cut into a soft rear bag, even more so than a traditional stock. I've thought about lashing it with some ~3/8 cord to give it more bearing surface.

FWIW, XLR sent a replacement part for something that I'm pretty sure I screwed up. They wouldn't take payment and shipped very quickly.

 

[R_Swanson]

With the XLR Carbon, that does allow you to mount the bipod sturdy and out further, and since it's carbon fiber up there, you're not touching anything hot, even the cheek pad is foam so it won't burn ya. Just a thought. I'm currently running a carbon and love it. I even float my thumb on the side, even without a thumb rest I find it works alright.

If a folding stock is important to you, perhaps the Whiskey 3 and XLR options would be better, but if not then, man.... yeahp true toss up. I don't use the folder if that means anything.

The Carbon is a cool looking chassis. I didnt want a handguard that wraps the barrel, but that would be an exception. I am not sure I want to spend 950-1000 bucks though.

The tactical stock tends to cut into a soft rear bag, even more so than a traditional stock. I've thought about lashing it with some ~3/8 cord to give it more bearing surface.

FWIW, XLR sent a replacement part for something that I'm pretty sure I screwed up. They wouldn't take payment and shipped very quickly.

Does that mean you suggest an Extreme stock over the Tactical?

 

[spife7980]

That's what I would do. I guess I may just have poor form but with the taper on the rear for the tactical on my cousins element I basically have the bag in my armpit. It's tough for me to get a good placement. I would go the extreme just for that nice solid bar along the bottom further out. It will ride a bag better and more comfortably from what I can tell. That's what attracts me to the X-ray. One solid smooth surface you can slide in the bags to put pressure on the bipod without disrupting the point of aim.

edit: that's with a normal tab rear bag. I suppose a larger bag might not have as much issue.

 

[kingzero]

Where in AZ are you? I have an Element you can get behind if you are close. Im in the East Valley.

 

[MtnCreek]

Does that mean you suggest an Extreme stock over the Tactical?

I haven't used the extreme. The extreme probably rests in a bag better. The angle of the tactical allows quick elevation adjustments by moving the bag (or fist) forward / rearward. For me and the bags I've used, it needs a lot of adjustment between shots. A better bag or better me might correct that.

If you're near the guy that's offering to let you try his, that would tell you everything you want to know.

 

[Juggerxxx]

I have an XLR Carbon chassis that is the most comfortable chassis I have. Can almost fall asleep behind it when laying for hours shooting PDogs. Do not have a KRG to compare it to.

 

[krt22]

I put my 24" CTR into an element. I was looking at the KRG as well but ultimately preferred the modularity of the XLR.

 

[R_Swanson]

Where in AZ are you? I have an Element you can get behind if you are close. Im in the East Valley.

So am I, I will message you.


Anyone else located in Phoenix with a KRG Chassis?

 

[kRcu]

My favorite setup was X-ray with large grips and the W3 forend.

 

[Juggerxxx]

I think Carbon is so sexy.

 

[Mike Damone]

I'm really glad I found this forum and thread. I'm looking at the KRG X-RAY (FDE) (w/ spigot mount and qd sling plate) vs the XLR carbon which is $130 more. Still tilting towards the KRG as I like both polymer and FDE. FWIW, this is for my Tikka T3X Varminint 223.

Am I understanding this correctly, NO qd sling cup is necessary for the KRG X-Ray Buttstock?

 

[NewsShooter]

My cart shows a r700 green xray, spigot and spigot QD plate to be 730 plus shipping. It would be 700 without the 30 charge for the color. The whiskey is 200 more than the xray with equal colors.
Plus my cousin has an element already and I cant be like him. It does get awfully hot too which is how I primarily discovered that metal chassis are a hazard.

I never noticed my Mcree getting hot in the summer sun, noticed it getting cold though.

 

[spife7980]

Am I understanding this correctly, NO qd sling cup is necessary for the KRG X-Ray Buttstock?

Thats the impression Ive received. It comes from the factory with a rear qd cup and a traditional front sling stud.

 

[R_Swanson]

My favorite setup was X-ray with large grips and the W3 forend.

.

Can you expound? Why did you like it better than the stock X Ray and why did you prefer it over the spigot (assuming you ran it with the spigot).

I am leaning towards a KRG (probably the X Ray) and I am trying to figure this out.

Thanks.

 

[spife7980]

I just bit the bullet and orderd up an xray, spigot and qd spigot plate. Ill let you know my first hand impressions when I get it in, it will be awhile until the barreled action is ready though. Maybe Ill throw my 223 in for awhile. 755 shipped.

 

[Massoud]

Hey guys, we've been at the USASOC match but I should be able to help now. The X-ray does now come with a QD cup to fit the rear. The forend was meant to be very minimalist so it doesn't have any built in stuff and that's where the accessories come in. We're also working on more options going forward.

Sometime down the road we'll have a chassis builder on the site where you can pick every option (which forend, which backend, grip size, color, etc) and order it that way but it's complicated and not ready yet.

We do have a graphic showing where accessories go on the X-ray and W-3, and also a write-up about the X-ray mounting positions. I'm not seeing them on our site so something must have happened but we'll get them up shortly. It's pretty helpful

Thank you,
Justin

 

[Massoud]

Thank you for your business! Here's where to find that mounting info: https://kineticresearchgroup.com/product/x-ray-chassis/
It's on the product page, scroll down and you'll see some pdf's you can download right below the "general info" box.

 

[kRcu]

Can you expound? Why did you like it better than the stock X Ray and why did you prefer it over the spigot (assuming you ran it with the spigot).

I am leaning towards a KRG (probably the X Ray) and I am trying to figure this out.

Thanks.

I had the spigot on the X-ray forend for a bit. When I would place the bipod legs against a barricade, it made it a bit of a stretch for my support hand to grab the barricade too. The W3 forend brought the bipod in a bit. The W3 forend is also far more rigid than the X-ray forend when running a bipod directly attached. The W3 forend could be used as a club on its own. I liked the integrated QD slot.

The best thing about the W3 forend is that each accesssory hole is threaded, so you don't have to pull the forend and use nuts on the backside of the plastic like the X-ray. You just thread your rail section into the W3 forend and you have a solid fit.

......yes, I typed forend like 10 times. Sorry......

 

[Shooter_308]

This is my third KRG, absolutely love them. Comfortable, adjustable and affordable.

 

[R_Swanson]

I had the spigot on the X-ray forend for a bit. When I would place the bipod legs against a barricade, it made it a bit of a stretch for my support hand to grab the barricade too. The W3 forend brought the bipod in a bit. The W3 forend is also far more rigid than the X-ray forend when running a bipod directly attached. The W3 forend could be used as a club on its own. I liked the integrated QD slot.

The best thing about the W3 forend is that each accesssory hole is threaded, so you don't have to pull the forend and use nuts on the backside of the plastic like the X-ray. You just thread your rail section into the W3 forend and you have a solid fit.

......yes, I typed forend like 10 times. Sorry......

Thanks for the feedback. I am probably over-analyzing, but if you wouldn't mind indulging me: Was the X-Ray flexible enough you lost confidence in it when running it without the Spigot or the W3 forend?

Theres a couple things holding me back: I wish I could just buy the W3 forend, I dont love the idea of having to buy both. And the biggest reason, yet I realize in reality the least important one: I have a huge hard on for Sako Green.

 

[kRcu]

Thanks for the feedback. I am probably over-analyzing, but if you wouldn't mind indulging me: Was the X-Ray flexible enough you lost confidence in it when running it without the Spigot or the W3 forend?

Theres a couple things holding me back: I wish I could just buy the W3 forend, I dont love the idea of having to buy both. And the biggest reason, yet I realize in reality the least important one: I have a huge hard on for Sako Green.

The X-ray isn't flimsy, but it is a light weight plastic that you have to through-bolt accessories to. The W3 forend is three stiff pieces of polymer with threaded brass inserts, and is stout enough to beat someone to dead with.

Dead serious...have you ever picked up a thin stick or an antenna...and you have to start whipping it around? Almost instinct? I was so surprised with how solid the W3 forend was that I started smacking boxes and paper stacks with it...just walking around smacking stuff in my office. It's very rigid.

 

[wuff]

Here's my Tikka T3 in the KRG X Ray stock/chassis. Works quite well, no complaints.

 

[Massoud]

The X-ray isn't flimsy, but it is a light weight plastic that you have to through-bolt accessories to. The W3 forend is three stiff pieces of polymer with threaded brass inserts, and is stout enough to beat someone to dead with.

Dead serious...have you ever picked up a thin stick or an antenna...and you have to start whipping it around? Almost instinct? I was so surprised with how solid the W3 forend was that I started smacking boxes and paper stacks with it...just walking around smacking stuff in my office. It's very rigid.

Hahahaha that's awesome.

Just for added info, the X-ray forend is the same material as the W-3 forend but it's built differently and it is about 5 oz lighter. Most people don't have an issue with the forend flexing on the X-ray unless you're really loading the bipod hard.

On the new W-3's and X-rays, there's an additional mounting point (threaded holes) in the backbone forward of the bipod mounting location just for this reason. The W-3 forend has spots to run screws through there but the X-ray forend mold was made long ago so there are no holes in the forend to use those mounting points in the backbone.

A person could drill through the X-ray forend if desired and run a couple screws through the forend up into the backbone and that would get rid of any flex.

Given that we desire to have the best products in any given class, we're working on some things but nothing will be available for six months or more. Thanks guys!
Justin

 

[R_Swanson]

The X-ray isn't flimsy, but it is a light weight plastic that you have to through-bolt accessories to. The W3 forend is three stiff pieces of polymer with threaded brass inserts, and is stout enough to beat someone to dead with.

Dead serious...have you ever picked up a thin stick or an antenna...and you have to start whipping it around? Almost instinct? I was so surprised with how solid the W3 forend was that I started smacking boxes and paper stacks with it...just walking around smacking stuff in my office. It's very rigid.

Haha, love the example. Thanks!

On the new W-3's and X-rays, there's an additional mounting point (threaded holes) in the backbone forward of the bipod mounting location just for this reason. The W-3 forend has spots to run screws through there but the X-ray forend mold was made long ago so there are no holes in the forend to use those mounting points in the backbone.

A person could drill through the X-ray forend if desired and run a couple screws through the forend up into the backbone and that would get rid of any flex.

Hey Justin, do you have a pic of this you could provide? Are you saying that on the newest backbone theres a mounting point to attach the bipod swivel directly to the aluminum backbone, rather than the polymer forearm? Will it work with the standard bipod swivel you provide?

 

[Massoud]

R_Swanson, no the bipod stud still attaches to the forend but there's extra mounting points for the forend itself. These are forward of the bipod stud. I'll try to get a pic uploaded. The standard bipod stud does still work and is still included with the chassis (along with the two MOE rails). Thank you,
Justin

 

[spife7980]

I just got it in, ordered monday and shipped the same day and in my hands friday. Prompt shipping from KRG. Ill tinker with it later tonight when im not at work in the office and try to get a barreled action from another project installed in it just for fun and to see how it really fits me. But I love it already.

Edit: Notice that the rear flush cup cam preinstalled. Ill take pics of it all later tonight showing how the spigot interfaces and the forearm attachment etc