XLR Evolution Review

[LoneWolfUSMC]

I have spend quite some time behind this chassis and finally have a chance to post a review.

This chassis is art in aluminum. The features are well thought out and XLR continues to improve the design wherever possible. Kyle and crew seem extremely receptive to customer input and are just great folks to talk to.

The Evolution chassis is adjustable for just about any size shooter. It was just a couple seconds with a hex key to dial it in for me, my wife or the other shooters on my department. It has been passed around and demo'ed to quite a few different folks and none had anything bad to say about it. I really tried to be critical, but didn't find anything not to like. About the only negative thing I can say is that if you don't like the feel of an AR you probably won't like this chassis.

8541 Tactical - XLR Industries Evolution Chassis Review

Keep your eyes open for a video review. Hopefully it won't take me a month to get to it.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DCook</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The front tube looks like it may be a weak point, how did you feel about it?
The system looks awesome, I want one </div></div>

I felt that the tube was adequate for what it's designed to do. I wouldn't go driving a truck over it, but I don't see it failing under abnormal circumstances.

The lovely part of the system is that if for some reason you did manage to destroy the tube, you can get a replacement and bolt it on.

It is solidly mounted. I don't imagine you would have any issues if you mounted an alternate sighting system to it (Aimpoint, Docter, etc.).

 

[Lodi]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

I have the XLR HD with a Lawton 8000 action in it. I love the stock and it looks great, but once you mount the action you can not get the bolt out due to the cheek rest. This is still a build in progress so I just need to decide if I want to get the ACE folding stock adapter or cut a notch big enough to get it out.

 

[110len]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

Lodi - check pm.
With that chassis, it seems that you have to mount the scope pretty high. Any comments?

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 110len</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lodi - check pm.
With that chassis, it seems that you have to mount the scope pretty high. Any comments? </div></div>

If you are talking about height over bore, then yes like an AR you have to run the scope high to clear the handguard.

However height over bore is rarely an issue. We run scopes low because it allows for better, more consistent cheek weld. Since the Evolution is fully adjustable this is a non-issue.

 

[JFComfort]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

Great review! Thank you for sharing.

 

[FALex]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DCook</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The front tube looks like it may be a weak point, how did you feel about it?
The system looks awesome, I want one </div></div>

I thought that too, but I have tried to make that thing flex, to no avail. When I had my scope mounted originally, I had about a micron's worth of clearance between the Objective Bell and the handguard. I figured loading the bipod was going to make that clearance vanish, and hence, create contact between scope and handguard. Never happened. That damn handguard is rock-solid. I love my Evolution. I'll be getting a second soon.

 

[jwpark]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

Good review. I'm leaning to the XLR for my next build.

How much does the XLR stock weigh w/ the DBM?

 

[R.O.U.S.]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

How much does the entire rifle weigh in the configuration you used?

I wonder if the chassis would make for a good scout rifle?

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

I forgot to weigh it before install. I will try to get a total weight on the rig tomorrow. It's not the heaviest, but it isn't lightweigt either. The 26" barrel and big honkin scope have some say in that. If I had the 20" with a 10x on it, it would be very handy.

 

[smcfarland]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

Sir,

Have you handled a McRee's? Very curious as to how these would compare head to head. Right now I'm torn between the two as an upgrade for my rifle. I think the XLR is lighter but I really don't like the need for new high rings.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

I have handled the McRee's, but I have not shot one yet.

They are extremely solid feeling systems. A lot of the choice is going to come down to personal preference.

 

[Cegorach]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

How does it work for off hand and positional shooting?

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cegorach</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How does it work for off hand and positional shooting? </div></div>

I feel that it works extremely well. I prefer to pull my support hand closer in, so flat floorplates or flush magazines seem to work better for me. However the Evolution has enough meat in front of the magazine that it works well for support.

 

[steve123]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

How was the accuracy compared to the M700 installed in the previous stock ?

Does it install around the barrel shank,recoil lug or front of action ?

 

[speedracer]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

That is one sexy beast.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How was the accuracy compared to the M700 installed in the previous stock ?

Does it install around the barrel shank,recoil lug or front of action ?</div></div>

Since the previous stock was a 700 ALD Varmint, the accuracy was quite an improvement.

The action bolts into the chassis with the two action screws. That is all that is actually holding the action in. Due to the construction of the chassis, the installation is a little more complex than that, but only because of the way the tube fits around the barrel.

 

[Sportin Wood]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

Will the handguard hold up in the HogSaddle?? My plans on my current rifle are for a XLR chassis, but will be using the HogSaddle vise...

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

If you are worried about it crushing, I don't think that will be an issue.

However you may have an issue with the saddle clamping to the tube if the clamp is not deep enough.

 

[steve123]

Re: XLR Evolution Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How was the accuracy compared to the M700 installed in the previous stock ?

Does it install around the barrel shank,recoil lug or front of action ?</div></div>

Since the previous stock was a 700 ALD Varmint, the accuracy was quite an improvement.

The action bolts into the chassis with the two action screws. That is all that is actually holding the action in. Due to the construction of the chassis, the installation is a little more complex than that, but only because of the way the tube fits around the barrel. </div></div>

Oh OK.

Thanks for the review and pics.