Hello all,

After 10 years of using large callibers on everyting I am finaly going to delve into the world of small to moderate callibers. I am planning on getting a 25-06. I am thinking about the Remington XCR or a Rem SPS.

I do reload so I can work up a suitable load for what I need. I plan to use it mostly as a coyote gun that can take a deer in a pinch. I plan to top it with a Trijicon 3X9 scope.

Range up here is usually short when compared to the hunting I have done out west so I figure I will try one of thoes triangle reticle scopes.

Does anyone have any experience the the XCR ???

I do need a gun that is pretty weather resistant. I just want to know if anyone feels that the XCR is worth an extra $300 over the regular SPS stainless and synthetic model.

Thanks (also posted in smal calliber forum)

It is hard to say whether or not the XCR is worth the extra money over the SPS, but I guess I think it is.

I own a XCR in 300 WSM and really like it. I hunted today with it in snow in the Sierra mountains and never gave it a thought.

My buddy owns both, an XCR and a SPS and I have shot them both. I think I like the XCR a little better. The finish is better and I like the stock better.

If you believe Remington's claims about the corrosion resistance the XCR is the only way to go. Their advertisements showing the competitor's stainless steel barreled actions after a few days of salt spray is pretty impressive.

I bought the limited edition Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation model of the XCR and am very impressed with the camo stock and the corrosion resistant coating. The gun just feels good in my hands. It handles like it is lighter than it really is. I really like the Hogue inspired rubber inserts where the checkering is usually applied.

I own two stainless Remington's neither of which are XCR's.

They both have withstood everything I have thrown at them.

I will add that the SPS stainless seems to have a much rougher finish than my two.

300 bucks is nothing to sneeze at, but if you think you need it go for it.

They are the same rifles except for the coating. Barrel, stock, trigger, action, drop plate, etc., all the same. I have one of the XCR stocks and it is identical to the SPS stock with the only difference being the rubber over-lays that have no functional value IMO, They do look alittle better than plain black.

I've hunted in spitting snow and pouring rain on countless occasions and I've never had the need for any special coatings, many times I never cleaned until after the hunt and still never had corrosion.

Salt water is a whole different animal and is the only place were the XCR will have an advantage. If you plan on hunting coastal bear or caribou, the XCR may be the ticket, but if you are just planning normal hunting in fresh water climates, the SPS will suit your needs.

Good Luck,

Reloader