New for 2018: 2A Arms XLR-20

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posted on October 13, 2018
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Like the AR-15, rifles based on the AR-10 platform have earned recognition and a reputation as a solid rifle for long-range work with hard-hitting cartridges like the .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor. However, many of these short-action semi-autos see only bench-based use, largely due to their excessive weight. With the all-new 2A Arms XLR-20, short-action shooters can take their long-range rifle anywhere they want.

At the core of the XLR-20 is the company's Xanthos Lite receiver set, which is machined from 7075 billet aluminum and trimmed to remove every ounce of nonessential material, providing consumers with a strong, lightweight rifle platform. Despite the trimmed profile of the receivers, the gun still incorporates added elements like a flared magazine well, tensioning screw to remove any rattle between upper and lower and M4-style feed ramps.

Mated to the upper receiver on the XLR-20 is a lightweight-contour barrel chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and machined from 4150 steel and finished with a QPQ-nitride treatment and a 1:8-inch twist rate. The barrel is topped with a specially designed .308-caliber X4 muzzle brake to reduce some of the felt recoil from this lightened design. A titanium gas block connects the rifle-length gas system to the barrel, and the entire assembly is surrounded by a 2A Arms Xanthos Lite handguard. Measuring 15 inches in length, the fore-end is machined from 6061 aluminum and includes a number of M-Lok accessory-attachment points.

Inside the receiver, consumers will find a full-mass bolt-carrier group, complete with a carrier machined from 8620 steel mated to a bolt made from 9310 steel. Each BCG is cryogenically treated, QPQ-nitride finished and magnetic particle-inspected for quality control. The rifle is also equipped with a two-stage drop-in trigger from Timney Triggers, providing a 2-pound first stage and a 2-pound second stage. A Magpul MIAD pistol grip, Mission First Tactical MFT Minimalist stock and BCM Gunfighter charging handle round out the package.

Total weight on the 2A Arms XLR-20 comes out to 6.85 pounds, unloaded. The rifle ships with a single 10-round Magpul PMAG, and the suggested retail price on the rifle is $3,209.

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