Reviews

XRL-12: Custom Sniper Kit for M4s

Brahma

On a typical weekend afternoon, you’d find RL Navasca of XRL Hobby Shop grinding and polishing away in his shop, or maybe in his kitchen concocting some never-before-heard dish. Yes, he is also one mean cook! His adeptness with the lathe machine equals his dexterity with the skillet. Fondly referred to by friends as “the mad scientist”, RL has churned out a variety of custom accessories for various AEGs, as well as GBB pistols and gas-operated guns—silencers and suppressors, flash hiders, rail risers, sebone rails…. name it, he has it!

RL is not a stranger to airsoft. He has been playing (or involved in some other ways) since airsoft’s infancy in the Philippines. Maybe, that is why he prefers making his own airsoft accessories, rather than buy one. (Editor’s note: When airsoft was just starting in the Philippines, 20 or so years ago, guns, gears and replacement parts are hard to come by,
giving rise to DIYers and “cottage” manufacturers. Some have survived through the years.)

‘Nuff said about the man, and let’s talk about the machine… er… the creation—XRL-12.

I really have no idea what the designation “12” stands for. His birthday, maybe? But one thing’s for sure, if you are a Barrett lover, this will make your head turn…



Frankengun … not !

The Swiss’ OM 50 Nemesis Mk III and the Barrett M82A1 sniper rifles are the inspiration behind the concept of the XRL-12. Earlier prototypes features a G36-type carry handle, which was later on scrapped in favor of the “extended” M4 carry handle to stay true to being an M4 sniper conversion kit. The prime niche for this new design are airsoft sniper enthusiasts that shy away from bolt-action sniper rifles and other dedicated sniper rifle platforms. The sniper conversion kit can be configured to take in different lengths of free-float outer barrels—from standard M16 lengths (current design) to Pro Sniper lengths. A shorter, assault-version of the XRL-1 is in the drawing boards.




The prime niche for this new design are airsoft sniper enthusiasts that shy away from bolt-action sniper rifles and other dedicated sniper rifle platforms. The sniper conversion kit can be configured to take in different lengths of free-float outer barrels—from standard M16 lengths (current design) to Pro Sniper lengths. A shorter, assault-version of the XRL-1 is in the drawing boards.


Comparing the length of the XRL-12-kitted sniper rifle (above) with a standard JG M4A1 assault carbine

Entirely made from aircraft-grade T5 aluminum (UNS A96063), the XRL-12 Sniper Kit is compatible with most M4 receivers available in the market today, with no extra tooling or modifications required. Just twist-and-turn, and presto!

A closer look

Hand Guard, Heatsink and Gas tube:





The one-piece handguard houses the swaged fin-type faux heatsink and the fluted free-float barrel. The handguard and rails are machined from a solid T5 aluminum cylinder. Notice that there are no screws attaching the rails to the main handguard. The lightweight component screws directly on to the receiver, just like standard free-float RAS, and is held in place by allen screws.

Fluted Outer Barrel and Muzzle break


This is the Barrett M82A1 fluted free-float barrel and detachable muzzle break.


The XRL-12 fluted barrel and muzzle break as seen from the front.

The free-float fluted outer barrel of the XRL-12 Sniper Kit comes in titanium finish. It can be made in varying lengths depending on the user’s preference. The tip is capped by a “gilled” muzzle break. The detachable two-tone muzzle break features gill-like design and has a solid but lightweight construction.



Carry Handle

The XRL-12’s railed carry handle is detachable (like a standard M4’s) and supports 20mm scope rings. Notice how the carry handle extends to about a few millimeters into the handguard. This is to provide additional support to the handguard and distribute the weight of the entire kitted-gun when carrying it via the carry handle.



Rear Stock

Much of the XRL-12’s rear stock design can be attributed to the OM 50, although, some inspirations were also culled from Magpul’s PRS. This is the XRL-12’s piece d’resistance. It comes with an integrated 4-position retractable buttstock with flip-up shoulder brace, height adjustable cheekpad/rest and a retractable  monopod.



The rear stock assembly is built into the standard M4’s stock tube, which is modified to fit a bar-type 11.1V 1600mAh lithiumpolymer battery.



To install the battery, the cheekpad/rest must be fully extended to its maximum height. Slide in the battery and connect it to the gun.




The cheekpad also serves as the battery compartment cover

To fully extend the retractable buttstock, just press the screw lock and pull out the part. When fully extended, it is almost the same length of an M16 fullbutt. The flip-up shoulder brace is useful when shooting in the upright position. It can be accessed whether or not the buttstock is retracted.



The rear stock assembly with all components extended.

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