We’ve been using the XLR Envy Pro for a variety of shooting scenarios, and now we’re adding weights to optimize balance and recoil!
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Recap: XLR Envy Pro Overview
We recently published an in-depth overview of the Envy Pro from XLR Industries featuring the new C-6 buttstock:
Let’s Add Some Weights!
XLR has quite the selection of weight options for the Envy Pro Including:
Envy Pro JV (Jake Vibbert) Competition Kit (also includes long night vision mount)
ENVY PRO BRASS SIDE WEIGHTS – 6 PIECE KIT
ENVY PRO INTERNAL FOREND BRASS WEIGHT KIT
BUFFER TUBE ADJUSTABLE STEEL WEIGHT KIT
TR-2 BUTTSTOCK BRASS WEIGHT KIT
Optimizing Balance
One of the most important things you can do with a rifle weight kit is to adjust the balance point (center of gravity) along the fore-aft (bore) axis. With today’s PRS competitors using many different accessories (suppressors, brakes, bipods, etc) and shooting from difficult positional setups, balance is even more important than the shear weight of the rifle.
Being able to adjust your rifle’s balance point mid-match is a HUGE advantage, especially when the rifle’s configuration is changed from stage to stage. For example, in positional shooting scenarios, you’ll want to keep the balance point between 2.5″ and 5″ ahead of the magwell. With weights, you can do just that!
Here’s the weights and accessories that we have in the shop for the Envy Pro:
From left to right in the above image:
- C6 buttstock weights (top)
- Long night vision mount (bottom) – we will use this with a different scope setup!
- Envy Pro M-LOK Side Weights
- Envy Pro internal weights
- Nose extensions, long (top, 5″), short (bottom, 2.5″)
Recoil Test
Total recoil reduction may be a secondary consideration (with proper compensator and rifle balance being at the top of the list), but I thought it would be really interesting to take a look at how increasing the rifle’s weight would influence recoil. Out comes the Ultimate Reloader Recoil Rig!
Here’s how the weight of our rifle compared with and without weights:
- Without weights: 17.89lb
- With weights: 23.52lb (+31%)
We took samples on the recoil rig with and without the weights, and observed the following result:
You can see clearly here two things:
- Peak forces were reduced (13% lower with weight kit)
- The recoil event was stretched out in time
The result is softer recoil “smoothed out over time”. A weighed down rifle feels more like a “long push” when fired compared to the “quick jab” with less weight. Interesting results!
Stay tuned for a full update on the C-6 Buttstock shortly!
Get the Gear
You’ll find these XLR products available directly from XLR Industries:
Envy Pro JV (Jake Vibbert) Competition Kit
ENVY PRO BRASS SIDE WEIGHTS – 6 PIECE KIT
ENVY PRO INTERNAL FOREND BRASS WEIGHT KIT
BUFFER TUBE ADJUSTABLE STEEL WEIGHT KIT
TR-2 BUTTSTOCK BRASS WEIGHT KIT
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Thanks,
Gavin