OK GUYS..I've always shot break actions and revolvers in my handguns but have been biten by the "XP" bug. Is there any style that is better than the other as far as center grip vs rear grip. Are there any different action types or anything I should look for? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I would mainly be using this gun for whitetail and the alike. So give me some of your caliber sugestions. I am a "greenhorn" when it comes to these critters. So.......PLEASE school me on them!!!!Thanks to everyone.......

Randy,

I have several bolt guns - a mix of XPs and Strikers. Of them, I like the XPs better. My preference is for the older models center grip XPs with the dogleg bolt handle. I just like the way they feel in my hand. Nice balance. Handles recoil well. Lots of aftermarket options floating around for them. The Stiker is a heavier, bulkier gun. Not nearly as nice as the XP, IMHO. The newer rear grip XPs just aren't my cup of tea. Too long. Too muzzle heavy. Probably better off the bench than a center grip, but just not my preference.

With regard to caliber, take your pick. You could do well with a basic XP in 7BR. It is a fun cartridge shoot and plenty accurate. Should perform well on deer out to 200 yards and maybe a little more if you put the shot in the right place. I would start with a basic 7BR if it were me for the following reasons:

1) Brass and dies are standard items and readily available.
2) Case length is ideal for the XP. No action modification necessary as may be required for longer rounds.
3) It will probably be fairly easy to locate one.

I also have a Competitor pistol, which falls somewhere between the break action and the bolt guns. It has interchangeable barrels, but has the feel of a center grip gun. It is also very compact. My 16" 257 AI Competitor is shorter than a TC with a 14" barrel.

Thanks STUSH,
I will be thinking about that barrel some more. And thanks for the advice on the XP. Will let you know on the barrel. Thanks again..............

I also prefer the center-grip over the rear grip. The Zytel stocks are okay, but I like the H-S Center Grip Stocks or Center-Grip by McMillian. I enjoy the Longer Range shooting so I would pick a 308 based case that has been improved or something built off of the 284 Win case or a WSM case. All of my xp's are customized and I enjoy them more than any of my other types of specialty handguns, thus my user name "xphunter" XP (for XP-100's) Hunter (because it is my primary handgun to hunt with).

Ernie

I too prefer the center grip over the rear grip XP. I currently own 2. One is a customized 223 with HS Precision stock and Schnieder barrel, great shooter. The another is a 35 Rem waiting for me to make up my mind what to do with it. As far as a stock xp goes. The 7mm Br is a good choice and can be found. Can't speak about competitors or lone eagles cuz I don't like them, but that's personal. Good luck in your search for an XP.

Thanks guys.....
Is there anywhere to see some pictures of different XP's set up for hunting? I kinda like the look of Gary's yellow one. How about any of you out there? Could you send me a photo of your XP's? Kinda like to know what look I like. Also what would be the prefered barrel length? Thanks again...........

There are a number of XP's pictured on the Specialty Pistol forum. Maybe a search on google or other search engine under XP-100 could get you even more.

Ernie

Ernie is good to listen to. He has helped me on an xp-100 I am having built. I went with the Mcmillan stock and the 6.5x284. This is my first specialty pistol.

mike.44
Whos building yours?

The XP bug can be expensive. Here is a pic of my Greg Tannel built XP 100 switch barrel rig. It has a complete action job, McMillan stock, Kreiger barrel, Vais brake, Near base, & Leupold scope. Calibers are 7.82 Patriot & 9.53 Hellcat.


David

I agree with stush and suggest the 7 BR i have one and it works great and is efficient in a 14 inch barrel the problem with big calibers is the extra powder is wasted when you have such a short barrel and the extra powder doesn't add up to much fps put more muzzle flash. the mid grip guns are better balanced and can be very accurate with one sand bag under the grip the original plastic is light and feels good but looks like crap if you can find an original custom shop wood they are nice but for hunting i prefer the mcmillan good luck