Garand Thumb Runs the Robinson XCR-M in 8.6 Blackout

In a video from Garand Thumb, the hosts run the Robinson Arms XCR-M chambered in 8.6 Blackout through range drills and a breakdown of why heavy subsonic rifle rounds are a better combat tool than older subsonic options. The video frames the gun as what it calls a "subsonic heavy counter assault rifle," tracing the idea back through the MP5SD and 300 Blackout before getting to the 300-grain 8.6 projectile.

Key points

• History matters: the video explains the MP5SD drops standard 9mm to subsonic but hits with roughly 380-caliber power, while 300 Blackout's heavier 220-grain bullet improves on that.
• 8.6 Blackout's edge: its 300-grain bullet, better shape and extreme spin rate are credited by the hosts with producing far more terminal effect while staying just as quiet.
• Accuracy expectations: their groups ran from about 1.5 to 3 MOA, which the video says is normal for a semi-auto subsonic combat rifle, not a precision gun.
• Shooting impressions: Garand Thumb and Micah both ran Bill drills, noting low recoil, a smooth adjustable gas system and a quality trigger from Robinson Arms.
• Modularity: the XCR-M's quick-change barrel system lets shooters swap between 8.6, 308 and 6.5 without headspacing, which the video says made it a Socom SCAR program submission.

Quick take

Garand Thumb's argument is straightforward: if you want a quiet, close-to-medium-range rifle that hits harder than a suppressed 9mm or 300 Blackout gun, the 8.6 Blackout XCR-M is doing the subsonic combat rifle concept better than what came before it, even if it's not winning any precision contests.

Watch the full video: Garand Thumb