XP-100 center grip vs rear grip

[spencerhenry]

I bought an XP-100 in 7BR new back in 1991. I have killed 6 elk, and 5 mule deer with it. Center grip, factory plastic stock, 4x leupold. It is one of my favorite guns. I've thought about getting another one for many years, perhaps with a rear grip.

Is a rear grip easier to rest on a pack, or otherwise hunt with? With a bipod up front, is it more conducive to setting up a quick shot?

 

[CJ6]

Have them both. I prefer the rear grip.
As far as grip and cycling goes, for me it's easier when switching hands to cycle the bolt with the rear grip.

 

[Sheehan93]

I have found I obtain better control and groups at distance and hunting with the center grip off of a pack or on a bag over a rock or limb. I own both and have put many rounds through them both ways.

 

[JayHHI6818]

I bought an XP-100 in 7BR new back in 1991. I have killed 6 elk, and 5 mule deer with it. Center grip, factory plastic stock, 4x leupold. It is one of my favorite guns. I've thought about getting another one for many years, perhaps with a rear grip.

Is a rear grip easier to rest on a pack, or otherwise hunt with? With a bipod up front, is it more conducive to setting up a quick shot?

Impressive for 7 BR!!

 

[Sniper338]

I've had both. 100% rear grip for me now. I won't have another center grip.

To answer your questions, yes.. easier all the way around.

Mines in an single shot elisio chassis now. I had him design/fit it to an xp-100 action.

 

[JSH]

Have had both. Just never could warm up to the rear grip. Always seemed to put the optic or sight to far out front to my liking.

 

[BobT]

I have both as well and I prefer the center grip for hunting. The rear grip works better off a bench for me. My rear grip is an XP-100R in .260 and it works well off a bipod in the field, I can get along with it for hunting. The center grip guns are in my opinion, easier to find an impromptu rest in the field but have more muzzle flip.

 

[SEBforUSA]

I bought an XP-100 in 7BR new back in 1991. I have killed 6 elk, and 5 mule deer with it. Center grip, factory plastic stock, 4x leupold. It is one of my favorite guns. I've thought about getting another one for many years, perhaps with a rear grip.

Is a rear grip easier to rest on a pack, or otherwise hunt with? With a bipod up front, is it more conducive to setting up a quick shot?

I have always considered the center-grip more flexible in weird field positions, but as I have shot more with rear-grips in the the last couple of years, I am not as strong in that opinion.
It is going to come down to preference and the amount of practice you put in, especially in terms of speed in setting up for a shot and shooting.
What kind of ranges are you considering?

 

[spencerhenry]

I shot most of my deer and elk in the 150 to 200 range, with one at elk at about 360. Last season's spike bull was 185.

 

[SEBforUSA]

The balance difference (Not as much weight forward) with the center-grip gives more flexibility.
360 yards with a 7mm BR would be close to it's limit (I would think) for elk.
That's where animal position, shot placement and impact velocity really matter.
Congrats!

 

[K9TXS]

It's just a matter of what you like. I started off with a rear grip and later added a center grip. I was used to the recoil on the rear grip and did not care for the different recoil on the center. If I would have started with a center grip, I would probably feel just the opposite and stayed with it instead.