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.

 

[GotRDid]

Started out with a center grip back in the early 90s, but when I rebuilt her, I opted for a rear grip.
Since now she is mostly shot from fold up table in the field or bench on the range, I do like the ergonomics better.

 

[TGP]

I have both, prefer the center grip for hunting and a couple of the long range matches that will make you wish you'd played twister more as a kid, they're a little more compact and I don't feel as "crunched" up when getting into full view with a rifle scope. For bench work I like the rear grip best, longer footprint and tracks better for me. As you've pretty much have seen, to each there own

 

[Bruce W]

If you’re right handed sell the xp and get a Wichita left bolt. Action is early cnc . You can use the same action for a rear grip as you can a center grip. The trigger set up works for both. A jewel trigger works on the rear grip. Scope bases are difficult find. Xp’s are good. I think I owned 10 over the years but the Wichita I feel is a better choice. Just my opinion

 

[SEBforUSA]

I would not recommend a Wichita action, simply because they are not made anymore.
If something goes down you will probably be stuck (Unless their parts are compatible with other actions, triggers, etc...This I do not know) .
Of course, you could have a machinist manufacture parts-Could get pricey.

My recommendation for a center-grip is, if you want a left bolt/left port action is get a Borden Alpine XP action ordered that way, and then order a center-grip flat-top McMillan stock or have a wood stock made for a left-hand clone XP-100.

If you are going rear-grip and you want a left bolt/left port action, I would start a non-designated clone 700 SA and either make a wood stock or get a chassis stock for it.

 

[spencerhenry]

I have no issue with the right side bolt, I just reach over to run the bolt, tipping the gun to the left a little. I have only once needed a follow up shot, that was this last year at 185 yards. That spike took 2 excellent hits and one poor hit before he fell over.

I'm glad I asked the question about the grip. I assumed the rear grip was a better set up for hunting, with the ability to use a bipod.

Some day I'll buy another one, not sure what cartridge. I really like 17's but not sure how much I would actually hunt with it. I like oddball stuff, so case forming is not an issue. Maybe something faster in a 6mm? Most likely I'd get something I could hunt small big game with.

The 360 yard cow elk was many years ago. Hunting in December at about 8000'. Two cows up on the hill in 2.5 feet of snow, I was on snowshoes. The cow dropped at the shot, but when I got up there, there was a blood trail leading away. I was in horror, I had shot through the one that dropped and hit the one behind it as well. I followed it for quite a distance and determined that it was not likely a lethal hit as there was very little blood, a blood trail that would not be visible without pure white fluffy snow. I surmised that it was a lower leg hit by the blood trail, and that made sense by how the cows were standing.

 

[rickiesrevenge]

I have both. Other than off a bench I prefer a centergrip.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

I've got a stock and some xp parts if anyone needs them, let me know.
If this needs to be in the classifieds, let me know. I don't have a list and haven't been actively trying to sell them, fwiw.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I've got a stock and some xp parts if anyone needs them, let me know.
If this needs to be in the classifieds, let me know. I don't have a list and haven't been actively trying to sell them, fwiw.

Do you have pics of the stock?
PM me if that works better for the thread

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Do you have pics of the stock?
PM me if that works better for the thread

Not right now but I can get some. Prefer to sell it all together. The stock is very good. Looks like someone bedded a little weight in the forearm area but it's good. Send me a pm and I'll try to get you a pic of what I have tomorrow. Thank ya! I just don't need this stuff is all.