Robinson M96 Expeditionary Rifle

[Dan0311]

Does anyone here own/collect these rifles? I'm looking for a factory rear sight assembly.

Of all military firearms, the Stoner 63 and Soviet RPD are probably my favorites. The M96 is a 'sort-of' copy of the Stoner, although no common parts other than the stock.

Similar in use to an FN Minimi/M249 SAW, here's a SeAL team in Vietnam with a bunch of Stoners.

 

[Dan0311]

No one?

 

[cubrock]

Never seen one in the wild. Have you tried contacting Robinson?

 

[Dan0311]

Never seen one in the wild. Have you tried contacting Robinson?

No, but I've read that they haven't supported these rifles in a very long time. I've read on forums with dates 10+ years ago that Robinson has nothing further to do with them - but I guess it's worth a shot.

I usually don't collect too many non-military-used firearms, but these were different for me. They just feel 'right' in your hands.




I found a rare side-folding stock a long time ago, and an under-folder for the middle one not too long ago. I would LOVE to get a Bren (top-feed) conversion, as the receiver is modular and can be turned upside down.

 

[cubrock]

No, but I've read that they haven't supported these rifles in a very long time. I've read on forums with dates 10+ years ago that Robinson has nothing further to do with them - but I guess it's worth a shot.

I usually don't collect too many non-military-used firearms, but these were different for me. They just feel 'right' in your hands.

View attachment 587913


I found a rare side-folding stock a long time ago, and an under-folder for the middle one not too long ago. I would LOVE to get a Bren (top-feed) conversion, as the receiver is modular and can be turned upside down.

View attachment 587914

Their website mentions having parts on hand and they’re considering bringing them back out. Worth a phone call.

 

[Dan0311]

Their website mentions having parts on hand and they’re considering bringing them back out. Worth a phone call.

I emailed them about 45 min ago. That's the first I heard that they have parts on hand - awesome. I've heard the opposite, and I've read many times over the years that they may bring it back, but just rumor. I also asked about that in my email.

THANKS.

 

[cubrock]

I emailed them about 45 min ago. That's the first I heard that they have parts on hand - awesome. I've heard the opposite, and I've read many times over the years that they may bring it back, but just rumor. I also asked about that in my email.

THANKS.

They may not have much, but there is a blurb on there about their having done a parts inventory. At least there was. Hope it works out for you.

 

[Dan0311]

They may not have much, but there is a blurb on there about their having done a parts inventory. At least there was. Hope it works out for you.

Yes, I just went there and read it. I have read that M96 page before and I think that was posted in early 2020. I have never tried to contact them before today - thanks for the push.

 

[Dan0311]

I heard back from Robinson within a few hours - pretty impressive.

They wrote that they have lots of interest in the M96, plan on making them again, but are finding it very expensive to produce. They won't be coming out any time soon. As far as parts, they are packed away and not sure when they will be available for sale. They offered to put me on their M96 notification list.

So the hunt continues...

 

[willpgn]

Been a long time on the 96s for Robinson. I think they did a very, very small run of a few rifles a few years back. They have parts and keep teasing about producing again, but with their main focus being the XCRs, I doubt it is even feasible for them at this point without expanding or subbing out. They already have long wait times on the XCR L and Ms, for various material/supply chain reasons and because they are a relatively small shop. Alex Robinson also does his own thing and if it’s not on his “I want to do this” radar, it won’t get done, even if potential and existing customers want it.

 

[USMC6094]

I had the rifle configured set up many years ago, been kicking myself for just as many years for trading it.
They're a good solid rifle/carbine, it's a shame they don't make them anymore.

 

[USMC6094]

On a side note, did you send your trigger groups in for the recall fixes?

 

[Dan0311]

All of mine were purchased used, 20+ years ago - so I'm not sure. I'd have to check my paperwork to see if there was any work done on them. How can I tell if they had been fixed, or if my SN's even needed to be?

Can you post or PM any info you have on it - I just googled it and there wasn't much I found.

Thanks.

 

[willpgn]

All of mine were purchased used, 20+ years ago - so I'm not sure. I'd have to check my paperwork to see if there was any work done on them. How can I tell if they had been fixed, or if my SN's even needed to be?

Can you post or PM any info you have on it - I just googled it and there wasn't much I found.

Thanks.

Don’t know if it will help, but the XCR forum has a “Early Robinson Products“ section (VEPR and M96 focus). The forum isn’t heavily active…just a few of us core XCR guys mainly (it really dropped off after the Canadians took over long ago…sound familiar 🤨), but it’s one of the two that I’m on daily. Can you guess the other? 🤣 That section of the forum likely gets very, very little action, but there may be some nuggets in there for you.

https://www.xcrforum.com/forums/early-robinson-products.27/