FN A2 SPR?

[mark5pt56]

So, who can fill me in on the FN series of bolt guns? I'm trying to decide to go with the old tried and true 700 PSS or do the FN A2 SPR http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/fi...05&mid=FNM0022

More than likely, this will wear a Nightforce scope. If I do the 700, I will go with the Unimount, FN-probably the FN rings.

Mark

[Ren]

I love my SPR's lots and lots. I have 3 loads using 178 amax, 185 berger bt, and 190 smks that will hold half MOA. I would highly recommend getting a CDI precision bottom metal installed to use the AICS mags so you can have the option to use 5 or 10 rounders. I would also highly recomend some badger rings instead of the FN's.

Mine is topped of with a USO 3-17 ergo with the MPR reticle.

If you have not done much researching bolt guns i would highly suggest going over to snipershide and doing lots of research before droping the coin on any bolt gun.


Now for the bad.... there have been a few multipage threads online where guys had barrel problems and have had to send the rifle back. Sometimes you can tell right away.. and sometimes it takes a thousand rounds or so to see your accuracy fail. One of the rifles was an A3G wich is saposta be FN's cream of the crop bolt gun. I guess I have been lucky twice, once with an A1 thats now in an A5 stock and an A2. Both are capable of half moa, on the bench, with the right load.

There is always the option of getting a used GAP or Surgeon rifle for a little bit more money that will probably already have a great bedding job, detachable bottom meatal, a nice trigger or trigger job, bolt knob of some kind, and the attention to detail that a bolt gun needs.

[mark5pt56]

Do you know what happened with the barrels? Bad chrome I'm guessing?

I tend to be more of the stock, out of the box type. I know that I stand more of a chance needing or even wanting to do more on a stock remmy and less with the FN.

I was reading on the new bottom metal and the AI mags, Does that guy do the install? Other than maybe hard to find, any issues with the stock FN mags?

I know I can get a PSS in a local shop for about 950 out the door, has the new trigger in it. I meant to say direct mount earlier ref the NF mount. The one issue right off the bat is adding a stock pack on it to get the cheek to where it should be. Of course a new stock down the road will fix that.

On a side note, I stopped by Grice's in PA last week and they had a Savage bolt gun in there. It was the new model with the metal chassis, Any word on that puppy?

[Ren]

I dont really know the particulars on what was going on with the barrels, but I do know that there were some bad ones in the bunch.

There is nothing wrong with a PSS or a 5R. For that price range you really cant go wrong. And there are plent of aftermarket parts and people to work on them too. As far as doing more or less to one or the other... the FN's come with a 20moa near base and a Mcmillan stock. So that is kinda nice. But dropping a Remmy into a Mcmillan stock isnt that big of a deal at all. You can always buy a Badger or CDI bottom metal for the Remingtons as well. Its a toss up. But If I had to do it all over again. Id just save up for a GAP or Surgeon or Patriot arms or one from Randy at rdprecision.

I have no idea on the savage... When I went to shot it seems that almost everybody is comming out with some kind of chassis system now.... Just drop the coin on a custom. Buy once, cry once......The first time you pull the trigger you will be glad you did.

[mark5pt56]

I dont really know the particulars on what was going on with the barrels, but I do know that there were some bad ones in the bunch.

There is nothing wrong with a PSS or a 5R. For that price range you really cant go wrong. And there are plent of aftermarket parts and people to work on them too. As far as doing more or less to one or the other... the FN's come with a 20moa near base and a Mcmillan stock. So that is kinda nice. But dropping a Remmy into a Mcmillan stock isnt that big of a deal at all. You can always buy a Badger or CDI bottom metal for the Remingtons as well. Its a toss up. But If I had to do it all over again. Id just save up for a GAP or Surgeon or Patriot arms or one from Randy at rdprecision.

I have no idea on the savage... When I went to shot it seems that almost everybody is comming out with some kind of chassis system now.... Just drop the coin on a custom. Buy once, cry once......The first time you pull the trigger you will be glad you did.

I think I will go with the PSS and doodle with it. Maybe an A5 and the AI bottom metal down the road and some other goodies. I'll just shoot it for a bit and save up.

I spoke with a buddy today and he told me that he saw a couple SPR's have grouping issues, inconsistencies mainly.

I'm kind of Ar'ed out so a bolt gun or two--or three is in order. Have a couple hunting 700 rigs, nothing precision though.

[theJanitor]

I run a PSS (300WM and 308) and my brother runs an FN (308). his shoots 1/4 moa (or less) better than mine, with handloads. with fedGM they are the same. my trigger is better, but his stock is nicer. I like the controlled action of the FN over the 700. i like his safety better. and i like that his bolt can be easily disassembled. my SA now resides in an AICS stock, and i have to say that i LOVE the AI mags.

If i were to do it again, i'd go with a GAP or the FN and use the AI mags

YMMV: sample size is one

[steve-oh]

I sold my 700 in an AICS stock for an FN SPRA1 on the recommendation of a board member here. Don't regret it at all. The trigger is stupid easy to tune, and it shoots around MOA with south african. Groups shrink to comfortable below sub moa with 168 or 175 grain match ammo.
I don't think it's the end all be all of precision rifles, but for the cost it's a great shooter.


As you can see, I'm no marksman. The gun is more accurate than I am. 200 yards, 147(?) grain south african surplus. 5 shots.

[Ren]

Steve-oh... thats some pretty good dang shooting man. That bottom target looks about half moa minus the flyer. I wish I had areas like that in my backyard to strech my legs.

[BigJim #1-8]

Just started experimenting with my FN-XP .308.Puts Hornady Tap 110 Grain into one hole @ 100yds.Zeiss Conquest 4.5x14 Z1000 Recticle.
Hoping to work up handloads using 168 gr Sierra Matchkings.
I've used Pre64 Model 70's for years & the controlled feed & claw extractor made me choose the FN.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

[Blackbart]

I don't know if this is factual so others can chime in if you have any insight. Last November I called FN and spoke with a inside rep who conveyed to me that the rifles were going to start to be manufactured in house in March/April and on to help improve quality control. Was this truth from the horses mouth or did I take the bait?

I haven't found one yet to get some trigger time on but the web feedback over the years has been positive for the most part and I've yet to hear of any production changes in house. In the end what I'll most likely end up doing is just continuing to put my pennies in a jar that will go towards a GA Precision.