I recently picked up a PBR in the PX. It is the XP with a 20" fluted barrel, but the Hogue overmolded stock.
It's on its way to my FFL now.
Other than the stock not being a McMillan, can someone tell me what the other differences are between the PBR and the SPR?
I think the PBR doesn't have a chrome lined barrel, is that correct?
FN PBRs do not have chrome lined barrels. Hammer forged, but not chrome lined. The actions were not trued like they were on SPRs, either. Barrels were lighter in contour.
There were two different series of PBRs.
The original PBR with black Hogue stock was made in the US Repeating Arms Company plant (Winchester) in New Haven, Connecticut along side the Model 70 and FN SPR. The only came in .308 and only had a 4 round DBM magzine. The actions were the hybrid controlled round / push feed style. They did have the Winchester two lever trigger, though. Came with a one-piece base, but very early ones may have had a two-piece rail. Stocks were not bedded.
When operations moved to FN in Columbia, SC, the PBR became the PBR-XP. These have the green Hogue stocks. PBR-XPs use the CRF action of the SPR and classic Model 70 but were not trued. SPRs are always trued. PBR-XPs kept the hammer forged but non-chrome lined barrels, fluted now on XPs. Most were .308 with 4 round DBM, but a few were in .300 WSM and had a hinged floorplate magazine. Even fewer of the PBR-XP USA in .223 with an "Ultra Short Action" (USA). Smaller Hogue stock, 20" barrel, 6 round hinged floorplate magazine and a hybrid CR/PF action. Neat little guns but unremarkable in the market place. PBR-XPs also used the new Winchester three lever or "MOA" trigger found on all M-70s after the move to Columbia. PBRs were all meant to deliver at least 1.5 MOA, but most flirted easily with 1 MOA. Actions were not trued like on SPR and barrels were lighter and not chrome lined. All meant to compete price-wise with the $800 Remington M700 popular in the market at the time but with better features.
Anyone looking for a CRF build, the PBR-XP action is very good and probably very affordable. The only draw back is the trigger does not have lots of aftermarket options like the original two-lever trigger found on older M70s and FN SPR. Trued up and rebarreled with a good tube and it'll shoot with the best of them. Left in stock form, its an accurate for its light weight, all-purpose bolt gun. If you want .308 Win or .300 WSM.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your rifle when you get it.
AG
www.snipershide.com
