First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

[phm14]

I got my 1st non-air rifle as a gift when I was 12 back in '74, but this is the 1st one I'm setting up for medium range precision shooting. Not sure what took me so long. It's certainly not much to look at compared with some of the great custom builds I've seen here, but I'm stoked anyway. It's a 20" FN SPR A5M in .308, and as you can see from the pic I already have a nice optic waiting to mate up with her via some Seekins rings. I owe you guys some thanks in helping with the selections.

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[Shredder58]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Nice choice! You are gonna like it and be happy for many years to come

. That factory test target looks like she is a good build that can stack rounds right on top of each other. Congrats, now get out there and put some lead down range and report back!!! I really like that CRF action myself...

 

[BOL556]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Pretty cool hope you enjoy. Have the A3G and in a way wish I went with the A5 instead.

 

[turbo54]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Great rig! Nice choice. A little more money than a garden variety Remmy/Savage, but won't need upgading.

I love my A3G (although its for sale), and am building an SPR in 284win.

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Thanks for the positive feedback, Guys. I was impressed with the factory target as well. Not bad for factory ammo.
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[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

I wasn't particularly impressed with the factory trigger setting at ~4.5 lbs w just a hint of creep, so I pulled the stock to take a look. Turns out it's easily adjustable for weight and over travel. A few minutes of stoning/adjustment, and it breaks like glass at ~ 2 lbs with no perceptible over travel. I don't see a need for an aftermarket trigger, unless you want to go under 2 lbs. A lighter spring may well bring the factory set up under 2 lbs as well. Pull seems slightly heavier if the safety has been engaged. This pic is before I made adjustments.
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[uncledog57]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

What do you mean it doesn't look like much? I think it is beautiful! I would love to own that rifle! Good luck with it! Let's see how you do behind it? Report back.

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Factory bedding:
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[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Thanks, Uncledog. I am looking forward to getting her to the range. So much so I ordered the Seekins med. (.87") rings with the USO T Pal before I had the rifle. After a test fit, I realized I have room to go to the low rings (.82"), so it will be a couple more days before I can torque the glass down.
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[wrhunter]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Just curious... What bottom metal and mag is that?

 

[19Scout77]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

That is the NEW factory bottom metal with factory 10 rd mag.

 

[turbo54]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: phm14</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Factory bedding:
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Why is the hole for the front pillar/action screw broken out, and only 1/2 there?

I have an A3G, which isn't cut so deep, so the hole shown here is not broken out.

However, I have an A4 stock for another SPR build, and the screw IS broken out, just like yours. From my investigation, I can see no reason the material must be removed. Anyone know the details of this?

 

[DrewinTejas]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Very very nice looking rifle, great setup all around, rifle, optic, rings, and stock. Love it all. Congrats on a great rifle.

 

[wrhunter]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is the NEW factory bottom metal with factory 10 rd mag.</div></div>

Nice. Is it going on all the SPR's now?

 

[Action Guy]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

The extra material is removed from the stock in the DBM (and by extention, the TBM) to allow for the magazine assist spring and latching mechanism. In the TBM it is not needed because the latch is in the rear, but since the inlets are the same other wise, it stayed. The recoil lug and wide flange of the bottom metal support the action sufficiently in this area.

On hinged floorplate inlets, there is only the magazine box, which takes up much less space. Therefore the front action screw is through the stock completely on the front.

 

[turbo54]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Action Guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The extra material is removed from the stock in the DBM (and by extention, the TBM) to allow for the magazine assist spring and latching mechanism. In the TBM it is not needed because the latch is in the rear, but since the inlets are the same other wise, it stayed. The recoil lug and wide flange of the bottom metal support the action sufficiently in this area.

On hinged floorplate inlets, there is only the magazine box, which takes up much less space. Therefore the front action screw is through the stock completely on the front. </div></div>

Thanks for the answer Action Guy... somehow I figured you'd be the one to pipe up.

As I mentioned, I'm building an SPR as a 284win. I'll be using a CDI bottom metal and I'm sure there's plenty of meat in there for good support......but....

I don't NEED all that clearance, so Ive been scheming on ideas to put some material back in there. I think I'll make a fat pillar with a 1" "flange" in the middle of it, then carve out a pocket for the flange to be bedded into, then make a dam so that epoxy can fully surround the pillar. Thoughts?

 

[JBomb]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Congrats on your new rifle, it looks great! I'm waiting for my new FN SPR to arrive. Should you have any problems, FN's service center does not disappoint.

Don't forget the range report!

 

[SANDEDfaceless]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Looks great!! That new bottom metal looks sweet! I kinda want to go get a new one now... but great set up, optics and all, you will love it for years to come!!

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Thanks, Guys. Rings came in today, so range day is nigh. Planning on Friday, God willin' & the creek don't rise. As easy as this trigger was (compared to an AR), I may have to take a look at my FNAR and Sig 970 and see what can be done. The only thing else I can think of for the SPR is a bolt handle. There's not a ton of clearance @ the eyepiece as it is. Any suggestions on a good smith for this?

 

[Action Guy]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Turbo,

I don't see where bedding this area back in would do any harm. Anyone with bedding experience should be able to do it fairly easily. Pillar would make it slightly more complicated, but not by much. With CDI's magazine assembly, I'm not sure of the clearance on the front. With a TBM, just keep the bottom metal indexed to the receiver the same as before and you should not have any problems. If it increases your confidence in the system, particularly if it already a custom build (out of warranty), I'd say go for it.

 

[muggs13]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

My SPR is at CDI as we speak for the bottom metal.

Any thoughts of bedding the lug. Currently there is no bedding in that area. It shoots about 7/10 moa, and I have not attempted to do a simple bedding job yet. Not sure if the juice would be worth the squeeze....

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Thanks for the input, Mr. Voss. Do you recommend a certain torque value for the stock bolts?

 

[turbo54]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: phm14</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the input, Mr. Voss. Do you recommend a certain torque value for the stock bolts? </div></div>

I recommend tightening to ~45 in-lb.

Develop a good load that is clearly "on the node".

Bring a torque wrench to the range and try 65/65, 65/45, 45/65 and 30/30.

This should either show you that your rifle doesn't care, or show you the direction to move in for further fine tuning. 5in-lb is PLENTY of resolution, so don't try and fine tune down to 1in-lb.

FWIW, my A3G doesn't care at all.

 

[Action Guy]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Factory torque values are 65 in/lbs front and rear. I have experimented with different values and not found any appreciable difference, except when I got down to 45 in/lbs. My experience has been that they open up a little the lighter you go with the standard bedding on black-stocked SPRs. With the A3g's full bedding, it matters even less, as Turbo has discovered. So, I keep everything at 65 in/lbs on all my FN bolt rifles (TSRs included).

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Thanks Guys. I'm always impressed with the level of expert advice on the Hide-much appreciated.
I'd did finally get her to the range today, and was extremely pleased with the whole package. Winds were gusting 15-20mph, 1/4 to 1/2 value, so I just concentrated on getting a good 100 yd zero and setting up the optic. From the bench/bipod, the PP match was occasionally putting two of three shots into one ragged hole during lulls in the wind, with several sub moa 3 shot groups. After that, I just had some fun blasting clays off the 200yd berm from prone & sitting. Was having so much fun putting rounds through the thing, I didn't even worry about break in or cool down. I have it on good authority that the SPR likes to run fouled anyway. Can't wait to see what she'll do on a calm day with some decent ammo @ the 600 yd range I have available. The bolt will be going out next week for a custom bolt knob. Anyone know where I can get a good price on a quantity of Fed GMM? Can't wait to shoot the damn thing again.

 

[Dirtdigger]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

FGGM go to palmetto state armory. they are a HIDE sponsor and have a damn good price.

 

[roosterpig]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

one word to describe it... beautiful.

 

[madAB]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Very nice rifle. It has more "custom options" than the 700 I've been putting together. You have a great setup there.

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Thanks again. Got a case of Fed. GMM SMKs inbound, and bolt outbound to Keith @ PCR for a custom bolt handle knob he's making from my rough sketch. Anyone got a better idea than blue locktite to keep the cheek piece bolts from loosening? I'm thinking about replacing them with smaller head bolts since I don't think I have a need to change it once set. Would also be more comfortable for weak side shooting. Anyone happen to know the size/thread on these bolts?
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[turbo54]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: phm14</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again. Got a case of Fed. GMM SMKs inbound, and bolt outbound to Keith @ PCR for a custom bolt handle knob he's making from my rough sketch. Anyone got a better idea than blue locktite to keep the cheek piece bolts from loosening? I'm thinking about replacing them with smaller head bolts since I don't think I have a need to change it once set. Would also be more comfortable for weak side shooting. Anyone happen to know the size/thread on these bolts?
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You can try the loctite, but I didn't have luck with it. I also stripped the threads in the stock - with only my fingers! I think you'll run into trouble if you install hex-head screws and try to put a little torque on them. I ended up using a helicoil-like thing called a timesert to fix mine.

Good luck.

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Thanks Turbo. I may try a dab of silicon caulk on the threads & see if that holds,

 

[delv7915]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Congratulations! That is a sweet rifle and they finally added the new bottom metal. Gotta love 10rnd mags. I loved it! I am sure it hurt in the beginning but you will never cry again. As for the trigger, I do not understand why anyone would ever change out the factory trigger. They are very easy to adjust and super crisp. Enjoy!

 

[delv7915]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Hey phm14, what factory ammo where you using to achieve those groups?

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Privi Partisan 168grn match. Not generally considered top shelf ammo, but not bad for $13-14 a box.

 

[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Keith @ PCR did a very nice job on the new bolt knob. [img:left]

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[phm14]

Re: First Precision Rifle-FN SPR

Nothing left to do now but feed her well

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Edit: That's lube @ the top of the knob stem. Finish looks flawless.