FN Ballista

bm11

bm11

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 18, 2010
2,562
13
41
Maine
#1
I hear the Ballista will be out soon. The advertisement on this site is a good indication. Price I have heard will be $6100, which puts it give or take in line with the MRAD.

I haven't really been following this rifle but from what I have read, it is FN's PSR submission and like the other PSR rifles it is a user changeable .308/.300/.338.
http://www.fnhusa.com/l/products/commercial/rifles/ballista/

Anyone have any hands-on experience? Looks interesting, and my experience with other FN rifles has been positive.

Edit: just noticed it is designed and built by Unique Alpine AG.
 
#2
Re: FN Ballista

Bobby,

It is very unlikely that anyone has had any experience with the Ballista outside of FNH USA, Unique Alpine, or USSOCOM. It is just too new. It was at the media range event at leat year's SHOT Show, so some media people got to shoot it a little. Quite a few others got to see it in the booth at SHOT and NRA Convention, but that does not replace shooting it.

I have shot it quite a bit and can answer some "nuts and bolts" questions you may have. I don't know when it will be available for commercial sale and I don't know how much it will cost to the final customer. Sorry, but I knew that you would ask, and with good reason. If I could give you an answer, I would.

Because of my affiliation with FNH, I will spare you my impression of it. Needless to say, I think the rifle will be very favorably received by shooters once it has arrived.
 
#3
Re: FN Ballista

As mentioned above the ballista is not commercially available, so not many with hands on experience, and Mr Voss knows what he's talking about.

The rifle is produced by Unique Alpine for FNH, use they're receiver same basic design as the TPG rifles, barrels too. Not sure about the trigger but the original two stage from UA is very nice.
The only big difference is the new chassis as i can see.

The UA rifles are pretty rare in the US, but not so in Europe.
Use you're google-fu and dig up some info on the UA rifles and you have something to go by.

Have been behind one a few times in the UA TPG configuration.
And have been impressed with it.
The modular system is well thought out, and the barrel change system is simple and works very well.
The two stage trigger was very nice.
System seems solid and the owner have had no issues with it, not heard complaints either, except from people that has disassembled and not torqued it up to factory specs.
As for accuracy 0.5 moa or better should be expected.
Seen it shoot in the low 0.2s a few times, but can probably be better with a better driver.

The rifle is rather heavy as you can see, the old TPG-1 was a bit too cumbersome for my taste, and i did'nt find it comfortable to carry, but the ergonomics are really nice. This has improved with the TPG 2 and the baliistas chassis looks a lot more friendly for carry and positional shooting.

The price is rather high yes, but not worse then most high end rifles and in my opinion it's worth it for what you get.
IF the choice was between Barret and Unique Alpine i'd go with UA myself but that's just my personal opinion.
 
#4
Re: FN Ballista

Thanks guys. The barrels are LW, correct? Unfortunately, you don't have timeframes or pricing, which would be my biggest questions- what is the cost of the caliber conversions and when will they be available?

I have already been told a retail price of $6095, and and an availability of "soon," though "soon" was well over a year ago with the SCAR barrels and they aren't shipping get either.
 
#6
Re: FN Ballista

bm11, I think the most important question will be....whats the story on barrel extensions? I.E Can I have another shop build me a .260 or 6.5cm barrel.
 
#7
Re: FN Ballista

Yet another rifle inspired by the PSR solicitation. Poison's correct, the availability of conversion kits is an important one as we've seen with Barrett's MRAD that the capability is often moot when years go by with only a single cartridge supported.
 
#8
Re: FN Ballista

I want it
laugh.gif
 
#9
Re: FN Ballista

I have wanted a UA rifle for many years now but cant seem to find them here in the States. Has anyone seen one (of any kind but especially the TPG-1) on this side of the pond? I too am very intrested in the new Ballista.
 
#10
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbell</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have wanted a UA rifle for many years now but cant seem to find them here in the States. Has anyone seen one (of any kind but especially the TPG-1) on this side of the pond? I too am very intrested in the new Ballista. </div></div>

I spent some time looking into UA products. AFAIK, UA, will not directly export a rifle to a customer in the U.S.A., on a Form 6. What I heard, it is because of a lack of liability coverage, for the U.S. market. I do not know, if this is the actual case ?

With the absence of direct factory sales, this leaves a potential American customer, to deal with individual dealers in Europe, who can source a rifle from the factory. A potential buyer begins to ask questions and attempts to obtain a price, for the basic rifle with options. The published prices are or are not out of date ?

The previous UA rifles are basic single loaders. You can load up the rifles, with all kinds of additional options. It is not easy to obtain answers to your questions. Feel free to search the internet and read about customer service from the other side of the pond.
 
#12
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drb5r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Somebody has been playing Black Ops 2
</div></div>

I didn't want to say it...
 
#13
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drb5r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Somebody has been playing Black Ops 2
</div></div>

What does that mean?
 
#14
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drb5r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Somebody has been playing Black Ops 2
</div></div>Is this gun in it? Because I don't play. I was asking because I am a serious gun customer who uses his shit. My question was prompted by the FN Ballista add that has been showing up on the left side of this website recently.
 
#15
Re: FN Ballista

The Ballista barrels are made by Unique Alpine. Previous TPG models have sported Lothar Walther barrels. All commercial FNH Ballistas will have Unique Alpine hammer forged barrels. .338 Lapua will have a 1:9 constant polygonal twist. .300 WM will be 1:10 constant polygonal and .308 will be 1:11 constant polygonal.

UA TPG models have been very scarce in the US because Unique Alpine has not imported into the United States prior to working with FNH USA. FNH USA will be the sole US importer. The Ballista will be available through normal FNH distribution channels. Unique Alpine does sell through out Europe and the rest of the world, though.

Military caliber kits (.308 Win and .300 WM) will be avialable when the rifle comes available. To Poison's question of other calibers, that is also on the horizon. Obviously, cartridges based on the .308 or belted magnum casing will be easiest for UA, and the customer as well, because all that will be needed is a different barrel for that caliber change (if you already have the .308 or .300 caliber kit with appropriate bolt head and magazine).

Just for sake of asking, what cartridges would you be interested in based on these three basic casings: .308 Winchester, .300 WM, and .338 Lapua? No need for wildcat, non-SAAMI cartridges, just not going to happen. Twist rates for your choices...?

Next basic casing? WSM? I'd love to see a Ballista in 7mm WSM, but that is a long way away.

It is very unlikely barrel extensions will be available for aftermarket sale for use in further customization. Again, just not going to happen.

One cannot argue with the lack of barrels for the SCAR. This one should be different.
 
#17
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbell</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drb5r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Somebody has been playing Black Ops 2
</div></div>

What does that mean? </div></div>
Just thought it was weird that this gun hasn't been brought up in a while. Black ops 2 comes out, and now someone mentions wanting one. Sorry if I offended anyone. I was just putting the pieces of the puzzle together. I think there are far better rifles out there for the money.
 
#18
Re: FN Ballista

hmmmmm let me think of one gun that FN has made for the military that has been worth a shit when it came out or shit for the first 5-7 years.... nope my mind is blank.
 
#22
Re: FN Ballista

240 isn't NEARLY as bad as the 249 and 46/48. but they usually aren't shot as much either. the 46 and 48 i have heard nothing but issues. The 43 was a much better weapon

people treat the scar like the m16 when it was first released. i hate to piss in your cheerios but that gun has been in development for over a decade and there is still a ton of issues.
 
#23
Re: FN Ballista

In the Marines, most guys' answer on the 249 was gallons of CLP... Fucking thing would be dripping with the stuff... Then they'd shoot it & it would just go everywhere, usually starting with their eyes... Glasses, what glasses?
 
#24
Re: FN Ballista

yep they have to be dripping dripping wet, the scar does not run well dry either. Nor does the Mk20, now why the fuck would you want a precision gun that has to be dripping wet in sandy places.
 
#26
Re: FN Ballista

I would love to get an FN rifle that would work for me. I have tried and returned two (2) SPR A3G rifles. The first one had a bad barrel and wouldn't quit throwing flyers. It took about 11 months for me to get a replacement. The second rifle wouldn't feed the rounds off the left side of the magazine. After sending it back 3 times for FN to try and fix the problem, they admitted I needed a new rifle. After waiting 10 months, I was so exasperated I agreed to accept some other FN firearms in exchange. I got rid of them.

I would dearly love to buy one of their rifles that wouldn't have problems. But after having problems with two of their "top of the line" precision rifles, I am a bit leery. If I could test one out prior to purchase, that would be great because many of their rifles have features that I think are really great.

The people at FN were really nice to deal with, but I understand that the guy in customer service can't magically make a rifle appear if there isn't one in the warehouse.

When I saw the Ballista, I thought "That looks great!", but then I remembered my earlier experiences and reason got in touch with my wallet.
 
#27
Re: FN Ballista

Two points;


This is a bolt-action rifle.

Afaik, FN, does not produce any part of the rifle. FN, imports the rifle, markets the Ballista, and stamps the receiver. This is similar to FN's previous relationship with PGM.
 
#28
Re: FN Ballista

Disregarding everything else. What would be the deal breaker for me is the fact you can't get barrel extensions. Honestly I'm sure they make a good barrel......but I know for a fact APA, GAP, etc make killer barrels.

If there was one thing that DTA did right...it was selling their extensions separate.
 
#29
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J-Ham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In the Marines, most guys' answer on the 249 was gallons of CLP... Fucking thing would be dripping with the stuff... Then they'd shoot it & it would just go everywhere, usually starting with their eyes... Glasses, what glasses? </div></div>

HA!!!
laugh.gif
that brings back some memories, mostly the smell!!
 
#30
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Disregarding everything else. What would be the deal breaker for me is the fact you can't get barrel extensions. Honestly I'm sure they make a good barrel......but I know for a fact APA, GAP, etc make killer barrels.

If there was one thing that DTA did right...it was selling their extensions separate. </div></div>

Yep. That is a deal killer for sure.
 
#31
Re: FN Ballista

Sorry to get this back on track . . . but I just talked to an FN dealer who said the Ballista will only be available in 308 and 300wm here in the states because they banned the importation of the 338lm version. Sound odd to you guys?
 
#32
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UncleBenji</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry to get this back on track . . . but I just talked to an FN dealer who said the Ballista will only be available in 308 and 300wm here in the states because they banned the importation of the 338lm version. Sound odd to you guys? </div></div>Doesn't make much sense.
 
#34
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Action Guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That dealer clearly does not have the correct information about import laws. Initially, the Ballista will be in .338 Lapua with the other calibers available through kits. </div></div>

Thanks, Ben. That didn't made sense one bit. Other EU based companies import 338 and larger all the time.

I saw the display (I think) of the Ballista at SHOT. Honestly I didn't pay much attention at the time. Wish I had. What's the final stat on weight in 338?

TTR
 
#35
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UncleBenji</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry to get this back on track . . . but I just talked to an FN dealer who said the Ballista will only be available in 308 and 300wm here in the states because they banned the importation of the 338lm version. Sound odd to you guys?</div></div>

It's sad that the most common purveyors of FUD are the dealers themselves.
 
#41
Re: FN Ballista

In the Australian Army , we ran the Minimi (under the designation F89) and the M240(designated MAG-58) and both were fairly reliable weapons in the sand pit.

not much more oil needed , but we did have longer barrells than you guys on the Minimi and better gas systems (wind out for MAG-58 and Adverse/normal plug on Minimia/Maximi)

all made by FN.

The ballista looks very similar to most of the other PSR contenders to me.
 
#42
Re: FN Ballista

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Action Guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good. Stop by at SHOT this year and I'll give you the tour. </div></div>

Hope to see you there Ben, can I get that tour?
 
#43
Re: FN Ballista

Jon, sure thing. I am pretty sure I will be tied to the Ballista kiosk the entire show except for a meeting or two here and there. Stop on by.

To all, feel free to stop by and introduce yourself as a Hide member. It is good to put a face to a screen name.
 
#46
Dropshot said:
Are we ever going to be able to purchase one??
Click to expand...

I Heard from a little bird that FNH was trying to get the SCAR SSR through BATFE compliance for 2015.

Not sure if that is something that will hurt or help Ballista release. Some of my local dealers have been given prices for that and said they don't think they would actually see any real deliveries until well into the summer. So who knows?

TTR
 
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