I'm in the market for a tactical bolt gun in 308 and was ready to drop for a R700 5R, R700 SPS Tactical AAC or Savage Model 10 but hadn't quite made up my mind. I called a good friend for some advice and he suggested that I hold off because he's got a FN bolt action with a milspec barrel and scope he'd be willing to sell me at what I'm sure would be price heavy in my favor. I haven't found mention of FN bolt guns in these forums but from what little I've found on the web they seem like great rifles. Has anyone had any experience with them? Are they upgradeable? I might want to upgrade the stock in the future. Thanks for your input.
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FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
- Thread starter HEMI_Driver
- Start date
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I had two custom built fn's off of a pbr xp action, they're great rifles but not many parts to change.
here is one of them
I had two custom built fn's off of a pbr xp action, they're great rifles but not many parts to change.
here is one of them
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HEMI Driver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice. How do they shoot?</div></div>
these have just sat in the safe after they were built, money is so tight now and had all of my rifles incomplete. I since got three ready to go and now the ones that are left are the two fn's. Just need to throw some glass on them and I'll be gtg.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HEMI Driver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice. How do they shoot?</div></div>
these have just sat in the safe after they were built, money is so tight now and had all of my rifles incomplete. I since got three ready to go and now the ones that are left are the two fn's. Just need to throw some glass on them and I'll be gtg.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I am going to get my first hands on experiance with FN bolt guns coming up shortly at a heavily FN sponsored event. This venue will be a true testement to the capabilities of the rifle, wich I am sure will be nothing short of superb.
I have always loved the Mauser/Winchester/FN style actions, despite the lack of tacticool parts for them. However, all I care about is the rifle preforming well. Stocks are not an issue, the trigger by design is easily tuned for crispness, and weight, and bases are readily available. Bottom metal is readily availbale. What else is there that is not routinely machined like knobs and brakes, should you need such things.
Lazy, I thought FN was using the external Mauser claw style extractor, did you change that out, is that not a factory bolt, or is this just not the case?
I am very excited, and will probably walk away with one.
I am going to get my first hands on experiance with FN bolt guns coming up shortly at a heavily FN sponsored event. This venue will be a true testement to the capabilities of the rifle, wich I am sure will be nothing short of superb.
I have always loved the Mauser/Winchester/FN style actions, despite the lack of tacticool parts for them. However, all I care about is the rifle preforming well. Stocks are not an issue, the trigger by design is easily tuned for crispness, and weight, and bases are readily available. Bottom metal is readily availbale. What else is there that is not routinely machined like knobs and brakes, should you need such things.
Lazy, I thought FN was using the external Mauser claw style extractor, did you change that out, is that not a factory bolt, or is this just not the case?
I am very excited, and will probably walk away with one.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HasgunWilltravel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am going to get my first hands on experiance with FN bolt guns coming up shortly at a heavily FN sponsored event. This venue will be a true testement to the capabilities of the rifle, wich I am sure will be nothing short of superb.
I have always loved the Mauser/Winchester/FN style actions, despite the lack of tacticool parts for them. However, all I care about is the rifle preforming well. Stocks are not an issue, the trigger by design is easily tuned for crispness, and weight, and bases are readily available. Bottom metal is readily availbale. What else is there that is not routinely machined like knobs and brakes, should you need such things.
Lazy, I thought FN was using the external Mauser claw style extractor, did you change that out, is that not a factory bolt, or is this just not the case?
I am very excited, and will probably walk away with one.</div></div>
it does have the claw extractor, just the way the picture was taking. The FN SPR and PBR xp are the ones with the claw(pre 64), the regular pbr is the post 64
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HasgunWilltravel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am going to get my first hands on experiance with FN bolt guns coming up shortly at a heavily FN sponsored event. This venue will be a true testement to the capabilities of the rifle, wich I am sure will be nothing short of superb.
I have always loved the Mauser/Winchester/FN style actions, despite the lack of tacticool parts for them. However, all I care about is the rifle preforming well. Stocks are not an issue, the trigger by design is easily tuned for crispness, and weight, and bases are readily available. Bottom metal is readily availbale. What else is there that is not routinely machined like knobs and brakes, should you need such things.
Lazy, I thought FN was using the external Mauser claw style extractor, did you change that out, is that not a factory bolt, or is this just not the case?
I am very excited, and will probably walk away with one.</div></div>
it does have the claw extractor, just the way the picture was taking. The FN SPR and PBR xp are the ones with the claw(pre 64), the regular pbr is the post 64
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I have an older model SPR with an H & S stock that I acquired in March. I wouldn't give it up for anything. I came off a Savage 10 and it is most definitely an upgrade. It always does it's part, humbling my capabilities often. But like any sport, when I'm on, the rifle and I are one. Easy to maintain with the chrome barrel, reliable with the Mauser claw, etc. Downside is the expensive 4 rd mags that leave something to be desired IMO. I was shopping for a 5R when this came along, and I've had no regrets or doubts that I chose incorrectly..
I have an older model SPR with an H & S stock that I acquired in March. I wouldn't give it up for anything. I came off a Savage 10 and it is most definitely an upgrade. It always does it's part, humbling my capabilities often. But like any sport, when I'm on, the rifle and I are one. Easy to maintain with the chrome barrel, reliable with the Mauser claw, etc. Downside is the expensive 4 rd mags that leave something to be desired IMO. I was shopping for a 5R when this came along, and I've had no regrets or doubts that I chose incorrectly..
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I have a FN SPR A1. It has the "classic" Winchester action, which is controlled feed. This huge extractor is a mauser design, and found on the Springfields. The advantage of this design is that you have positive control of the cartridge on feeding and extraction. This elimiates "short-stroking" which is an all too-frequent problem with the M24 (push feed extractor combined with a long action). These rifles use a match-grade chrome-lined barrel. Mine is MOA all day long. It is a breeze to clean. Great rifle, simple design, and the user can field strip the bolt without any tools.
I have a FN SPR A1. It has the "classic" Winchester action, which is controlled feed. This huge extractor is a mauser design, and found on the Springfields. The advantage of this design is that you have positive control of the cartridge on feeding and extraction. This elimiates "short-stroking" which is an all too-frequent problem with the M24 (push feed extractor combined with a long action). These rifles use a match-grade chrome-lined barrel. Mine is MOA all day long. It is a breeze to clean. Great rifle, simple design, and the user can field strip the bolt without any tools.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I had a .260 built off of a FN SPR action, Mcm HTG, and a heavy Benchmark barrel by Dave Sink of Lexington, NC. It is GTG. Shoots three hole groups touching with factory ammo. Haven't tried handloads for it yet, but I have plenty of time as I'm never getting rid of it.
I had a .260 built off of a FN SPR action, Mcm HTG, and a heavy Benchmark barrel by Dave Sink of Lexington, NC. It is GTG. Shoots three hole groups touching with factory ammo. Haven't tried handloads for it yet, but I have plenty of time as I'm never getting rid of it.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I run an FN A5-M SPR and love it.
I've been competing with mine for about five years now and the only real complaint that I have is the magazine system.
FN has been promising a 10 round magazine for years now and there still isn't anything available.
Most folks had given up and had CDI bottom metal installed so that they can run AI mags.
Here is a decent article that sums up what it has to offer.
FNH USA SPR A5 M .308
Written by Charlie Cutshaw.
It has been called the “rifleman’s rifle” and is commonly considered one of the best bolt-action rifle designs of all time. I’m referring to the classic “Pre-64” Winchester Model 70, of course, and while rifles bearing the Winchester name are still available, the Winchester factory closed its doors in 2006 and production rights were acquired by FNH USA, which manufactures all Model 70 type rifles. FNH USA markets several Model 70 type rifles for law enforcement under its own name, including the Patrol Bolt Rifle (PBR) and FBI Rifle. The latest FNH USA Model 70 is the FNH Special Police Rifle (SPR) in its A5 M version.
There are no less than eight different versions of the SPR available, so the potential buyer should be able to find something to suit their precision rifle requirements. The FNH SPR is essentially a version of the Winchester “Pre-64” Model 70 that most consider superior to the Model 70s made between 1964 and 1992. To save on production costs, Winchester made some modifications to the Model 70 that went into production in 1964. Most rifle shooters considered the changes to be anything but improvements. The bottom line is that in 1992 Winchester reinstituted “Pre-64” versions of the Model 70 and that is what FNH manufactures today. The biggest difference between “Pre-64” and “Post-64” Model 70s is that the latter had push round feeding and the Pre-64 rifle had controlled round feeding. Since all FNH SPRs have controlled round feeding, it bears explanation.
In controlled round feed, the cartridge is grabbed by the extractor as it leaves the magazine and held against the bolt face as it is literally pushed and guided into the chamber. The Model 70’s large Mauser type claw extractor also ensures positive extraction and the receiver mounted blade ejector allows the shooter to control ejection by simply varying the bolt’s rearward speed. Fast bolt manipulation throws the spent casing far away, while slowly opening the bolt allows the shooter to positively control the ejection. Both features are considered vital.
The overall excellence of the Model 70 design is one reason that the FBI selected a version of the FNH SPR as its precision tactical rifle several years ago. The FBI’s requirements that led to the selection of a FNH SPR are instructive. The receiver had to be guaranteed for 50,000 rounds and the barrel for a minimum of 5,000 rounds. The FNH USA SPR candidate for the FBI’s new rifle passed a 10,000 round reliability test while maintaining 0.5 MOA accuracy. The barrel was to be either stainless or chrome molybdenum steel. FNH’s cold hammer forged barrels are chrome lined, a feature that is not normally considered conducive to precision accuracy. We have shot several of these superb rifles over the years and all have performed to the highest standards of accuracy.
Gun Details
Our test SPR tips the scales at a fairly hefty 14.5 pounds with scope and bipod, which definitely keeps it out of the lightweight class, but other precision tactical rifles aren’t much different. The US Marine Corps’ M40A3 outweighs the SPR by 2 pounds and the Army’s M24 weighs about the same with scope and bipod. Precision tactical rifles aren’t lightweights. Part of the reason for this weight is that precision tactical rifles are built to take extreme abuse in the field and maintain their accuracy under the harshest conditions imaginable and in all kinds of weather, from freezing cold to extreme heat.
Moreover, these rifles must be capable of maintaining accuracy under sustained fire conditions. Barrels are necessarily heavy for consistency between shots and heat dissipation. Our SPR’s fully free-floated 24-inch barrel is fluted along its forward surface, adding to the barrel’s stiffness and increasing the surface area for better heat dissipation. The muzzle has a deeply recessed match type crown. If the user wants a shorter barrel, a 20-inch non-fluted version is also available. The test rifle’s overall length was 45.5 inches, although the butt spacers would alter this if some were to be removed. As it was, my arms are long enough that the 14.5-inch length of pull was about right. The cheekpiece is fully adjustable so getting the proper eye relief wasn’t an issue.
The test SPR was equipped with the standard hinged floorplate with a release at the front exterior of the triggerguard for an “ammo dump” capability. For those who wish to have a detachable box magazine, that is also available. The McMillan A5 stock has an adjustable cheekpiece that moves up and down over about 2 inches. Unlike some such devices, this one has two hefty retaining bolts and grooves in the stock to ensure that the cheekpiece doesn’t work loose and drop. A built in cheekpiece notch allows the bolt to be removed with the cheekpiece in an elevated position. As mentioned, the length of pull is adjustable via spacers.
The test rifle’s broke crisply at approximately 4.5 pounds, which met the FBI requirement previously mentioned, but I prefer my personal precision tactical rifles to have a lighter trigger pull in the 3- to 3.5-pound range, which is generally accepted for military snipers and law enforcement sharpshooters.
The SPR’s safety was standard Winchester Model 70, which is one of the best in our opinion. The forward position is “fire,” while the intermediate position locks the trigger and firing pin while allowing the bolt to be manipulated to load or unload. The rearmost position locks everything. The scope base is MIL-STD-1913.
Optics
Although the A5 M is available as a “system” that can be taken from the box and deployed tactically once zero is confirmed, we chose to set our rifle up based on our personal preferences. Remember that any precision tactical is a shooting system that comprises not only rifle and scope, but other components as well. I began our SPR set up with a Leupold Mark IV 6.5–20 scope with Horus Vision H25 reticle.
In addition to our Leupold tactical rifle scope, we opted for three other Leupold optical products that we consider essential to any precision tactical rifle team. First is Leupold’s 750-meter/yard RX II laser rangefinder. Although most marksmen are trained to use MIL-Dots, several active duty Army individuals have told us that in operational conditions, they use laser rangefinders because they are just more accurate and faster on target. Laser rangefinders like Leupold’s 750-yard/meter RX II and 1200-yard/meter RX III rangefinders do much more than just indicate range, though. These state-of-the-art pocket-size rangefinders also calculate true ballistic range when shooting on a slope, either up or down. Leupold’s RX rangefinders display this critical information instantly, which is especially valuable in operations where slope shooting is required. In fact, every operational precision tactical marksman we know uses a laser rangefinder to determine target distance.
We also used a Leupold Mark IV 12-40×60mm tactical spotting scope with the H25 reticle. The matching reticles make second shot corrections a breeze. Finally, no team is complete without a pair of quality binoculars and Leupold’s Olympic 10×50mm binoculars are an excellent choice. These binoculars can be adjusted to just about eye relief and are lightweight, rugged and waterproof.
NVDs
I also added Optical System Technology’s AN/PVS-22 Universal Night Sight (UNS), available from Advanced Night Vision Systems, is probably the best all-around piece of image intensifying (I²) night vision equipment available because it can be used as a handheld night vision optic or as a small arms sight. The UNS is about half the size and weight of a SIMRAD, but has similar performance. Although the AN/PVS-22 is only slightly larger than an AN/PVS-14, it overshadows the AN/PVS-14’s performance in every way. The AN/PVS-22 has absolutely zero “sparkles,” “blooms” or “lines,” and when used as a night sight, mounts ahead of the day optic. The advantage to forward mounting is that the day optic can be used in darkness without illumination and unlike night vision optics such as the AN/PVS-14 that must be mounted behind the scope with an adapter clamped to the ocular, eye relief with the AN/PVS-22 is the same regardless of whether or not the night vision device is in use.
As good as the AN/PVS-22 is, it must have some ambient light in order to function. Thermal imagers, on the other hand, work in total darkness and function by measuring the differences in IR heat or what is called “black body radiation.” Essentially, everything emits radiation in the IR spectrum, with differences determined by the temperature of the object in question. With a thermal imager, the higher the temperature, the brighter the object appears. Unlike I² night vision optics, thermal imagers aren’t affected by smoke, fog or other environmental conditions that would interfere with I² function. To complement our AN/PVS-22, we obtained an Insight Tech-Gear SU/PAS-232 military thermal imager designated Individual Weapon Night Sight-Thermal (IWNS-T). The IWNS-T can be mounted to any rifle or carbine with a MIL-STD-1913 rail. Like the AN/PVS-22, it can be mounted ahead of the day optic, in this case on the LaRue Tactical STOMP Mount so there are no issues with eye relief. Because it is compact, the IWNS-T can easily be used as a handheld thermal imager as well. The unit features adjustable focus, external video jack and focus from one meter to infinity. The IWNS-T runs for eight continuous hours on four 123 batteries and is waterproof to 66 feet.
Because our SPR was not equipped with a MIL-STD-1913 rail forward of the receiver to ac- (Please turn to page )commodate state-of-the-art night vision, we used a LaRue Tactical Sniper Total Optical Mounting Package (STOMP) mount that has a MIL-STD-1913 rail cantilevered over and ahead the day optic to accommodate an AN/PVS-22 or similar night vision sight that mounts ahead of the day optic. The STOMP mount facilitates mounting the AN/PVS-22 or IWNS-T without affecting zero and is especially designed for rifles such as our SPR that lack the ability to mount the latest night vision sights as standard equipment. The STOMP mount also provides a protective “cage” that surrounds and protects the scope from getting banged up during tactical operations, possibly affecting zero. This is about the only criticism of the SPR as a precision tactical rifle, I’d like to see an extended MIL-STD-1913 rail to accommodate a NVD in addition to the scope sight.
Finally, I obtained one of Keng’s Firearms latest Versa-Pods that I mounted to the rifle using the Uncle Mike’s forward sling swivel. I have always preferred Versa-Pods over others because the length of the bipod legs can be changed beyond the variable leg adjustment almost instantly. For example, if one goes from a prone position to sitting, Versa-Pod legs to support the different position can be installed in seconds, unlike others that require the entire bipod be removed to change leg height for different shooting positions. The new Versa-Pods are even better than earlier ones, with infinitely adjustable tensioning knobs for both the side-to-side rotation and front and rear leg angle. The shooter can set the tension for the bipod’s movement to any level they wish.
Shooting Impressions
With our SPR set up for duty, I headed to the range to put it through its paces. According to FBI statistics, the average law enforcement precision tactical distance is 51 yards. When I was a student at Blackwater Training Center, the instructors told me that as a law enforcement precision shooter, I would never get authority to engage a target over 100 yards due to liability issues. But the rifles are usually tested at longer distances. In fact, the measure of any precision tactical rifle is the capability to put every round into an inch circle at 100 yards, so that is the test distance chosen for these rifles.
Military snipers engage targets at far greater distances, but their mission is quite different from law enforcement. The FNH SPR delivered sterling performance with groups well within the accuracy necessary for law enforcement consideration. As mentioned, the trigger was heavier than I prefer, but obviously it had no effect on accuracy. Best accuracy using Black Hills 168-grain HPBT match ammo, but the difference all brands tested was small and within the margin of error.
The bottom line is that for any department seeking a reliable precision tactical rifle, FNH USA’s Special Police Rifle should be one of the first considered.
I run an FN A5-M SPR and love it.
I've been competing with mine for about five years now and the only real complaint that I have is the magazine system.
FN has been promising a 10 round magazine for years now and there still isn't anything available.
Most folks had given up and had CDI bottom metal installed so that they can run AI mags.
Here is a decent article that sums up what it has to offer.
FNH USA SPR A5 M .308
Written by Charlie Cutshaw.
It has been called the “rifleman’s rifle” and is commonly considered one of the best bolt-action rifle designs of all time. I’m referring to the classic “Pre-64” Winchester Model 70, of course, and while rifles bearing the Winchester name are still available, the Winchester factory closed its doors in 2006 and production rights were acquired by FNH USA, which manufactures all Model 70 type rifles. FNH USA markets several Model 70 type rifles for law enforcement under its own name, including the Patrol Bolt Rifle (PBR) and FBI Rifle. The latest FNH USA Model 70 is the FNH Special Police Rifle (SPR) in its A5 M version.
There are no less than eight different versions of the SPR available, so the potential buyer should be able to find something to suit their precision rifle requirements. The FNH SPR is essentially a version of the Winchester “Pre-64” Model 70 that most consider superior to the Model 70s made between 1964 and 1992. To save on production costs, Winchester made some modifications to the Model 70 that went into production in 1964. Most rifle shooters considered the changes to be anything but improvements. The bottom line is that in 1992 Winchester reinstituted “Pre-64” versions of the Model 70 and that is what FNH manufactures today. The biggest difference between “Pre-64” and “Post-64” Model 70s is that the latter had push round feeding and the Pre-64 rifle had controlled round feeding. Since all FNH SPRs have controlled round feeding, it bears explanation.
In controlled round feed, the cartridge is grabbed by the extractor as it leaves the magazine and held against the bolt face as it is literally pushed and guided into the chamber. The Model 70’s large Mauser type claw extractor also ensures positive extraction and the receiver mounted blade ejector allows the shooter to control ejection by simply varying the bolt’s rearward speed. Fast bolt manipulation throws the spent casing far away, while slowly opening the bolt allows the shooter to positively control the ejection. Both features are considered vital.
The overall excellence of the Model 70 design is one reason that the FBI selected a version of the FNH SPR as its precision tactical rifle several years ago. The FBI’s requirements that led to the selection of a FNH SPR are instructive. The receiver had to be guaranteed for 50,000 rounds and the barrel for a minimum of 5,000 rounds. The FNH USA SPR candidate for the FBI’s new rifle passed a 10,000 round reliability test while maintaining 0.5 MOA accuracy. The barrel was to be either stainless or chrome molybdenum steel. FNH’s cold hammer forged barrels are chrome lined, a feature that is not normally considered conducive to precision accuracy. We have shot several of these superb rifles over the years and all have performed to the highest standards of accuracy.
Gun Details
Our test SPR tips the scales at a fairly hefty 14.5 pounds with scope and bipod, which definitely keeps it out of the lightweight class, but other precision tactical rifles aren’t much different. The US Marine Corps’ M40A3 outweighs the SPR by 2 pounds and the Army’s M24 weighs about the same with scope and bipod. Precision tactical rifles aren’t lightweights. Part of the reason for this weight is that precision tactical rifles are built to take extreme abuse in the field and maintain their accuracy under the harshest conditions imaginable and in all kinds of weather, from freezing cold to extreme heat.
Moreover, these rifles must be capable of maintaining accuracy under sustained fire conditions. Barrels are necessarily heavy for consistency between shots and heat dissipation. Our SPR’s fully free-floated 24-inch barrel is fluted along its forward surface, adding to the barrel’s stiffness and increasing the surface area for better heat dissipation. The muzzle has a deeply recessed match type crown. If the user wants a shorter barrel, a 20-inch non-fluted version is also available. The test rifle’s overall length was 45.5 inches, although the butt spacers would alter this if some were to be removed. As it was, my arms are long enough that the 14.5-inch length of pull was about right. The cheekpiece is fully adjustable so getting the proper eye relief wasn’t an issue.
The test SPR was equipped with the standard hinged floorplate with a release at the front exterior of the triggerguard for an “ammo dump” capability. For those who wish to have a detachable box magazine, that is also available. The McMillan A5 stock has an adjustable cheekpiece that moves up and down over about 2 inches. Unlike some such devices, this one has two hefty retaining bolts and grooves in the stock to ensure that the cheekpiece doesn’t work loose and drop. A built in cheekpiece notch allows the bolt to be removed with the cheekpiece in an elevated position. As mentioned, the length of pull is adjustable via spacers.
The test rifle’s broke crisply at approximately 4.5 pounds, which met the FBI requirement previously mentioned, but I prefer my personal precision tactical rifles to have a lighter trigger pull in the 3- to 3.5-pound range, which is generally accepted for military snipers and law enforcement sharpshooters.
The SPR’s safety was standard Winchester Model 70, which is one of the best in our opinion. The forward position is “fire,” while the intermediate position locks the trigger and firing pin while allowing the bolt to be manipulated to load or unload. The rearmost position locks everything. The scope base is MIL-STD-1913.
Optics
Although the A5 M is available as a “system” that can be taken from the box and deployed tactically once zero is confirmed, we chose to set our rifle up based on our personal preferences. Remember that any precision tactical is a shooting system that comprises not only rifle and scope, but other components as well. I began our SPR set up with a Leupold Mark IV 6.5–20 scope with Horus Vision H25 reticle.
In addition to our Leupold tactical rifle scope, we opted for three other Leupold optical products that we consider essential to any precision tactical rifle team. First is Leupold’s 750-meter/yard RX II laser rangefinder. Although most marksmen are trained to use MIL-Dots, several active duty Army individuals have told us that in operational conditions, they use laser rangefinders because they are just more accurate and faster on target. Laser rangefinders like Leupold’s 750-yard/meter RX II and 1200-yard/meter RX III rangefinders do much more than just indicate range, though. These state-of-the-art pocket-size rangefinders also calculate true ballistic range when shooting on a slope, either up or down. Leupold’s RX rangefinders display this critical information instantly, which is especially valuable in operations where slope shooting is required. In fact, every operational precision tactical marksman we know uses a laser rangefinder to determine target distance.
We also used a Leupold Mark IV 12-40×60mm tactical spotting scope with the H25 reticle. The matching reticles make second shot corrections a breeze. Finally, no team is complete without a pair of quality binoculars and Leupold’s Olympic 10×50mm binoculars are an excellent choice. These binoculars can be adjusted to just about eye relief and are lightweight, rugged and waterproof.
NVDs
I also added Optical System Technology’s AN/PVS-22 Universal Night Sight (UNS), available from Advanced Night Vision Systems, is probably the best all-around piece of image intensifying (I²) night vision equipment available because it can be used as a handheld night vision optic or as a small arms sight. The UNS is about half the size and weight of a SIMRAD, but has similar performance. Although the AN/PVS-22 is only slightly larger than an AN/PVS-14, it overshadows the AN/PVS-14’s performance in every way. The AN/PVS-22 has absolutely zero “sparkles,” “blooms” or “lines,” and when used as a night sight, mounts ahead of the day optic. The advantage to forward mounting is that the day optic can be used in darkness without illumination and unlike night vision optics such as the AN/PVS-14 that must be mounted behind the scope with an adapter clamped to the ocular, eye relief with the AN/PVS-22 is the same regardless of whether or not the night vision device is in use.
As good as the AN/PVS-22 is, it must have some ambient light in order to function. Thermal imagers, on the other hand, work in total darkness and function by measuring the differences in IR heat or what is called “black body radiation.” Essentially, everything emits radiation in the IR spectrum, with differences determined by the temperature of the object in question. With a thermal imager, the higher the temperature, the brighter the object appears. Unlike I² night vision optics, thermal imagers aren’t affected by smoke, fog or other environmental conditions that would interfere with I² function. To complement our AN/PVS-22, we obtained an Insight Tech-Gear SU/PAS-232 military thermal imager designated Individual Weapon Night Sight-Thermal (IWNS-T). The IWNS-T can be mounted to any rifle or carbine with a MIL-STD-1913 rail. Like the AN/PVS-22, it can be mounted ahead of the day optic, in this case on the LaRue Tactical STOMP Mount so there are no issues with eye relief. Because it is compact, the IWNS-T can easily be used as a handheld thermal imager as well. The unit features adjustable focus, external video jack and focus from one meter to infinity. The IWNS-T runs for eight continuous hours on four 123 batteries and is waterproof to 66 feet.
Because our SPR was not equipped with a MIL-STD-1913 rail forward of the receiver to ac- (Please turn to page )commodate state-of-the-art night vision, we used a LaRue Tactical Sniper Total Optical Mounting Package (STOMP) mount that has a MIL-STD-1913 rail cantilevered over and ahead the day optic to accommodate an AN/PVS-22 or similar night vision sight that mounts ahead of the day optic. The STOMP mount facilitates mounting the AN/PVS-22 or IWNS-T without affecting zero and is especially designed for rifles such as our SPR that lack the ability to mount the latest night vision sights as standard equipment. The STOMP mount also provides a protective “cage” that surrounds and protects the scope from getting banged up during tactical operations, possibly affecting zero. This is about the only criticism of the SPR as a precision tactical rifle, I’d like to see an extended MIL-STD-1913 rail to accommodate a NVD in addition to the scope sight.
Finally, I obtained one of Keng’s Firearms latest Versa-Pods that I mounted to the rifle using the Uncle Mike’s forward sling swivel. I have always preferred Versa-Pods over others because the length of the bipod legs can be changed beyond the variable leg adjustment almost instantly. For example, if one goes from a prone position to sitting, Versa-Pod legs to support the different position can be installed in seconds, unlike others that require the entire bipod be removed to change leg height for different shooting positions. The new Versa-Pods are even better than earlier ones, with infinitely adjustable tensioning knobs for both the side-to-side rotation and front and rear leg angle. The shooter can set the tension for the bipod’s movement to any level they wish.
Shooting Impressions
With our SPR set up for duty, I headed to the range to put it through its paces. According to FBI statistics, the average law enforcement precision tactical distance is 51 yards. When I was a student at Blackwater Training Center, the instructors told me that as a law enforcement precision shooter, I would never get authority to engage a target over 100 yards due to liability issues. But the rifles are usually tested at longer distances. In fact, the measure of any precision tactical rifle is the capability to put every round into an inch circle at 100 yards, so that is the test distance chosen for these rifles.
Military snipers engage targets at far greater distances, but their mission is quite different from law enforcement. The FNH SPR delivered sterling performance with groups well within the accuracy necessary for law enforcement consideration. As mentioned, the trigger was heavier than I prefer, but obviously it had no effect on accuracy. Best accuracy using Black Hills 168-grain HPBT match ammo, but the difference all brands tested was small and within the margin of error.
The bottom line is that for any department seeking a reliable precision tactical rifle, FNH USA’s Special Police Rifle should be one of the first considered.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I have written this several times I have 4 PBRs 20" and 24" a friend of mine USMC sniper that now is an instructor bought 10. We both just put in Hogue over mold stocks with just a screwdriver a shot. 1/2" is the norm and he shot 1 7/8" at 300 yds just factory ammo. They are amazing, since then we put a couple in Manors stock and CDI bottom metal 10 round mags, even better. CDNN still has barrel actions, trigger, scope rail at about $349. They also have SPR barrel actions, no barrel for $3xx.00 put a barrel on put in a good stock. How can you go wrong, do a search and you will see photos and what others have shot.
I have written this several times I have 4 PBRs 20" and 24" a friend of mine USMC sniper that now is an instructor bought 10. We both just put in Hogue over mold stocks with just a screwdriver a shot. 1/2" is the norm and he shot 1 7/8" at 300 yds just factory ammo. They are amazing, since then we put a couple in Manors stock and CDI bottom metal 10 round mags, even better. CDNN still has barrel actions, trigger, scope rail at about $349. They also have SPR barrel actions, no barrel for $3xx.00 put a barrel on put in a good stock. How can you go wrong, do a search and you will see photos and what others have shot.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
These are some older pics ( may 2010) of my SPR and some groups at 300 yards.
With my skills im capable of holding it to 3/4 moa out to 460 yards. It breaks the standard size clay target with ease out to that distance. It was for sale but Im going to keep it and rebarrel it with a 18 inch Kreiger. Id rather re-barrel than risk cutting it as these barrels are chrome lined.
These are some older pics ( may 2010) of my SPR and some groups at 300 yards.
With my skills im capable of holding it to 3/4 moa out to 460 yards. It breaks the standard size clay target with ease out to that distance. It was for sale but Im going to keep it and rebarrel it with a 18 inch Kreiger. Id rather re-barrel than risk cutting it as these barrels are chrome lined.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
Great info guys! I really appreciate all of the responses. Given the overwhelmingly positive opinions posted here I will most definitely purchase the FN from my friend which will probably be in a few weeks. I'll be back with an update after I take her to the range. Thanks again for all of the input. It sounds like I can't go wrong.
Great info guys! I really appreciate all of the responses. Given the overwhelmingly positive opinions posted here I will most definitely purchase the FN from my friend which will probably be in a few weeks. I'll be back with an update after I take her to the range. Thanks again for all of the input. It sounds like I can't go wrong.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
Hemi... I would see if you can do a "Try before you buy" to make sure that is the right rifle/scope combo for you. See if you can run it out greater than 300 yards too.
Hemi... I would see if you can do a "Try before you buy" to make sure that is the right rifle/scope combo for you. See if you can run it out greater than 300 yards too.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
i have an FN SPR A2, and i love mine. it shoot better than i can easily. its very comfortable to me, the trigger is easy to adjust, mine is set at 2lbs and breaks like glass. the controlled round feed action is smooth. i can honestly say i have no complaints with it at all.
i have an FN SPR A2, and i love mine. it shoot better than i can easily. its very comfortable to me, the trigger is easy to adjust, mine is set at 2lbs and breaks like glass. the controlled round feed action is smooth. i can honestly say i have no complaints with it at all.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I sure do.
Here's another one in 6.5 Creedmoor.
I'm still working out loads for it but it seems to be quite a shooter so far.
R&D Precision, Rock Creek Barrels, McMillan, CDI Precision, Atlas, Badger, Vortex, Seekins.
I sure do.
Here's another one in 6.5 Creedmoor.
I'm still working out loads for it but it seems to be quite a shooter so far.
R&D Precision, Rock Creek Barrels, McMillan, CDI Precision, Atlas, Badger, Vortex, Seekins.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
FN SPR-A4 with the detachable mag. Other than making a trigger adjustment (lighter) it's bone stock.
It shoots one ragged hole with Sierra 175's @ 100'. I really like it and zero complaints thus far. I also wish FN would make a bigger mag but am fighting the urge to swap out the bottom end for a CDI.
FN SPR-A4 with the detachable mag. Other than making a trigger adjustment (lighter) it's bone stock.
It shoots one ragged hole with Sierra 175's @ 100'. I really like it and zero complaints thus far. I also wish FN would make a bigger mag but am fighting the urge to swap out the bottom end for a CDI.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
I know it isn't a SPR, but I have a FN 30-11 waiting for me that I'm really looking forward to. It's a .308, FN Mauser action, adjustable wood stock, 20" long, 1" thick bull barrel with (I believe) 1:12 twist, and a FN MAG style flash hider. The bipod is from a FN MAG as well. It uses a 5 round internal magazine, but can also use 10 and 20 round FAL mags. The scope is a 4x28 Hensoldt with STANAG mount and German #1 reticle, and I plan to get a 10x Hensoldt from the same era for it eventually. Supposedly it's still being used by select military and police units in Belgium and abroad, and I've found pics of Belgium's national counter terrorist unit using it in the 90's. I got mine for 900 Euros, used to belong to a collector who put maybe 500 rounds through it.
I'll be able to shoot it in about 4 and a half months once my firearms license goes through, and I plan to let the board know how it performs.
Here's some pics
I know it isn't a SPR, but I have a FN 30-11 waiting for me that I'm really looking forward to. It's a .308, FN Mauser action, adjustable wood stock, 20" long, 1" thick bull barrel with (I believe) 1:12 twist, and a FN MAG style flash hider. The bipod is from a FN MAG as well. It uses a 5 round internal magazine, but can also use 10 and 20 round FAL mags. The scope is a 4x28 Hensoldt with STANAG mount and German #1 reticle, and I plan to get a 10x Hensoldt from the same era for it eventually. Supposedly it's still being used by select military and police units in Belgium and abroad, and I've found pics of Belgium's national counter terrorist unit using it in the 90's. I got mine for 900 Euros, used to belong to a collector who put maybe 500 rounds through it.
I'll be able to shoot it in about 4 and a half months once my firearms license goes through, and I plan to let the board know how it performs.
Here's some pics
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
FN SPRs and PBR XPs are sweet guns. Often overlooked on here for reasons unknown to me. Much better build quality that a Rem 700 IMO.
I have an FN SPR A1, non fluted, chopped/threaded to 18" by GA Precision. The gun was $1500 new. With the CDI DBM setup, I have about $2000 in it minus optics. It shoots sub half MOA. Mine likes 168's best.
You won't have any problems having one cut down. Chipping the chrome lining is an internet myth that won't die.
FN SPRs and PBR XPs are sweet guns. Often overlooked on here for reasons unknown to me. Much better build quality that a Rem 700 IMO.
I have an FN SPR A1, non fluted, chopped/threaded to 18" by GA Precision. The gun was $1500 new. With the CDI DBM setup, I have about $2000 in it minus optics. It shoots sub half MOA. Mine likes 168's best.
You won't have any problems having one cut down. Chipping the chrome lining is an internet myth that won't die.
Re: FN Bolt Guns... Any Experience? Opinions?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boomfab</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FN SPRs and PBR XPs are sweet guns. Often overlooked on here for reasons unknown to me. Much better build quality that a Rem 700 IMO.
I have an FN SPR A1, non fluted, chopped/threaded to 18" by GA Precision. The gun was $1500 new. With the CDI DBM setup, I have about $2000 in it minus optics. It shoots sub half MOA. Mine likes 168's best.
You won't have any problems having one cut down. Chipping the chrome lining is an internet myth that won't die.
</div></div>
I would agree on the quality of the action, but the barrel issues are very real on certain SPRs that were manufactured in WRAC plant in NH.
There are plenty of us on this forum that have had to have their rifles replaced because of this.
Where do you think all of those actions that CDNN is selling are coming from?
On a positive note, if you have one of the hammer forged chrome lined barrels that is good, you are in for tens of thousands of rounds of accuracy.
Mine is a .25 MOA gun.
As far as the dangers of having one cut, I wouldn't worry about it.
If it is a good barrel and you use a good smith, there won't be an issue.
If you have a barrel that is bad, you will know it soon enough when you chop it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boomfab</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FN SPRs and PBR XPs are sweet guns. Often overlooked on here for reasons unknown to me. Much better build quality that a Rem 700 IMO.
I have an FN SPR A1, non fluted, chopped/threaded to 18" by GA Precision. The gun was $1500 new. With the CDI DBM setup, I have about $2000 in it minus optics. It shoots sub half MOA. Mine likes 168's best.
You won't have any problems having one cut down. Chipping the chrome lining is an internet myth that won't die.
</div></div>
I would agree on the quality of the action, but the barrel issues are very real on certain SPRs that were manufactured in WRAC plant in NH.
There are plenty of us on this forum that have had to have their rifles replaced because of this.
Where do you think all of those actions that CDNN is selling are coming from?
On a positive note, if you have one of the hammer forged chrome lined barrels that is good, you are in for tens of thousands of rounds of accuracy.
Mine is a .25 MOA gun.
As far as the dangers of having one cut, I wouldn't worry about it.
If it is a good barrel and you use a good smith, there won't be an issue.
If you have a barrel that is bad, you will know it soon enough when you chop it.
