FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Questions

[TenZero]

Hi all, Just asking for opinions/info here. I just picked up an FNH 'Patrol Bolt Rifle' in .308 (unknown twist) in a CL barter deal, and I don't know too much about them. It appears unfired, with a rubber stock, detachable box mag and a 20" barrel. It has an off brand hunting scope/rings on it, so those will get 86ed. The trigger is crisp, but fairly heavy, so I would like to get that addressed. Is there much of an aftermarket following for these, like the 700's and Savages? Is this a good basis for a tasty rifle, or would I be better off trading and starting over with something else? Thanks in advance,

Jim

 

[Action Guy]

Re: FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Questions

Jim,

Your PBR trigger can be adjusted by a qualified gunsmith. It is exactly like a Winchester two-lever trigger. The twist rate will be 1:12".

Most M-70 accessories will fit the PBR, except scope mounts. Aftermarket triggers to replace the M-70 two-lever will work. The PBR should have come with either a two piece or single piece scope rail already attached. Stocks inlet for the M-70 short action, SPR, PBR, TSR-XP will work. Ask for the bottom inlet to be for the FNH DBM magazine.

If you want more capacity, the FNH TBM magazine Conversion kit will work in the PBR line. Some minor fitting might be required on the interior of the stock, around the magazine well.

You will likely be asked what you intend to do with the rifle before many on here will recommend it over the other options you mentioned. Many will recommend you shoot it first to see where its at for accuracy and if this meets you specifications for your intended use.

Hope this helps.

 

[Katahdin]

Re: FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Questions

In my opinion it was made to compete with the 700P, retailed for $900-$1200 back in 2006ish, when I bought mine. I think it is better than a standard 700P out of the box.

This was my first precision rig, (.308 win 20" with DBM) I built my for $1600 which was my limit. I still own it, however I have several better bolt rifles now.

It is plenty accurate, I shoot FGMM 168gr through mine and have obtained sub-moa groups out to 300 yds. The hogue stock has the full length aluminum bedding block, so not a bad stock to start with. Eventually I would like to re-barrel mine into a 6.5 creedmoor or .260 remington, drop it in a manners stock, with CDI bottom metal.

I adjusted the trigger to 3 lbs, and it is as nice as my timney triggers on my other rifles. I would keep it and shoot it, I'm sure you will be happy. It has a lot of potential to be a great rifle!

 

[TenZero]

Re: FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Questions

Thanks to you both for the detailed replies. Seems like it will be worth keeping. I'll get some good glass on it, and start shooting it. I'd like to get it threaded, to run a 30P on it. Is that a big job on these?

 

[Action Guy]

Re: FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Questions

No more difficult than any other rifle.

 

[SnowSnow354]

Re: FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Questions

i Also have an FNH bolt .308 the tsr and i am having an extremely hard time finding aftermarket parts for it

 

[tdow]

Re: FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SnowSnow354</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i Also have an FNH bolt .308 the tsr and i am having an extremely hard time finding aftermarket parts for it </div></div>

See Action Guy's post above about how most stuff for Model 70's fits the FN's. Your TSR won't take an older Model 70 trigger though, as it uses what Winchester calls the MOA trigger and FN calls the Tactical Sport Trigger.

 

[cwatson308]

Re: FN Patrol Bolt Rifle Questions

The FN is a great rifle. In basic sniper school there was a guy tack driving with the PBR. Good choice by my observations.