FNAR vs FN PBR XP

[fnhawaii]

Aloha,
Just wanted some opinions or advice. Thinking of picking up the FNAR, but the PBR XP looks like a decent rifle in .308 and besides the obvious (FNAR being semi-auto), whats to keep me from choosing the FNAR over the PBR XP. I realize price is also a big difference, and I don't mind the manual bolt action, but are there any significant advantages of the FNAR?
Thanks & Aloha!!

 

[J-Ham]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

If I were in the market for one of these, I'd buy Graham's PBR that's is in the for sale section. Just a thought...

Nevermind, someone else did.

In an attempt to answer your question, and without knowing what you want to do with the rifle, I think the PBR would be a better starting point. It would be a better rifle to learn the finer points of precision shooting on (I'm not sure why, but I'm assuming you're just getting started). It will out-shoot the FNAR any day, and if you decide you want to, upgrades (stock, barrel, optics, trigger, etc.) could be made down the road. Hope this helps.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

My best friend and I both own FNARs and absolutely love these rifles. I personally think they are probably one of the most overlooked systems out there. Many formal tests/write ups have been done which show it to shoot 1/2MOA with match ammo. That is pretty hard to beat with a semi. Hell most out of the box bolt actions cant shoot 1/2MOA without some modifications. And of course to have 20rnds at your disposal is hard to beat.

The rifle already shoots pretty nice but i installed an AAC fast attach muzzle brake on it to attach my 762SD and with the brake/can it shoots like a 22cal. I have shot 1/2MOA or better on multiple occasions with this setup. Hope that helps.

 

[Blasst]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My best friend and I both own FNARs and absolutely love these rifles. I personally think they are probably one of the most overlooked systems out there. Many formal tests/write ups have been done which show it to shoot 1/2MOA with match ammo. That is pretty hard to beat with a semi. Hell most out of the box bolt actions cant shoot 1/2MOA without some modifications. And of course to have 20rnds at your disposal is hard to beat.

The rifle already shoots pretty nice but i installed an AAC fast attach muzzle brake on it to attach my 762SD and with the brake/can it shoots like a 22cal. I have shot 1/2MOA or better on multiple occasions with this setup. Hope that helps. </div></div>

Which brake did you get? 18T, 51T? How do those attach. I just picked up a couple of FNAR's after reading the reviews.

 

[J-Ham]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My best friend and I both own FNARs and absolutely love these rifles. I personally think they are probably one of the most overlooked systems out there. Many formal tests/write ups have been done which show it to shoot 1/2MOA with match ammo. That is pretty hard to beat with a semi. Hell most out of the box bolt actions cant shoot 1/2MOA without some modifications. And of course to have 20rnds at your disposal is hard to beat.

The rifle already shoots pretty nice but i installed an AAC fast attach muzzle brake on it to attach my 762SD and with the brake/can it shoots like a 22cal. I have shot 1/2MOA or better on multiple occasions with this setup. Hope that helps. </div></div>

I was speaking in generalities, and mostly out my ass. It looks like I might have been wrong. I had no idea one would shoot that well. There are and will be more upgrades for the bolt rifle, but it sounds like the FNAR doesn't really require them.

 

[catt_tracker]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

My buddy has an FNAR and he can consistently hit my 6" steel plate at 600 with it. I only get 2 or 3 out of 5 with my SPR. I think they are great for a semi-auto. He also has an AR10 and the FNAR out shoots it out of the box.

 

[Blasst]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

I got my 2 FNAR's for $1100 each from onpointfirearms. They have gone up to $1300 in 4 months. Still pretty good for a piston driven semi auto that is that accurate. 1/2 MOA is common. It's a kick ass deal IMO.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlowell</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My best friend and I both own FNARs and absolutely love these rifles. I personally think they are probably one of the most overlooked systems out there. Many formal tests/write ups have been done which show it to shoot 1/2MOA with match ammo. That is pretty hard to beat with a semi. Hell most out of the box bolt actions cant shoot 1/2MOA without some modifications. And of course to have 20rnds at your disposal is hard to beat.

The rifle already shoots pretty nice but i installed an AAC fast attach muzzle brake on it to attach my 762SD and with the brake/can it shoots like a 22cal. I have shot 1/2MOA or better on multiple occasions with this setup. Hope that helps. </div></div>

Which brake did you get? 18T, 51T? How do those attach. I just picked up a couple of FNAR's after reading the reviews. </div></div>


Well the AAC muzzle brake is only good if you are planning to attach a can to it. So for the 762SD the 18T is the only one that works. I sent my rifle to mark at www.shortactioncustoms.com and he threaded the barrel and installed the brake. Super fast and rifle looks factory.


Oh yeah, and my FNAR shoots my friends AR10, DPMS SASS and KAC SR25 all day every day. It is really hard to find a semi that shoots 1/2 MOA. Even the SR25 shoots about 1MOA. If you want semi auto to shoot better you better spend a 2x-3x more to get one done up by GAP or American Precision ARMS and you still have a gas setup. BAR action is proven and rock solid.

I have a GAP bolt action on AI chassis with Mike Rock barrel, and all the goodies and my FNAR shoots just as well with a third of the cost.

 

[Graham]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scotti B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...are there any significant advantages of the FNAR?</div></div>Not for long range precision shooting.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scotti B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...are there any significant advantages of the FNAR?</div></div>Not for long range precision shooting. </div></div>


I will say it depends on what you call long range shooting? My buddy and i just were on private property this past weekend and had 6x8" steel setup at 300, 400, 500 and 600 yards. I had both my GAP bolt action setup with NF and FNAR and i was so much so much faster with FNAR going from plate to plate. He would randomly call the plates and i would have to go from 300 to 600 and so on. With semi, i was much faster. Maybe that is me.

My FNAR spits out a 175gr Fed Gold at 2610ft/sec so it has velocity to reach 800+ for sure. I have never tried it that far but with the heavy stiff barrel I dont see why it could not. On the 600yard plate my bullet splatters were right on top of each other. I would say within 3-4" so it was still holding 1/2 MOA all the way to 600 yards. Hope that sheds some light.

 

[fnhawaii]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

Thanks everyone for your help and yes, my questions have all been answered in one way or another. Shopping time...
I will try onpointfirearms first since Ive never looked there for any of my other buys.
Aloha,
Scotti B!!

 

[Blasst]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scotti B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks everyone for your help and yes, my questions have all been answered in one way or another. Shopping time...
I will try onpointfirearms first since Ive never looked there for any of my other buys.
Aloha,
Scotti B!!
</div></div>

It costs $5 to join and prices are usually well worth it. You can cancel anytime. I bought a couple of guns and cancelled at the end of the month.

 

[ivanthesane]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

If I were gonna drop 1300 on a semi auto 308 from FN, I'd not get the FN and its $50 magazines, but instead a DSA FAL. Rifle with proven history, cheap mags, still FN design. Heck, for the 1600 that a local ripoff shop has the FNAR at you could get a real made on licensed from FN equipment FAL ...

 

[shankster..]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ivanthesane</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I were gonna drop 1300 on a semi auto 308 from FN, I'd not get the FN and its $50 magazines, but instead a DSA FAL. Rifle with proven history, cheap mags, still FN design. Heck, for the 1600 that a local ripoff shop has the FNAR at you could get a real made on licensed from FN equipment FAL ... </div></div>

The DSA FAL won't shoot anywhere near the 1 MOA at any distance. I know.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ivanthesane</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I were gonna drop 1300 on a semi auto 308 from FN, I'd not get the FN and its $50 magazines, but instead a DSA FAL. Rifle with proven history, cheap mags, still FN design. Heck, for the 1600 that a local ripoff shop has the FNAR at you could get a real made on licensed from FN equipment FAL ... </div></div>

With no offense you have no idea what you are talking about. A FAL is not even comparable to a precision rifle. FAL/G3 etc were battle rifles which are great and i own them but wont shoot 1moa let alone sub MOA at any distance.

Show me any piston semi auto that shoots 1/2MOA for $1300 and then we'll talk. Even the $3500 LWRC REPR is claiming to shoot 1MOA.

 

[Downzero]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

My FN PBR XP has shot sub moa groups with FMJ @ 100 yards before, and at least MOA to 600 has not been a problem when I do my part. A good semi is definitely not a bad idea, but my rifle sure shoots nice for being entirely factory minus stock.

 

[chefpierre]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ivanthesane</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I were gonna drop 1300 on a semi auto 308 from FN, I'd not get the FN and its $50 magazines, but instead a DSA FAL. Rifle with proven history, cheap mags, still FN design. Heck, for the 1600 that a local ripoff shop has the FNAR at you could get a real made on licensed from FN equipment FAL ... </div></div>



How do you spell whackadoo? Or is ivantheinsane.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoRepeater</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sure these FNARs shoot well as they have a 1 moa guarantee but be aware that the barrels are chrome lined. That is one of the reasons they shoot so well out of the box.

Also be aware that chromed lined barrels, historically, will not last nearly as long as a good steel barrel. And if your a reloader firing hot rounds the barrel life can be really short.

Just something to consider before purchasing. </div></div>



I am not sure what you mean by just because they are chrome lined they shoot so well out of the box? Are you saying a good SS barrel doesnt shoot? The main reason for CM in a semi auto is SS (typical 416 barrel alloys) is susceptible to faster throat erosion when subjected to sustained firing and multiple rapid shots. CL barrels are normally better suited to this application.


Also as far as barrel wear i disagree about wearing out fast. Here is some info from US Army:

<span style="font-style: italic">The U.S. Army recently (Oct 2000) reported the Mean-Time-Between-Failures (MTBF) for barrels is 9600 rounds. These are chrome lined barrels made out of 4150 steel and they see full-auto use. Also note the military is using full power rounds. For a chrome lined barrel on a semi-auto only rifle 20,000 rounds (or more) can be expected. [Warning: More civilian barrels are ruined to over (or careless) cleaning than to being "shot out".] Stainless barrels won't last as long, 4140 steel barrels wear longer than stainless; but not as long as the Colt 4150 barrels (w/o the chrome lined bores). nor as long as the chrome lined bores (given the same shootin</span>

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

Agreed. DS Arms is not a precision weapon. The FNAR is....

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

FN's can't touch the accuracy of an FNAR. I have a standard M!A that will out shoot any FAL.....<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chefpierre</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ivanthesane</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I were gonna drop 1300 on a semi auto 308 from FN, I'd not get the FN and its $50 magazines, but instead a DSA FAL. Rifle with proven history, cheap mags, still FN design. Heck, for the 1600 that a local ripoff shop has the FNAR at you could get a real made on licensed from FN equipment FAL ... </div></div>



How do you spell whackadoo? Or is ivantheinsane. </div></div>

 

[david walter]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

Of course, FN now has a $250 money back for military or LE purchases.

see: http://www.fnhusa.com/mil/

That makes the FNAR a pretty sweet deal @ under a grand if you buy right.

 

[JeffLebowski]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoRepeater</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm sure these FNARs shoot well as they have a 1 moa guarantee but be aware that the barrels are chrome lined. That is one of the reasons they shoot so well out of the box.

Also be aware that chromed lined barrels, historically, will not last nearly as long as a good steel barrel. And if your a reloader firing hot rounds the barrel life can be really short.

Just something to consider before purchasing. </div></div>

You got that exactly backwards.

 

[PSL1078]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

The chrome lining is much harder than the steel used to make the barrels. Chrome lined barrels will last longer.

 

[phxfa]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

my buddy and I have been shooting FNAR's for a couple years now, overlooked, underpriced, platform for sure. Someone needs to build drop-in furniture for them now

 

[PSL1078]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

I looked at the FNAR.....I dont like it. If the furniture could be changed, that would be different. Even a thumbhole stock would be nice and an improvement. I like the "idea" and design of the gun, but the stock/pistol grip is crappy........I am sure it shoots nice, though.

 

[PSL1078]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

You mean 1", or 1 MOA? 1 MOA at any distance is 1 MOA. MOA is an angle...........it stands for "Minute Of Angle."

 

[Dantrom]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

I for one love my newly acquired FNAR, thanks m14er, and personally see nothing wrong with the look and feel of this rifle. Although, I am the kind of person who can't leave anything stock. I saw that Manners did a survey in the rimfire section about persueing a new stock for a rifle. So I PMed Manners about entertaining the thought of making a stock for the FNAR. I suggested making a t4 from the grip back that could mount to the receiver and possibly a front stock with a full length bottom rail and an option bridge rail to mount night vision. I guess we'll see what comes back.

 

[Dantrom]

Re: FNAR vs FN PBR XP

I am a tool and die machinist myself and have considered making a block that would mount to the reciever with an AR tube and AR grip assemblys giving the option to ad any AR stock or grip disired.