New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

[Jason280]

I've been looking at having a .308 built for some time, and decided I would have a rifle built on my FN action. Rifle started as an FN PBR XP, with a 20" fluted barrel and McMillan stock. After talking with a few smiths, I decided I would have Accurate Ordnance do the build. They're local here in Georgia, about 65 miles from me. I sat down with Mark, David, and Jason, and was really impressed with what they could offer me. So, with a turn around time of less than a month, it was a no brainer. I dropped the rifle off on November 14th, and had it back December 9th. Here's a list of the work I had completed:
-Blueprint/true FN controlled round feeding action
-26" Rock 5R barrel, chambered in .308 for 178gr AMAX
-Install pillars and bed rifle, remove old bedding
-Refinish metal in Cerakote OD Green

Here's the original barrel being removed:

Some initial machining:

Bolt and lug work:

Barrel threading:

More to come...

 

[Jason280]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Milling extractor cut to clear extractor, checking bolt fit:

 

[Jason280]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Bedding prep, with removal of previous bedding material:

Metal prep for Cerakote:

 

[Jason280]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Finished product, with US Optics ST-10:

 

[Jason280]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Test groups:

Final setup, with Nightforce 5.5-22x56 in TPS low rings and Harris BR bipod.

 

[allornothing]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

That's some very nice work ... congrats

 

[Jason280]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with the rifle. The work turned out great, and turn around time was as fast as one could ask for. The guys at Accurate Ordnance spent a lot of time going over the details with me, and Mark sent me update pics during the build. Not only did they complete the work I asked for, but threw in a lot of extras. David went ahead and resprayed the McMillan, and will be refinishing my additional mags to match the bottom metal. Rifle has been throated to shoot 178gr Hornady AMAX bullets, and I can easily reach the lands and still stay within mag length of the FN detachable mags. I haven't had a chance to take the rifle to the range, but will be going tomorrow. I can't wait to shoot the rifle, and will certainly be using the guys at Accurate Ordnance in the future!!

 

[Action Guy]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Looks good. I like the color contrast: OD on black.

 

[JRWALLSIII]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

The AO crew are a great bunch of guys

You made a great choice

Nice rifle!!!

 

[windermike]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

I am waiting on a rifle from them. They have been excellent so far. I hope mine turns out as nice as yours.

Mike

 

[Tac284]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

On the metal prep part of the work was there a base primer put down before cerakote? Just curious, haven't seen it done like that yet. Wondering if I have been doing it wrong?


Thanks for sharing your build! Looks great!

 

[BookHound]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Jason, we appreciate your business a lot and thank you for giving us a chance to work with you. It was a total pleasure for us. Glad you are happy. Please keep us posted on your shooting results. Thanks also for taking the time to post some pictures and your comments. Means a lot.

Be well and talk to ya soon.

Mark

 

[BookHound]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

@windermike,

Jason Nixon got a your action trued and the barrel work all done. I believe the Sako extractor is all finished too. Yours gets coating and bedding this week. Looks like we'll be seeing you soon!

Of course you are always welcome at the shop just to take a peek at the progress. Don't be a stranger!

Mark

 

[BookHound]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tac284</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On the metal prep part of the work was there a base primer put down before cerakote? Just curious, haven't seen it done like that yet. Wondering if I have been doing it wrong?

</div></div>

There are exceptions to this, but for most barreled actions we thoroughly degrease everything then media blast the parts to be coated. We then clean the parts again and blow them dry.

Cerakote can be a tricky finish to apply. There can be error in the mixing and/or spraying that leaves the finish a rougher texture or even too shinny or too dull. Lastly, Cerakote isn't as tolerant of temperature variances compared to some other coatings. We use a purpose-built, digitially controlled custom oven that maintains a proper and consistent temperature.

Hope this helps some. If you want more information, feel free to e-mail me and I'll help you with whatever you need.

Mark

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Excellent work!

 

[beretta682]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

very nice work

 

[Pusher591]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

That's some really nice machine work! I love the rifle and it looks to be a shooter, congrats!

 

[3fingervic]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

That is some very nice craftsmanship.

 

[Goin'Hot]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Looks great guys. Good to see another shop up and running and providing service above and beyond the customers expectations.

 

[eddief]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Very nice looking work guys. What barrel contour is on the FN?

 

[Jason280]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

I believe its considered a "Sendero" contour, which should be right around 3/4" or so at the muzzle. I haven't taken time to measure it, but can say that it is heavy. It should be an absolute joy to shoot off the bench!

 

[yej0001]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Nice work! How much it increases the accuracy of the rifle (before an after)?

 

[mexicanmatch]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Very nice looking, done in a clean shop also, that is a +. MM

 

[Jason280]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: yej0001</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice work! How much it increases the accuracy of the rifle (before an after)? </div></div>

Based on the test targets, its been a huge improvement over the previous setup. I was averaging 1-1.5" groups out of the original barrel, but I believe I had a bedding issue. When I bought the rifle, it had already been bedded, and its likely there was some unequal pressure when the action screws were torqued down.

 

[Jason280]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

I finally had a chance to go to the range, and it turned out to be a beautiful day. Sky was clear to slightly overcast, with temps around 60*. Not bad for mid December!

Rifle shot great as I expected, with most groups going to into one big hole (typically with one shooter induced flyer). The weight of the rifle really keeps recoil down, and makes it a joy to shoot.

These were the first two loads I shot out of the rifle. I'm not exactly sure how the rounds are loaded, all I know is its a 168gr BTHP bullet in an '04 LC case. I believe they are Ga Arms loads, but not 100% sure. I picked up a hundred or so of these earlier this year, and they were all in LC '02 - '05 cases. They shot fairly well in other bolt guns, but seem to really shine in the FN.

This one is 168gr FGMM:

Last group was with 178gr AMAXs over 44.5gr Varget seated 2.820", which shows a lot of promise!

 

[BookHound]

Re: New Accurate Ordnance FN build...pic heavy

Thanks for the update. Please be sure to keep us informed on the progress and if there is anything we can do better, please let us know that too.

We appreciate you very much!

Mark