Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

[jack852]

This is among my first posts here, but I would appreciate any advice that you may be able to offer. I am looking for a .308 bolt action rifle primarialy for target / range use up to 300 yards. I am seriously considering both the Remington 5R and the FN SPR A1A. I've done a bit of lurking on this board (great information) and I gather that the FN may have a better trigger out of the box and that it may be slightly more accurate. I don't want to have to modify the gun.

If anyone has an opinion as to which of these will better suit my needs I would appreciate it. If the FN is the better choice, is the price difference justifiable for the difference in shootability.

Thanks for your help.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

The accuracy of each rifle is totally comparable, so your decision isn't going to hinge on accuracy.

I'm a Win70/FN SPR guy, so please forgive any bias - I'll try to be very fair in the basic pros/cons...

1. The SPR has an excellent safety, that actively catches/blocks the striker, whereas the remington simply blocks the trigger from moving.

2. The SPR is controlled round feed, which is famous for feeding reliability.

3. The SPR has an easily adjustable trigger, which is rather famous for it's reliablity and feel.

4. The SPR comes in a first-rate McMillan stock, whereas the Remington comes in a "good" HS Precision stock.

5. The SPR has a LIFETIME GUARANTEE to shoot 1moa or better. It has a chrome-lined barrel that has shown to last 10k rounds, while maintaining it's accuracy guarantee.

6. The SPR now ships with the new TBM detachable box magazine setup, which is very nice, and works great.

7. I'm thinking hard right now, and can't think of anything about the Remington I like better.

ETA:

Ok, I thought of something I like better about the remington. Its firing pin/striker assembly weighs approximately 2/3 as much as the FN, and its locktime is quicker. Also, there is probably something that can be said for the way the bolt nose fully encircles the casehead on the Remington, and doesn't on the FN.

And another thing: More gunsmiths are familiar with the Remington, so it is a bit easier to find a smith to work on the Remington... I guess the same goes for aftermarket parts. The Remington is like a small block Chevy - there is a huge selection of aftermarket hop-up parts. The FN has aftermarket support, and anything you need can be had, but you won't have 29 different bottom metals to choose from. Rather, you'll have 2.

 

[gimpy]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I'm not sure where you are getting the information that the FN resists rust better than the 5R seeing as the 5R is stainless steel. I believe that the 5R lends itself to better accuracy with the stainless barrel and the rifling used on it. That said, the trigger on mine SUCKED, and has since been replaced. It has shot sub-.5moa. I have looked at the FN, and am thinking that may be the next rifle on my list especially with the pricing offered by a Hide sponsor. I really believe that if you can do it, get both and enjoy!

 

[turbo54]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gimpy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not sure where you are getting the information that the FN resists rust better than the 5R seeing as the 5R is stainless steel. I believe that the 5R lends itself to better accuracy with the stainless barrel and the rifling used on it. That said, the trigger on mine SUCKED, and has since been replaced. It has shot sub-.5moa. I have looked at the FN, and am thinking that may be the next rifle on my list especially with the pricing offered by a Hide sponsor. I really believe that if you can do it, get both and enjoy! </div></div>

Whoops. Forgot the 5R is stainless...

Post edited.

 

[jack852]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

Thanks for the quick replies. Would you mind pm'ing me the name of the sponsor that sells the FN?

 

[RyanScott]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

Tactical Coordination.

The bolt handle is less likely to fall off the Winchester.

 

[300ATT]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I have both. I found that the 5R were slightly more accurate (splitting hairs) 1/2 MOA vs. an occasional 3/8 MOA for the 5R. The FN is better balanced and IMHO the McMillan A3 stock is a better stock than the HS precision. I personally prefer the Winchester action to the Remington but that is a "Ford vs. Chevy" religious topic.

Good shooting ...

 

[CaptRob]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I'm not familiar with the FN but I love my 5R and am thinking about picking up one in a 300. Very accurate and easily customizable.

 

[CaptRob]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

And you can get the 5r a lot cheaper saving you some cash for better glass.

 

[GS308justice]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I live the 5r best bolt gun I've owned

 

[jarhead_h]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RyanScott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tactical Coordination.

The bolt handle is less likely to fall off the Winchester. </div></div>

Here's how easy it is on a rem700.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX3BfqDk4S4

Without a doubt, the ability to knock off the handle with as little force as he's using is a complete deal breaker for me. If I ever actually manage to become a gunsmith, my only truing package for rem700's/clones will include a PTG one piece bolt - no exceptions.

See, you don't have this problem with turned down bolts on mil-surps either.

 

[Graham]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...212#Post1070212

 

[turbo54]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RyanScott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tactical Coordination.

The bolt handle is less likely to fall off the Winchester. </div></div>

I can't say whether or not it's easier to knock a Remington bolt handle off than a Winny, but don't forget the Winny's bolt handle is also brazed to the bolt body.

 

[cav.scout]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

The 5R rifling does not give better accuracy I don't know where people get there information you will get less fouling that's about it. The Remington 5r is nothing really special just a marketing ploy nice rifle nothing more.

 

[c4xplsv]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I always liked the "out of box" ready to go setup on the FN rifles. I would do a different stock, black finish, and a few other things on a 5r. By the time I priced it out, it was as much (if not more) than the FN. Plus FN guaranteed 1moa accuracy. For me it was a no brainier. But to each their own - not really a right answer on these sorts of questions.

 

[EchoLenix]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I am in this EXACT same situation, im looking for my first .308 rifle and im debating between the Remington 5r and the FN SPR A1...both around same price, leaning towards the FN. Any help would be great. The reason im not leaning towards 5r is because i would prefer a length of 22" with a 1:10 twist and remington doesnt offer that so i would have to turn to kreiger or bartlien for a custom.

 

[lvgolfer962]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I bought the 5r for my first bolt gun and it lived up to the hype. It was dead nuts out of the box and got better once I started to load my own shells.

I ran 155s, 168s, 175s, 178s, and 208s and they all did well. I pushed mine hard and the barrel went out but I have no complaints with my 5r.

 

[RyanScott]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RyanScott</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tactical Coordination.

The bolt handle is less likely to fall off the Winchester. </div></div>

I can't say whether or not it's easier to knock a Remington bolt handle off than a Winny, but don't forget the Winny's bolt handle is also brazed to the bolt body. </div></div>Correct, though Winchester uses a different method with splines.

Doesn't matter to me, all my Winchesters are about to go off for a new hammer welded on.

 

[shootnf]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I have an FN A1A 20" A3 stock and a 700 sps aac with a hogue stock. Both can shoot under 1 moa easy. The FN is more accurate, heavier and has a better feel to me. But I have not gone out past 300 yards. The FN is 1:12 twist and the 700 is 1:10 twist. I am still new to this but I think the 1:10 twist could be more accurate if I get out to long distances, depending on the bullet weight. Correct me if I am wrong. But for Feel I love my FN more.

 

[Pappasniper]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I have both. It's ford vs Chevy. I put a karsten cheek riser on my 5R and Timney. My SPR has the long barrel and is not threaded. But even as heavy as it is, the muzzle jumps. My Remmy has an AAC BRAKE COMP and lays down nice.

You can get the FN in the tactical threaded. I like things about each gun.
Do what I did, get both. Neither will dissapoint.

 

[Flyingbullseye]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

Just to add another question to this discussion. If someone were to use one in comps as far as conditions go which one typically does better under poor weather conditions?

 

[HarryBallz2029]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I agree with the 5R guys i have the .300 and so far ive only put 50 FGMM 190 SMKs through it and it was stacking rounds effortlessly. Id go 5R, I have seen several videos and reviews of guys getting some insane accuracy out of the 5R 308 outa the box.

 

[Turk]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

Is the FN bolt cast or forged?

 

[buggsb]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

Accuracy wise they are fairly equal. I have both and like both but if you want a rifle that you won't have to modify then the FN is the way to go...best out of the box rifle for the money. Just bolt on rings and a scope and you're ready to go.

 

[jack852]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

Thank everyone for the replies. I found a good deal on a 5R and am going to put more into a good scope. Can't wait for the mail to arrive!

 

[USMC mustang]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I considered both rifles and went with the 5R because of the 1:11.25 rate of twist and local availability. I've been very happy with it's accuracy and it has the smoothest action of any out of the box Remington I have ever owned. The 5R rifling does make cleaning easier. On the other hand I spent over $200 to get DBM bottom metal and have the stock inletted, another $90 for a new bolt handle, and $100 on Duracoat (6 colors).

I'm seriously considering a FN M5 M SPR .308 20" for my next bolt-gun.

They are both great guns and neither will disappoint in the accuracy department.

 

[CleanMoostang]

Re: Remington 5R vs. FN SPR A1A

I guess if you dont want to modify and want straight out of the box completion, go FN. But like the reason I bought my AR, I wanted something I would be able to play with, switch parts, customize, and "fiddle" with as time went on, nothing like the Remington platform.

I love my Remington Arms weapons, especially my .308 SPS tactical.