Best FN PBR / Win M70 Chassis

[Direct_Fire]

I did a search for this and did not come up with any info. I have a FN PBR (not XP) with a 18" barrel and a Howitzer muzzle brake. It is currently sitting in the Hogue stock that it came in. I use this rifle for hunting because it is pretty light, has almost no recoil with the brake, and is short and handy.

I just really hate this stock!!! I can't say that enough. The rubber stock sticks to everything and next to impossible to clean. I am trying to find a list of Chassis systems that I can use with the FN action, and currently the main on that I have found is the McRee. I like the McRee chassis but I am only running an 18" barrel so I'm not sure how it would look. I know that for most of the chassis systems that I have seen require some modifications to the action, but that does not bother me. I am also looking to get away from the 5 round mags that came with it so AICS mag systems would be awesome.


Thanks guys

 

[Graham]

Most chassis systems would require modifications to the chassis, not to the action. And the AICS won't work. In my experience, and I have tried many stocks with FN actions, for a PBR barreled action a McMillan A3 from the specials page is hard to beat: $525 and it fits the action/barrel very well without making the rifle unwieldy.

 

[Rlbol]

I believe they are making the APO system for them. I am very happy with mine!

 

[Direct_Fire]

Graham (great name by the way, haha),

Thanks for the info. I was really trying to stick with a chassis system. I know that the AICS only works with the R700 and savage, but some of the chassis systems (ie: McRee) allow the use of AI mags. I would really prefer this because I am in the middle of lining up a custom R700 build that will be going into a AICS. It would be nice to be able to use the same mags for both rifles.

 

[StrayDog]

I had a FN SPR A1 24" (I think that's the same action/footprint as the PBR?) in a McRees G5 machined for the FN. After the action and a few mags were slightly modded per the CDI Bottom Metal method, the action fed smooth from AICS 5+10 round mags, and the Action dropped in the McRees very well. Accuracy improved slightly, but my stock mcmillan had already been bedded very well prior to swapping to the mcrees.
There's a thread somewhere in here about how to make your AICS mags feed in the claw action well--basically you need to see much of the primer from the rear of the mag by sitting the round higher. Also, there's a thread about the CDI mod to the action--you want to minimize metal removal--and don't need to go into the lug and flat spot. I didn't ever look for another chassis made for Win70s/FNs, because the McRees was so adjustable and well machined, but good luck in your search. I miss the FN.
Somebody correct me if i am wrong--but to use AICS mags with the FN, the action requires the CDI-type mod, right?

 

[steveptr]

What about a McRee?

 

[Graham]

I would really prefer this because I am in the middle of lining up a custom R700 build that will be going into a AICS. It would be nice to be able to use the same mags for both rifles.

I use AICS mags for my FN SPR in an A3. It requires the correct bottom metal (I use CDI, but the release latch spring is a bit weak) and some minor mods but it can be done successfully. Call Moon at Crescent customs. He has experience doing mine - and doing it properly.

 

[Direct_Fire]

Sounds great. Thanks man

 

[Powermac]

As far as i know, you should have a few options for the M70 actually.
Mcree as mentioned.
XLR industries, Kyle can make you a chassis that will fit on request, know it has been done before.
And Ashbury as mentioned above, but not sure they are out yet in the M70 config.
And Eberlestock's chassisis is supposed to come out for M70 too.

Other option for using aics mags, would be a McM with the CDI dbm, or a manners with mini chassis.
And if you put you're heart on a stock that won't typically fit, contact Chad Dixon and see if he can't work some of his magic for you.
Would be my preferred choice of a smith if i were gonna do a M70 no doubt.

 

[StrayDog]

Graham: Can you use your AICS mags set up for your FN action in another bolt rifle based on a Rem700 style action?

For what it's worth, after my AICS mags were set up for the FN/Mcree, i later sold the rifle after getting a lefty bighorn that runs AICS mags.
The good news is that I never reset the feed lips on my mags after setting them up for the FN, and they all run great in the bighorn!
I agree with Graham: If you send your action for the mod to an expert like Moon, you'll get your goal-oriented solution for the FN/AICS-mag combo. And you will probably be able to use those same mags in your Rem700 too... but your smith should know best.

 

[Direct_Fire]

Thanks for the help everyone. My biggest obstacle to overcome is the Howitzer breat on the end wont come off. I have tried everything from lubing it up to extreme heat and I can't get it to budge, so what ever chassis I get has to allow the barrel and action to sit in like a standard stock. The brake was intalled by EA Brown and I know they didn't perm attach it so I have no idea what the issue.

 

[Graham]

Graham: Can you use your AICS mags set up for your FN action in another bolt rifle based on a Rem700 style action?

No mods to the mags, they're standard AICS mags.

 

[steveptr]

What is the cdi mod?

 

[StrayDog]

Google "cdi aics fn spr" and browse the images: you'll find some pics of the machine work.
The mod allows the front of an AICS mag to fit the slightly narrower mag well that tapers in towards the chamber, by removing minimal metal from the action sides but avoids the flat base area. A touchy subject, so be wise like Graham and others above and hire an experienced smith that's done this mod before, and done it right. Also good to hear feed lip mods may not even be needed if you choose the best. Buy once, cry once, as usual.

 

[Maelstrom]

Not sure if this will work but what about a Manners with mini chassis. In theory you could then use the same style/shape stock and AICS mags for both your FN and your Remington build.

 

[Direct_Fire]

I thought that the Manners chassis was only for R700 actions. Would the CDI bottom metal work with the Manners Chassis?

I think that I might just end up going with the HS 2000 Pro-Series that is made for the FN PBR and the factory DBM system. It is a cheap way to get away from the Hogue. I have never been able to get more than about 1moa out of this rifle(even after using 3 different types of glass) so I will try to restock it and adjust the trigger and see were that leaves me. 1moa is not bad for a rifle that I plan on using as a hunting rifle, but I have heard nothing but great things with everyone elses PBRs so I would have liked to have seen better groups out of this one. I have been shooting for many years and have been able to shoot 1/2moa or better with my R700 PSS and even average 1moa with my bare bones R700 with a 16" feather weight barrel and iron sights. I just really like the action on the FN better than all of my other rifles.

http://www.stockysstocks.com/servlet/the-375/FN-Patrol-Bolt-Rifle/Detail