FN SPR.. McRees or FNH TBM???

[Bear24]

This is a tough decision for me, I have an FN SPR A1 in the McMillan stock that has been pillar and glass bedded with the DBM 4 round mag. I am wanting to start entering some tactical comps and realize that I need to have more than a 4 round capacity in my rifle to compete. I am trying to keep my budget tight on my rifle so I can have plenty of money for reloading components and trips to the range. However I don't want to look back and wish I had gone a different route.

What I see as my two options are:
#1
Buy a Mcrees chassis system

Pros:
awesome chassis
accepts AI mags
maybe some added stability

Cons:
right around $1k with mags and accesories
weight (maybe)
AI mags are hard to find right now
Will need to send off to a gunsmith to remove some material on the action to accept the mags

I could sell the McMillan stock to recover some of the $$ but I really would like to keep it around

#2
Buy the FNH TBM setup that comes with a 5 round and 10 round mag

Pros:
drop in install
No down time
less money

Cons:
It is still $400
no chassis system

 

[turbo54]

Or you could do the CDI bottom metal...

Personally, I'd keep the McM stock, but for no particularly good reason. I find the Mcrees chassis rather hideous.

The TBM from FN is excellent, plus no chance of voiding your lifetime warranty by cutting the receiver.

Tough call, really. Sounds like it'll be a wash, money wise, any way you slice it.

 

[Bear24]

Or you could do the CDI bottom metal...

Personally, I'd keep the McM stock, but for no particularly good reason. I find the Mcrees chassis rather hideous.

The TBM from FN is excellent, plus no chance of voiding your lifetime warranty by cutting the receiver.

Tough call, really. Sounds like it'll be a wash, money wise, any way you slice it.

I didn't think about the Warranty, although with the way this gun is built I highly doubt I would ever need it.

Do you have any experience with the TBM? I just haven't heard a lot about it

 

[sulcop96]

My SPR sits in a Manners GAT and I just picked up a used Mcrees to try out. Spent less then half new so it was less of a decision and if I don't like it I'll just put it back out for sale. Keep an eye out for a used and that way you will feel less of a hit and you can flip it if you don't like it.

Sully

 

[Bear24]

My SPR sits in a Manners GAT and I just picked up a used Mcrees to try out. Spent less then half new so it was less of a decision and if I don't like it I'll just put it back out for sale. Keep an eye out for a used and that way you will feel less of a hit and you can flip it if you don't like it.

Sully

try that thing out ASAP and tell me you hate it and ill take it of your hands (seriously) PM me if you are going to sell it.

 

[turbo54]

The TBM is a straight up drop in and feeds great. It went through a lot of development and testing before it became available. It is nicer than a CDI. Bummer the mags are proprietary. There again, no one bitches about TRG mags...and that's because they work great.

 

[Bear24]

The TBM is a straight up drop in and feeds great. It went through a lot of development and testing before it became available. It is nicer than a CDI. Bummer the mags are proprietary. There again, no one bitches about TRG mags...and that's because they work great.

Thanks Turbo, you always seem to chime into my threads with good advice I appreciate it. I'm going to order the TBM and an extra 10 round mag and if I like it, great! If not I'm sure I can get most my money back on it and in the mean time I will have something to hold me over to find a used chassis.

 

[Wayfaerer320]

I didn't think about the Warranty, although with the way this gun is built I highly doubt I would ever need it.

Do you have any experience with the TBM? I just haven't heard a lot about it

I have the FN SPR A5M TBM model - the TBM is awesome.

As was already mentioned, the only thing that sucks is that it only takes FN made mags, so you're limited with your choices for magazines, but it's VERY nice - feeds smooth and it has ambi release buttons.

I love that it has a mag well - it's a really cool feature that makes inserting mags a breeze.

 

[sulcop96]

Bear, if I decide I don't like it I'll ping you before I throw it up in the for sale section. I love the GAT but it is not amby and our team shoots as much from the so called weak side as the strong side and it is just not that comfortable from the left. Hoping the Mcrees will solve that and the folding option is a nice touch. Plus I run AICS mags in my XLR and AICS so...

Sully

 

[Bear24]

Well I got my TBM installed this evening and I am very impressed with the quality. It seems to function and feed great. The 5 round mag fits very tight and doesn't drop free but the 10 round mags fit perfect and drop free, anyone else have this experience?

 

[Wayfaerer320]

Well I got my TBM installed this evening and I am very impressed with the quality. It seems to function and feed great. The 5 round mag fits very tight and doesn't drop free but the 10 round mags fit perfect and drop free, anyone else have this experience?

Same deal with mine - I have the factory A5M TBM and it's the same deal - the 5 rounders don't drop free as easily as the 10 rounders do.

By the way, that's a sick looking stick you got there - that camo pattern is fantastic.

What are the details on the finish? And is that McNett camo wrap there as well?

 

[Bear24]

Same deal with mine - I have the factory A5M TBM and it's the same deal - the 5 rounders don't drop free as easily as the 10 rounders do.

By the way, that's a sick looking stick you got there - that camo pattern is fantastic.

What are the details on the finish? And is that McNett camo wrap there as well?

I replied to your PM, and yes it is the camoform wrap. I really didn't want to paint my optic and the wrap serves as a scratch and ding protector too. I also wrapped the grip and it gives it a great feel.

 

[Wayfaerer320]

I replied to your PM, and yes it is the camoform wrap. I really didn't want to paint my optic and the wrap serves as a scratch and ding protector too. I also wrapped the grip and it gives it a great feel.

I may have to look into some camo wrap - looks great.

 

[sulcop96]

Bear, Nice set up and as for the Mcrees stock.... well it's not going anywhere but I now have a Manners GAT I am going to part with, lol.

Sully

 

[You-Two]

Well I got my TBM installed this evening and I am very impressed with the quality. It seems to function and feed great. The 5 round mag fits very tight and doesn't drop free but the 10 round mags fit perfect and drop free, anyone else have this experience?

Same deal with the 5rd that came with my TBM upgrade. Although, the 5rd I just picked up from Midway drops free very smoothly. For some reason the original 5rd mag is a bit oversized. Probably just end up sanding it down a bit.

 

[Bear24]

Bear, Nice set up and as for the Mcrees stock.... well it's not going anywhere but I now have a Manners GAT I am going to part with, lol.

Sully

I take it you liked the McRees?

 

[sulcop96]

If I could get a photo to post I would show you my 200 yard group from yesterdays zero session. Bottom line, love it. Now I have three rifles fighting for my attention all the time, R700/AICS, Howa/XLR and my SPR/Mcrees. Thank god the PD pays for the ammo. The only issue I am having is also mag related, seems to be a touch of slop in the mag weld. The mags seems to be able to shift forward and up and touch and the bolt gets a little bump if if it starts to seat up. I'll tinker and fix it but yes, great feel to the stock.

Sully