FNH SPR A5 XP vs Remington 700

[deerhunter9790]

I've been using this site for advice for a while now but I'm just now getting around to buying/building a bolt action rifle for precision shooting. I'm not stranger to guns or shooting. I've competed for the military with service rifle and pistol and compete in regular competitions with just about any type of weapon. I own a super match M1A witch I love but now it's time for a bolt gun with some quality glass.

So for my question, I was dead set on getting a remington 700 (leaning toward the 5R 20" .308) and it will regularly be shot suppressed, until I got turned on the the FNH SPR. I have got a feel for the McMillan A5 and it would probably find its way on a remington if I were to get it. But I have never shot the SPR and I have shot plenty of Remington's. It seems the price will be about equal if I get a remington done to match what the SPR comes with.

Are there any opinions out there on the FN? It seems that the majority shoot 700s. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Asperly Aimless]

I had owned Remingotn 700's for years. I bought a FN SPR A5 with DBM and LOVE IT!! The only thing that gets annoying is aftermarket support, but the market is slowly coming around. If you have the money, get the FN as it's good to go and set up right straight out of the box.

 

[deerhunter9790]

I had owned Remingotn 700's for years. I bought a FN SPR A5 with DBM and LOVE IT!! The only thing that gets annoying is aftermarket support, but the market is slowly coming around. If you have the money, get the FN as it's good to go and set up right straight out of the box.

What kind of accuracy are you getting with yours?

 

[LRJammer]

I would take a CRF Winchester/FN over a Remington EVERY time, hands down.

 

[Asperly Aimless]

What kind of accuracy are you getting with yours?

Great accuracy.

 

[Dirty D]

You will pay twice as much for 4x the rifle with the FN vs the Remmy.

 

[deerhunter9790]

Great accuracy.

Haha. Fair enough

 

[Asperly Aimless]

Here's the deal. It's not as accurate as my benchrest rifles, it beats the shit out of most stock remingtons, and hangs toe to toe with a lot of "built" rifles.

It all depends what accuracy you're looking for. If you want to compete in benchrest, then the rifle is not accurate enough. If you want to shoot animals at long range, ping steel 100 yds to whatever range, or compete in tactical stuff, then it is more than accurate enough.

Worth every penny out of the box.

 

[A5M]

Actually I have both rifles..
My 700 has an AICS stock and a suppressor. The FN, other than a trigger job, is stock. Both are great rifles and enjoy shooting both of them. However, if I had to pick one, I would go with the FN. Yes, the FN will cost you a lot more too, I get it.
My 700 shoots groups in the .4" range. My FN is in the .25" range. (5 shots at 100 yards). I consider myself an average shooter, and not as accomplished as most of you guys here. I'm sure a better shooter could get better groups.
IMHO the FN shoots better and shoots better more consistently than my 700.
If money is not a defining factor, go with the FN. You won't regret it.

 

[deerhunter9790]

Actually I have both rifles..
My 700 has an AICS stock and a suppressor. The FN, other than a trigger job, is stock. Both are great rifles and enjoy shooting both of them. However, if I had to pick one, I would go with the FN. Yes, the FN will cost you a lot more too, I get it.
My 700 shoots groups in the .4" range. My FN is in the .25" range. (5 shots at 100 yards). I consider myself an average shooter, and not as accomplished as most of you guys here. I'm sure a better shooter could get better groups.
IMHO the FN shoots better and shoots better more consistently than my 700.
If money is not a defining factor, go with the FN. You won't regret it.

What did you have done to the trigger?

And thanks to everyone who has responded! It sounds like the FN is the winner for what I plan to do with it.

 

[A5M]

My 700 has a smoooooooth 2 pound trigger, done by my gunsmith many years ago. When I bought the FN, the factory trigger was obviously very different to the one in the 700. A little rougher, and heavier. I had the gunsmith do a trigger job on the FN and now it has a very smooth 2 pound pull. The FN's action is based on the Winchester model 70 action and therefore it is easy for someone competent to work on it and make it right. Now, it doesn't matter which rifle I shoot.... The trigger feels pretty much the same.

Also, I forgot to mention earlier. My 700 (with the AICS chassis) uses AICS magazines. Pretty universal. The FN uses the FN magazines which obviously are not universal like the AICS are. With that being said, I have been able to find FN magazines with no problems and so far they work just fine. I have heard some people complain about them for one reason or another. However, I have no complains what so ever.

The rifle came with a Crome lined barrel. It was also bedded before it left the factory.
You will enjoy your FN. Let us know how it goes !!!!

 

[mdmp5]

My SPR has served me very well. Best accuracy I have gotten on paper was a 3 shot group at around .1" at 100 yds, when I used to shoot paper. Taking out to distance, I hit a gopher slap target at 800 yds holding about 5 - 6 MOA for windage. Other than that, I really like the Winchester trigger, and the bolt claw rocks.

 

[CthulhuAwakens]

I love my FN SPR. Check out Tactical Coordination if you're looking at an SPR.

 

[CthulhuAwakens]

Little SPR porn for ya'

 

[redneckbmxer24]

The FN is a nice upgrade over the Remington for the stock a DBM alone. That said an AI AE MKIII is just as much of an upgrade from the FN and right now isn't much more money. You can get one from mile high for less than $2800 shipped. I'd certainly consider that as well since it doesn't seem like you mind spending a little extra for quality.

 

[deerhunter9790]

Little SPR porn for ya'

Which nightforce are you running on it? I am considering the ATACR or a leupold MK8(fed/mil) for right now. Trying to stay right around 2k for the scope but still open to suggestions. I would like to buy once and cry once on this one.

I just checked out the AI AE's out. I know they build great guns I just have never had the opportunity to even hold one. Would never rule it out it, but what would I be gaining with this weapon?

 

[deerhunter9790]

The FN is a nice upgrade over the Remington for the stock a DBM alone. That said an AI AE MKIII is just as much of an upgrade from the FN and right now isn't much more money. You can get one from mile high for less than $2800 shipped. I'd certainly consider that as well since it doesn't seem like you mind spending a little extra for quality.

It seems that everytime I have decided on a rifle something else is brought up. The AI MK III is very enticing. I would like to get it with the barrel threaded though. It seems it's now shifted between the FN and the AI. What am I gaining by going with the AI?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

It seems that everytime I have decided on a rifle something else is brought up. The AI MK III is very enticing. I would like to get it with the barrel threaded though. It seems it's now shifted between the FN and the AI. What am I gaining by going with the AI?

You can order it threaded any way you want from mile high for a reasonable price.

Over the FN you get

- 60 degree bolt throw
- super though closed top action with smooth feeding
- crisp, smooth and ultra reliable two stage trigger
- hand lapped SS barrel
- rugged aluminum chassis with polymer skins
- more common AICS mags
- optional folding stock

Just to name a few things.

 

[deerhunter9790]

Does Mile High offer a military discount of any kind?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Yes they normally do 10% for military but they're running the AI's 20% off right now plus and additional 5% for hide members. That's gotta be close to or at cost so I doubt they can do any better. Right now is the time to be in the market for an AI.

 

[leadbullet]

FN or Remy?? Same as Ford or Chevy.

 

[dimar1492]

FN or Remy?? Same as Ford or Chevy.

Until they started talking about the AE. Now it's like there's a Lamborghini in the mix. My vote goes for the AI. A whole different class of a rifle.

 

[deerhunter9790]

Yes they normally do 10% for military but they're running the AI's 20% off right now plus and additional 5% for hide members. That's gotta be close to or at cost so I doubt they can do any better. Right now is the time to be in the market for an AI.

Thanks. I will be giving them a call tomorrow.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Until they started talking about the AE. Now it's like there's a Lamborghini in the mix. My vote goes for the AI. A whole different class of a rifle.

Yep. Still a big difference in Rem and FN though, way more than ford vs Chevy.

One piece bolt vs soldered bolt handle
3 position bolt safety vs two position trigger safety
Claw extractor vs skimp inside the bolt face extractor (even post 64's have a better extractor)
Manual ejector bar vs spring and plunger
Build in recoil lug vs sandwiched lug
McMillan stock vs HS Precision
Decent DBM (on the A5M) vs floor plate

There are clear advantages to one over the other that effect performance and reliability, not just preference.

 

[LRJammer]

Agreed. I absolutely love my Winchesters and FNs, but the AI is a whole new level of quality. I wish I had listened before sinking the money that I had into other rifles.

I would still want an M-70 for hunting (weight), but for precision work, the AI has no peer.

 

[dimar1492]

Agreed. I absolutely love my Winchesters and FNs, but the AI is a whole new level of quality. I wish I had listened before sinking the money that I had into other rifles.

I would still want an M-70 for hunting (weight), but for precision work, the AI has no peer.

Yeah,I wish I would have bought AI from the beginning. Would have saved a lot of trouble.

 

[A5M]

The AI are very nice. A buddy of mine has one and they really are accurate and reliable.
As much as I like my FN, I agree that if you can find an AI in the same price range, seriously look at it. That would be quite a deal.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Yeah,I wish I would have bought AI from the beginning. Would have saved a lot of trouble.

I've lost thousands buying and selling rifles before I finally bought an AI. The grass is much greener.

 

[deerhunter9790]

Decided on the AI AE MKIII. Thanks for all the help!

 

[dimar1492]

Decided on the AI AE MKIII. Thanks for all the help!

You won't be dissappointed.

 

[deerhunter9790]

The rifle will be a deployment/Christmas present but I'm still undecided on the scope. I have 9 months to save for the scope and I'm sure something new will become available. As of now the scopes in looking at are the nightforce ATACR moar reticle or potentially the leupold mk8 (fed/mil). I know one is SFP and the other is FFP. I know I need the scope to match mil/mil or moa/moa. I'm REALLY trying to keep this around 2000-2300 range at the most. Any suggestions between the two scopes or another one you feel is better for that price range?

 

[280nosler]

The rifle will be a deployment/Christmas present but I'm still undecided on the scope. I have 9 months to save for the scope and I'm sure something new will become available. As of now the scopes in looking at are the nightforce ATACR moar reticle or potentially the leupold mk8 (fed/mil). I know one is SFP and the other is FFP. I know I need the scope to match mil/mil or moa/moa. I'm REALLY trying to keep this around 2000-2300 range at the most. Any suggestions between the two scopes or another one you feel is better for that price range?

Have you considered a Vortex Razor, Premier optics or March optics?

 

[deerhunter9790]

Have you considered a Vortex Razor, Premier optics or March optics?

Ive looked at the Vortex Razor and Premier Optics. I have had hands on with the Razor, but not with any Premier Optics scopes. I have not checked out March optics. I think I would go with the MK8 if they had more reticle options. I have been reading reviews on here and all over the internet for a little while on optics. There is just to many options!

 

[diderr]

Owned a custom 700. Now own a custom FN. Night and day difference. FN hands down.

 

[John1911.com]

I'm late to the party. I am Winchester 70 over Remington 700 every time. I know it seems the bulk of the shooters run the 700, but I prefer the Pre-64 setup with controlled feed AND a locking bolt when on safe. I just prefer that manual of arms. And I am biased towards the safety operation in general.

My FN SPR A3g had a test target of .315 with FGMM 168. I could get it under .5, but I'm not good enough to get it down to .3. Not with the stock-FBI-Lawyer trigger on it.

But the short A5 with the DBM is the way to go regards on the SPR line anyway.

The AI…is a whole different animal it seems. I have to qualify that since I don't have any time on an AI. But the crowd seems to like them. But if it's me and i have to choose between the devil I know and the devil I don't, it's the Winchester CRF Model 70 every time. With DBM though. But I certainly would give the AI hard, hard look knowing their week earned rep.

One more point for those reading this and suffer from rifle ADD. A stock SPR A5 or AI will have a better residual value in a sale or trade compared to a heavily built up Remington 700. IMO. And obviously the exception to that rule would be a Remington 700 built by one of the premier custom houses (i.e. GAP).

TTR

 

[USW.260]

Owned a custom 700. Now own a custom FN. Night and day difference. FN hands down.

Go with the FNH.
Heres mine. FNH SPR A1A

 

[deerhunter9790]

Well, I ordered the AI AE MKIII from Mile High today! Should be in next week. Just so everyone that doesn't already know hears it, Mile High has great customer service! Cant wait to get the rifle in my hands.