Opinions Invited: Remington milspec 5r, FNH TSR XP: Upgrade or Custom

[Acer76]

Intended use: long range precision target & competition, precision grouping on paper out to 600m, shooting steel for effect (accuracy) 1200+, working into local PRS style competition matches.

I have convinced myself I want a 6.5 Creedmoor. I am highly interested in all the 6/6.5mm family of cartridges, but since I am not currently reloading, Creedmoor seems most sensible for cost effectiveness and pill options. Plus it’s not a barrel burner like the super cool speedy options like the Dasher. I am open for discussion here though because I have some thinking to do before I decide.

Available options: I have a safe halfway across TN and NC with my bolt guns. 3 were purchased 2009-10 and none have more than 140rds fired. All have zero modifications (except 20MOA bases) and none are scoped, but I have new SWFA SS fixed 10X.
1) FNH TSR XP .308
2) Remington 700 milspec 5r Stainless .308
3) Remington 700 milspec 5r Stainless .300WM
Anybody care to share thoughts on these platforms?

Here’s the challenge for me: I don’t have enough recent trigger time to decide what to keep/modify/sell. Plus they’re all 7hrs drive. And none are configured for my stated use.

I have done endless research, exhausted every source I can imagine, and still find myself indecisive.

I would love to have a switch caliber platform, but I’m not convinced it’s worth the coin at this stage to serve my purpose.
The perfect solution seems to be AI AXMC. Desert Tech SRS is interesting but I have reservations (all previously stated elsewhere in this forum). Also I’m a fan of the Barrett MRAD. However, in my mind, if I’m going in for $5k+, I prefer to swing for the fences, save a little longer, and spring for The King, the AI.

The other glaring option that pesters me constantly is that I can go with a custom build and get a perfect rifle built for me and my purpose. The only drawback is a dedicated cartridge. Which really isn’t so bad, right? I like the R Bros V2 at $900 less than the Competitor Tactical.

OR I could accurize the 5r .308, change BM for AICS mags, install chassis, thread barrel, change trigger, etc. But by the time I make that investment, wouldn’t I be better off to have sold it and put the proceeds into a custom 6.5?

Please advise.

 

[Long Range 338]

Sounds like you’ve already got some ideas here so for what it’s worth here’s me two cents.

-AXMC: absolutely the Cadillac and will serve you well especially as a switch barrel setup. If I were using one to compete I would do the short action MC

-Rem 700: perfect starting platform because of the aftermarket options. But the custom actions that fit rem 700 platform are so good it’s hardly worth it.

-FN: great platform and controlled round feed makes it awesome. Aftermarket support is pretty limited so as long as you can build it the way you want you will be happy.

Good luck

 

[NateVA]

I've yet to hear someone who has regretted getting an AI. It wouldn't fit my purposes because of weight and length (I need something that can sometimes be used to hunt) but for yours it sounds perfect and you'll probably never have second thoughts.

 

[jetmd]

I think that it is important to give an honest max cost for purchase, of just the rifle.
Set your max and stick to it. Otherwise you will get the response: Well for just another $500 you can get 'X'
We understand your planned use.
What is your budget?
This will greatly enable members to give good intelligent suggestions.

 

[PBWalsh]

If you keep one, keep the FN and just rebarrel it and maybe get a CDI bottom metal to use AICS magazines. As stated these action rock and they are not going to fail you.

That said, if you sold all three rifles, that’d almost get you an AIAT in 6.5 CM from Mile High. AIAXs are sexy, but an AIAT offers everything you NEED unless you absolutely want a full rail, handguard, right folding and a quick adjust stock. For me, I don’t want to spend an additional 2k for those features and I will be purchasing a fixed AIAT from MHSA within the year.

I deeply regret selling my FN rifle though a time ago.

 

[Acer76]

I think that it is important to give an honest max cost for purchase, of just the rifle.
Set your max and stick to it. Otherwise you will get the response: Well for just another $500 you can get 'X'
We understand your planned use.
What is your budget?
This will greatly enable members to give good intelligent suggestions.

Budget is related to timeliness of purchase. If I save for the AI, it could be next April before I’m in business. Mean time I can focus on basics of marksmanship with one of my current rigs.

If I go for a custom build around $4k, Limiting factor will be the gunsmith.

So either way, no matter the budget or choice, I’m prepared to wait 4-6months or more.

I am not convinced the AI would be the end-all solution. But I sure as hell want one badly.

Another potentially attractive solution might be the AI AT for around the same cost as a custom build. What potential drawbacks might I face with the AT?

 

[PBWalsh]

Drawbacks that I am aware of (assuming the chassis ergonomics suits you) is that the rifle is heavy and its made in England and not America.

I highly recommend trying one out before you buy because you are married to the chassis.

 

[Acer76]

Drawbacks that I am aware of (assuming the chassis ergonomics suits you) is that the rifle is heavy and its made in England and not America.

I highly recommend trying one out before you buy because you are married to the chassis.

I appreciate your input!

Anyone have thoughts on how to get myself behind one in the Nashville/Louisville/Cincinnati corridor?

 

[NateVA]

Drawbacks that I am aware of (assuming the chassis ergonomics suits you) is that the rifle is heavy and its made in England and not America.

I highly recommend trying one out before you buy because you are married to the chassis.

I don't see how it being made in England is a drawback. Do you mean for warranty work? Because there are US based places for warranty work (though it would likely never need any). Though you're right about the chassis, some people just don't like it.

Another thing to consider is if you don't like the AI, it has amazing resale value. A custom is worth a fraction of what you pay for it.

 

[PBWalsh]

I appreciate your input!

Anyone have thoughts on how to get myself behind one in the Nashville/Louisville/Cincinnati corridor?

I’d just post somewhere on here and ask, surely someone can meet up with you and have show and tell. I offered to pay for ammo, they keep brass, and I pay them $100 for a rental fee. They were nice enough to not take the rental fee. 100 rounds later I was an AIAT convert and really focused my attention away from a custom Mausingfield.

I don't see how it being made in England is a drawback.

I mean that as its not “Made in America” like a typical custom (for me it was a big deal, but I’ve gotten over that). But yeah, there are plenty of quality shops that support the rifle, if I need it.

 

[jsel10]

One thing that I'm not seeing mentioned is quality glass. If you are considering throwing down 5k on a rifle. You could go with one of the proven factory rigs like the RPR, tikka tac a1, or the Bergara options such as the hmr pro or LRP. You would have a quality rig and plenty left over for some serious glass, rings, bipod, ammo, etc, and be shooting in a minimum amount of time.

 

[winniethepooh]

You could always get the aiat. Deals can be had at the mhsa gunbroker account for a demo

 

[jram]

I'm a huge model 70 fan, which the FN tsr action is based off of. But i would go with the .308 Rem 700 5r, if i was in your shoes. Its short action and you could put a remage type barrel not on it and get your switch barrel rig.

 

[Acer76]

One thing that I'm not seeing mentioned is quality glass. If you are considering throwing down 5k on a rifle. You could go with one of the proven factory rigs like the RPR, tikka tac a1, or the Bergara options such as the hmr pro or LRP. You would have a quality rig and plenty left over for some serious glass, rings, bipod, ammo, etc, and be shooting in a minimum amount of time.

I am budgeted for optics, basically anything that’s not Tangent Theta. I’m comfortable for the time being on my options there.

I have enjoyed several informative, awesome SH threads on optics. There are so many relevant discussions already I’ve decided to direct questions and comments to those threads, keeping this one focused on the rifle.

Your thoughts on the RPR, Tikka and Bergara are appreciated. I have been leaning away from the RPR; personal reasons. Even though I’m trying to stay objective, still I know myself and I know what I don’t want for this rifle.

 

[Acer76]

If you keep one, keep the FN and just rebarrel it and maybe get a CDI bottom metal to use AICS magazines. As stated these action rock and they are not going to fail you.

That said, if you sold all three rifles, that’d almost get you an AIAT in 6.5 CM from Mile High. AIAXs are sexy, but an AIAT offers everything you NEED unless you absolutely want a full rail, handguard, right folding and a quick adjust stock. For me, I don’t want to spend an additional 2k for those features and I will be purchasing a fixed AIAT from MHSA within the year.

I deeply regret selling my FN rifle though a time ago.

I’m intrigued with the potential of the FN TSR. Realistic and effective to customize what I have?

Anyone willing to help out with a breakdown of upgrades/costs involved (rough estimate)?

Recommend having action blueprinted (is this really necessary) ?
Realistic to rebarrel, change to 6.5 Heavier contour?
Definitely want to lose the Hogue stock and possibly find used Manners/McMillan?

Does this action have the accuracy potential I’m pursuing to justify funding <$1500? Seems likely there’s too much disparity between this rig and my vision. It would be cool to transform this into something potentially unique.

 

[PBWalsh]

Blue printing is up to you (find a good smith like many on SH and trust their advise when the rebarrel the action), rebarrel would be a $350 Bartlien/etc from SPR or another vendor, ~$350 for a barrel install (depends on smith). A McMillian/Manners will run you $650-$1200 depending on options.

So... $1,400 +

Also, at that price, you could possibly jump into an FN SPR from tacticalcoordination.com and ask for a SH discount. I got my A1 from them for $1,300 back in 2015, of course it was in .308 though.

As far as accuracy potential, any one of your rifles can display quality accuracy, but the FN will be a more reliable action than a standard Rem 700. Downside is that you can’t do quick barrel changes with an FN because you’ll need a smith to cut an extractor relief at the breech. You may be able to find a smith that can spin you up prefits, I am just not aware of any.

Me personally, I’d shoot the .308 barrel out seeing as you have probably another 5,000 rounds of barrel life, running 155 grain ELD-Ms at a high velocity node (say 2800-2900 fps depending on barrel length). It’s not a sexy 140 6.5 grainer, but looking at estimated velocity outputs (based on average velocities found in the reloading sections) on JBM, it only gives up 1-1.5 mils of elevation and maybe .5-.75 mils of wind at 1,000 yards compared to an average 140 ELD-M. Pretty decent for not having to rebarrel. After the barrel is shot out, then rebarrel to any 6/6.5 you want to.

Anyways, just thoughts from a guy who stupidly sold his FN SPR A1 to fund an ex-fiance’s engagement ring. Big fan of those actions.

Oh a Rem 700 rebarrel will be cheaper, and you can go the Remage prefit route, others here will have more experience with that as I have 0.

 

[srt-4_uk]

Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the TSR use the post 70 and the SPR use the pre 70?

 

[PBWalsh]

The TSR XP USA (.223 caliber) rifles have a CRPF, the .308/.300WSM have the CRF.

 

[jakelly]

TSR are CRF. TSR USA (7.62x39) are CRPF.

 

[jakelly]

Oops, second place.