Are the FN SPR enthusiasts extinct?

[diggler1833]

Yeah, that SPR that just sold is one of the first gens. Supposedly the barrels were made from the same blanks as the M240s...but I have ZERO sources to confirm. I do however have one and it shoots extremely well (M240 blank or not). It is actually the best shooter of my three SPRs.

 

[stello1001]

Yeah, that SPR that just sold is one of the first gens. Supposedly the barrels were made from the same blanks as the M240s...but I have ZERO sources to confirm. I do however have one and it shoots extremely well (M240 blank or not). It is actually the best shooter of my three SPRs.

So, I kinda thought that. Seeing that it had an HS Precision-ish looking stock, I assumed it may have been 1st gen. If that's the case, those were 308s on long actions. Not bad still, although if I can find a short action for that kind of cash I'd jump on it. I want to make a 22gt on an SPR so the barrel being unknown round count or condition wouldn't matter.

 

[Jameswish956]

Just got this manners in for my m70 that I purchased off a hide member. Next up is a new thicker contour barrel and an Arca rail and some glass.

 

[bobk538447]

Yeah, that SPR that just sold is one of the first gens. Supposedly the barrels were made from the same blanks as the M240s...but I have ZERO sources to confirm. I do however have one and it shoots extremely well (M240 blank or not). It is actually the best shooter of my three SPRs.

According to FN, "The serial number indicates a complete rifle that left the factory in 06/2001." It has a NIKON Buckmaster scope on it.

 

[diggler1833]

Heck yeah!

Just spoke with my gunsmith, and we are going to get a couple barrels fitted for one of my SPRs. He's even going to make me an action wrench (SAC has their modular, and I think most Model 70s would work too). That way I can switch barrels back at the house.

This is awesome.

 

[diggler1833]

Heads up, there are a handful of NIB, TBR 5-round mags on Gunbroker still for about $30-ish bucks a pop (will be close to 42 by the time fees and shipping etc...).

They're under "gun parts > rifle parts".

 

[bobk538447]

Just got this off e-bay for $125!

 

[Thauglor]

Anyone know when the a5m got the upgraded bolts? I am looking at a local spr a5m that was made in 2002 according to FN but it has the older style bolt.

 

[Jameswish956]

Winchester model 70 with an Evolution gun works pic rail, vortex 6-24x50, manners stock I picked up off a hide member and area 419 12 inch Arca rail. Area 419 atlas bipod is on the way. I think now I’m wanting to find a smith that can do a barrel for me with a thicker contour.

 

[J-Ham]

Rockin' that OG hinged floorplate like myself...

 

[Jameswish956]

Rockin' that OG hinged floorplate like myself...

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It’s got a Hawkins m5 oberndorf on it. I would like to get a mag setup but not sure what I can swap to with this inlet. It is very comfy to carry though compared to my r700 style action with a magazine.

 

[Action Guy]

Anyone know when the a5m got the upgraded bolts? I am looking at a local spr a5m that was made in 2002 according to FN but it has the older style bolt.

The SPR-A5M XP was launched in 2014. The SPR-XP added the tactical bolt knob, threaded muzzle and increased twist rate to 1:10" in the .308 to the A5Ms only.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

Does anyone have a spare factory SPR internal magazine they can take some pictures of or want to part with? My action didn't come with the internal mag so I sourced one. I'm using a Winchester ASL stamped magazine and I'd like to see how different, if at all, my magazine is from factory SPR internal magazine.

 

[Thauglor]

The SPR-A5M XP was launched in 2014. The SPR-XP added the tactical bolt knob, threaded muzzle and increased twist rate to 1:10" in the .308 to the A5Ms only.

Thank you very much!

 

[Cascade Hemi]

Does anyone have a spare factory SPR internal magazine they can take some pictures of or want to part with? My action didn't come with the internal mag so I sourced one. I'm using a Winchester ASL stamped magazine and I'd like to see how different, if at all, my magazine is from factory SPR internal magazine.

Come on fellas, help a homie out.

 

[diggler1833]

Come on fellas, help a homie out.

Sorry man, I was all DBM/TBM. I'm guessing you need an A3G?

 

[stello1001]

Come on fellas, help a homie out.

Post a picture of what you need. Even if it's a stock photo from Google. I'm trying to see what specifically you are asking about.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

Post a picture of what you need. Even if it's a stock photo from Google. I'm trying to see what specifically you are asking about.

The internal box mag. I built the rifle using an action from CDNN more than 15 years ago. It didn't come with the magazine so I used a Winchester ASL stamped magazine. I'd like to see the factory FN SPR internal magazine. I'd be willing to buy the magazine if someone still has one left over from a CDI conversion.

Like these: https://www.midwestgunworks.com/winchester-model-70/magazine-box.html

 

[stello1001]

The internal box mag. I built the rifle using an action from CDNN more than 15 years ago. It didn't come with the magazine so I used a Winchester ASL stamped magazine. I'd like to see the factory FN SPR internal magazine. I'd be willing to buy the magazine if someone still has one left over from a CDI conversion.

Like these: https://www.midwestgunworks.com/winchester-model-70/magazine-box.html

I had one like that. I sold it recently. I'll see if I have some older pics.

 

[J-Ham]

The internal box mag. I built the rifle using an action from CDNN more than 15 years ago. It didn't come with the magazine so I used a Winchester ASL stamped magazine. I'd like to see the factory FN SPR internal magazine. I'd be willing to buy the magazine if someone still has one left over from a CDI conversion.

Like these: https://www.midwestgunworks.com/winchester-model-70/magazine-box.html

I have one but it's in the rifle which is at LRI for another couple of weeks though... I'll check back with you when I get it back & see if you're still in need of Intel.

To be clear, I'm not interested in selling, but can get you pictures & measurements.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

I have one but it's in the rifle which is at LRI for another couple of weeks though... I'll check back with you when I get it back & see if you're still in need of Intel.

To be clear, I'm not interested in selling, but can get you pictures & measurements.

Much appreciated.

 

[Jameswish956]

Curious to hear yalls opinion on my model 70 in 7mm wsm. It will primarily be used in south Texas hunting whitetail (200-400 yards) but will go on an elk trip once a year as a backup gun incase my primary goes down (.300 win mag). I’m wanting to suppress it but don’t want to be lugging around a full length barrel/supressor. I’m thinking of getting an 18 inch proof carbon barrel. My questions are do you think 18 inch would be too short for its primary role in Texas and which suppressor would be a good one for the barrel length/caliber it’ll be shooting? I have a silencerco co omega 36m but am wanting to buy a second can specifically for this rifle.

 

[stello1001]

The internal box mag. I built the rifle using an action from CDNN more than 15 years ago. It didn't come with the magazine so I used a Winchester ASL stamped magazine. I'd like to see the factory FN SPR internal magazine. I'd be willing to buy the magazine if someone still has one left over from a CDI conversion.

Like these: https://www.midwestgunworks.com/winchester-model-70/magazine-box.html

This is what mine had

 

[Action Guy]

Does anyone have a spare factory SPR internal magazine they can take some pictures of or want to part with? My action didn't come with the internal mag so I sourced one. I'm using a Winchester ASL stamped magazine and I'd like to see how different, if at all, my magazine is from factory SPR internal magazine.

The Winchester ASL magazine tube should work just fine in the SPR. All later hinged floorplate SPRs and SPR-A3G came with the stainless ASLS. Other than the material, they should be the same magazine tube. Do you have the floorplate assembly, follower and spring?

 

[Cascade Hemi]

This is what mine had

View attachment 8643638View attachment 8643639View attachment 8643640View attachment 8643641View attachment 8643642

Thank you!

 

[Cascade Hemi]

The Winchester ASL magazine tube should work just fine in the SPR. All later hinged floorplate SPRs and SPR-A3G came with the stainless ASLS. Other than the material, they should be the same magazine tube. Do you have the floorplate assembly, follower and spring?

Yes. The action came with everything but the mag. The action is in an early Manners stock. It runs fine, just had a conversation with LRI about pillar lengths relating to the functionality of their new dbm bottom metal and I was unsure what the factory magazine is supposed to be. It looks like the pictures above.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

Curious to hear yalls opinion on my model 70 in 7mm wsm. It will primarily be used in south Texas hunting whitetail (200-400 yards) but will go on an elk trip once a year as a backup gun incase my primary goes down (.300 win mag). I’m wanting to suppress it but don’t want to be lugging around a full length barrel/supressor. I’m thinking of getting an 18 inch proof carbon barrel. My questions are do you think 18 inch would be too short for its primary role in Texas and which suppressor would be a good one for the barrel length/caliber it’ll be shooting? I have a silencerco co omega 36m but am wanting to buy a second can specifically for this rifle.

An 18” barrel will be more than adequate for 200-400 yards. Especially if just for whitetails

 

[LRI]

F/N SPR we recently wrapped up. This one has our new AICS magazine-compatible DBM as well. -(note that the receiver must be machined to make this work)

 

[stello1001]

F/N SPR we recently wrapped up. This one has our new AICS magazine-compatible DBM as well. -(note that the receiver must be machined to make this work)

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How much do you charge to open up the action?

How much do you charge to inlet a stock for that DBM? Or will that DBM work in the factory inlet?

 

[LRI]

How much do you charge to open up the action?

How much do you charge to inlet a stock for that DBM? Or will that DBM work in the factory inlet?

Adapting the receiver is $125.00
The DBM is $299.00
Fitting it to a stock is $200.00
It does not fit the OEM inlet. This one is a bit more conventional-looking vs the Platypus billed thing the original came with.

 

[J-Ham]

... vs the Platypus billed thing...

 

[TheNarrator]

Any of these for sale anywhere?

 

[Thauglor]

There are a few on gunbroker, I found an a3g that looks mint on another auction site

 

[TrickyPig]

I will have to dig deep to see if I can find a some photos of my old FN SPR. it was one of the first precision rifles I ever had. NF scope, Elite Iron can. a beautiful rifle. In short, no, the FN SPR enthusiasts are not extinct. Perhaps just quiet.

 

[Thauglor]

Just picked up an a3g from my dealer, previous owner recorded only 3 rounds so it has 16 total so far, will be a few weeks till I take it out but man this is nice rifle! More pics to follow soon

On a side note, if I do find a TBM lower metal, how much work is it to install on the a3g?

 

[Kimber.204]

On a side note, if I do find a TBM lower metal, how much work is it to install on the a3g?

I have an A5 XP that uses the FN magazines, but I also have a drop in bottom metal (PT&G I think) that runs AICS mags....but this rifle has the square duck billed bottom metal.

If you just scroll up the page a little bit and see Chad's post LRI .... he show's his new bottom metal and the cost to install. That's the way I would go for an A3.

Good luck,
Ross

 

[Cascade Hemi]

You have to machine out the magwell to fit AICS mags. From recollection, the dbm receivers have a larger magwell at the front of the receiver.

 

[Thauglor]

You have to machine out the magwell to fit AICS mags. From recollection, the dbm receivers have a larger magwell at the front of the receiver.

Yes i was asking about the work to install the FN made TBM onto an a3g.

I also believe that ptg makes a set that works with the mark1 single stack AI magazines that can fit

 

[J-Ham]

Yes that's all true, but given the choice between dealing with PTG, installing a unit from FN that hasn't been made in 5+ years while using proprietary mags & going with a current production unit from @LRI that uses AICS mags, well, that's a no-brainer to me... But the heart wants what it wants, man. The only things 'wrong' with the TBM are it's ugly as fuck & proprietary mags (which I'm sure are only getting harder to come by).

 

[Simonsza1]

Talking from experience 100% get the lri setup with aics mags. I put a cdi bm in mine way back when jeff was still alive and the modern mags make this route a no brainer. Those other mags are terrible compared to a good aics mag in the fn.

 

[Geno C.]

Yes that's all true, but given the choice between dealing with PTG, installing a unit from FN that hasn't been made in 5+ years while using proprietary mags & going with a current production unit from @LRI that uses AICS mags, well, that's a no-brainer to me... But the heart wants what it wants, man. The only things 'wrong' with the TBM are its ugly as fuck & proprietary mags (which I'm sure are only getting harder to come by).

Ugly mags? They’re just a black block…

 

[J-Ham]

I think the bottom metal itself is ugly, not the mags... Maybe I'm alone on this one.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I think the bottom metal itself is ugly, not the mags... Maybe I'm alone on this one.

It doesn’t bother me. I have a PBR, but my bottom metal has a mag release on both side with the funky linkage.

Not sure if SPRs are this way but I think it’s kinda neat.

 

[Thauglor]

I'll keep the bottom metal as is but probably send the bold in to lri for a new knob. Anyone have any pics of lri model 70 bolt in the rifle?

And found a tbm with hogue stock on ebay for a good price so snagged it

 

[Parabellum6]

Ok, I have this A3G, it was my first real bolt gun, bought in 2010 or so. Gun is an absolute tac driver, and I enjoy shooting it a lot, but almost never do anymore because it is unsuppressed and dated with a hinged floorplate compared to my main gun which is now an AI AX.

If I wanted to put some new life into this gun, it looks like LRI would be the route to go for use with AICS mags. I am also thinking of re- barreling it, I was thinking a shorter (16-18") threaded 308 or 6.5 gun would be fun. Are guys who are modding A3G's to take AICS mags replacing the original stock or does the LRI DBM base go into the factory setup?

Thanks guys, this thread has been a good read. Keep these awesome guns alive.

 

[Simonsza1]

That rifle looks great! I that were mine I would send the entire rifle to lri and have him thread the barrel and inlet his BM in that stock and rock that shit! Be almost original but allow you to use a suppressor and the updated BM will be an amazing upgrade.

 

[Parabellum6]

That rifle looks great! I that were mine I would send the entire rifle to lri and have him thread the barrel and inlet his BM in that stock and rock that shit! Be almost original but allow you to use a suppressor and the updated BM will be an amazing upgrade.

I was unsure if you could thread the factory fluted barrels, Im sure you could on the end, but if I were to have it cut shorter I dont know if you could do that.

 

[stello1001]

I was unsure if you could thread the factory fluted barrels, Im sure you could on the end, but if I were to have it cut shorter I dont know if you could do that.

You could still do it. You would have an interrupted shoulder so it wouldn't look very aesthetic but performance will not degrade by it.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

I believe the LRI DBM bottom is a direct replacement for the factory bottom metal. The receiver needs to be machined though.

 

[Simonsza1]

I was unsure if you could thread the factory fluted barrels, Im sure you could on the end, but if I were to have it cut shorter I dont know if you could do that.

Leave it long it looks awesome