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First Build FN SPR *pics added*

T

tennessean

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 13, 2008
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Murfreesboro, tennessee
#1
I have finally saved up enough money to start my first fully custom build. Over the the past two years, I have purchased components to build a no-nonsense precision rifle with a focus on strength and reliability. So far I have accumulated the following:

FN SPR action with fixed 5 round magazine
McMillan HTG in GAP camo
Rock Creek Stainless 30 caliber barrel M40 contour 1-11.25"
Williams machined extractor

I just had Mark at Short Action Customs install a Badger bolt handle and he did an outstanding job!

Next week I'm sending the parts to Woody at X ring accuracy for the build, specifying a bluprinted action, chambered in 308 Winchester, 20" barrel with deep recessed crown, 3 point bed barreled action to stock, OD Green Cerakote on all metal and tune the trigger to 2- 2 1/2 lbs crisp.

I'm still undecided between Seekins or Badger rings, but I'm leaning toward Seekins for the clean lines.

I'm also going to mount a Viper PST 4-16X50 FFP Milrad when they get the kinks worked out.

I'll keep this updated as the project progresses from build to range. I also want to thank everyone for the information and advice that I have received from this website over the past few years. I havn't asked alot of questions but I've done a ton of reading.

TN
 
#3
Re: First Build FN SPR

you are going to love your build, and thanks again for the good deal on the mcmillan a5.

i would opt for the seekins rings but both are good. just to be different i would consider sending the barrel to kampfield customs for spiral fluting it looks bad ass.
 
#4
Re: First Build FN SPR

I'm more concerned with simplicity and performance rather that appearance. Looking sexy costs too much for a cop. The A5 was sexy though, it's just that I wanted to eliminate as many variables as I could to obtain a simple and rugged rifle, nothing to come out of adjustment, fall off, etc. The PST will have to stand until I save the money for a US Optics SN-3 1.8-10.

What did you end up doing with the A5? I'm curios to see what she looks like all prettied up.

TN
 
#5
Re: First Build FN SPR

I've got one with a different stock and a little longer barrel as it's in 6.5 Creedmoor but it's got some similarities you might find interesting.
The pic isn't too good but those are Seekins rings with a PST 4-16 scope.
S6301002.jpg
 
#9
Re: First Build FN SPR

Tennessean,
The glass, I'm not into astronomy. I want my scope to be able to help me aim my rifle. I have found that it does that while keeping my rifle at a somewhat manageable weight.
If upgrades become available for it from Vortex, I'll take advantage.
No big deal.
 
#13
Re: First Build FN SPR

So much for SPR actions having been "trued up" at the factory. Woody has been kind enough to send me photos as the build progresses. These are of the action prior to blueprinting. As you can see I have good contact on one of the lugs and no sign of contact whatsoever on the other.
If I can recall correctly, I seem to remember hearing that SPR actions were squared or trued up at the factory as opposed to the PBR actions. Don't know if that is true, but this one sure hasn't been touched.

2552mmg.jpg

14th8h.jpg
 
#16
Re: First Build FN SPR

Just curious, why you did not have Mark at Short Action Customs do the build for you? I am saving up to do a FN SPR build myself, so that is why I ask.
 
#17
Re: First Build FN SPR

No reason in particular. I'm sure that Marks work is on par with the best in the business and he did do excellent work on my bolt handle. I spoke with Woody on the phone and he was attentive to my needs and seemed to understand and identify with what I was trying to accomplish with the build. His turn around time is excellent and seemed willing to do what was needed to fill my needs. I'm confident that he will build me an outstanding rifle.
Again, not saying anything to detract from Mark's skill as a builder as his work speaks for itself. In fact, I never even spoke to Mark about the build. I'm sure that he would have met my needs just as well as Woody, but I spoke to Woody first and felt at ease with him on the phone and via E-mail communication and didn't look any further.
 
#24
Re: First Build FN SPR

OK guys, Woody called and told me the rifle was finished with the exception of my Williams extractor. He sent me several pics of the completed project. Let me know what you think.
2i97ia.jpg

20h3ajs.jpg

orqe81.jpg

34oacn8.jpg


These are only a few of the pics that he has sent but are a good representation of the rifle. He test fired it and told me that it's a lazer. Now all I have to do is be patient and wait on the extractor to get here from Williams so I can get my stick.
 
#25
Re: First Build FN SPR

That isn't the scope that I will be using, it's one that Woody used to test fire the rifle. I have been given a good deal on a Vortex Razor but fear that it'll be too much magnification for LE use. I'm hoping that it won't be, but if it is, the USO SN-3 1.8-10x44 is on my short list if the Razor doesn't work out. I think that would be the perfect LE sniper scope and a damn sight better than the 3.5-10x40 Leupold Vari-X III tactical duplex reticle that I'm currently issued.
 
#27
Re: First Build FN SPR

I don't know about FN since they took over production of the Model 70, but Winchester for several years used a MIM extractor on the Model 70 "Classic". This was changed during the latter part of the Model 70 "Classic" production which used the Williams extractor made from forged spring steel. It could be that FN uses the same Williams extractor, but I don't know for sure and just figured it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and upgrade for good measure. And if it turns out that it already has the Williams unit, then I have a spare.
 
#29
Re: First Build FN SPR

The FN extractor that came with the action has been as issue during the proof firing and function testing. I had to "recurve" (for lack of a better term) the extractor. It was barely hanging on to the case rim and had alot of clearance at the end of the bolt. It now fits tighter on to both the bolt and case rim, works like a champ but I still suggest replacing it. I think blue tape goes nicely with the OD Green
smile.gif

Thanks Eric for the kind words.
 
#36
Re: First Build FN SPR

I can't say enough good stuff about Woody and X-ring accuracy. He has been the most understanding and accomodating smith I've ever worked with. He never rushes me when I'm on the phone with him and seems to place everything on hold to talk. His communication throughout this project has been astounding. I get nearly daily updates from him since he has started the build. And also, look at the dates on my posts for the turnaround time. I have a feeling that wait times are going to increase when word starts spreading about him. He has already earned a well deserved reputation that only stands to grow with time. Thanks Woody.
 
#37
Re: First Build FN SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn nice, if I do say so myself.

The kicker is gonna be if *You* can pull those kinda groups. I know i sure as shit cant, but i'm learning, so hey.</div></div>

Well if I can't I don't have any excuse other than it's the shooter.
 
#40
Re: First Build FN SPR

Well folks, I have my rifle and to say the least, I'm very pleased. It'll be next week before I can go to the range and shoot it, so it's killing me just having to look at it for now.
Woody went above and beyond with this project and I told him that I would not make public what he did to go the extra mile but suffice it to say that I don't many other gunsmiths who would do this for their customers. Have no reservation if you are considering using X-ring Accuracy for a build. This guy is top notch good folk.

TN
 
#42
Re: First Build FN SPR

Just wanted to follow up and let you know that I finally took my rifle to the range on one of our training days. I used a USO ST-10 mounted in Seekins Med rings. I had also purchased a Harris 9-13 Swivel bipod and pod loc but didn't have a sling.

I quickly zeroed the rifle at 100 and proceeded to run our departmental qualification course after having only fired 5 rounds through my new rifle. The course consists of firing one round from prone supported at 100 in the cranial vault (T-box) then run to the 80 yard line and fire two rounds prone unsupported into a 4" circle in the A-zone (heart), run to 60 yards, two rounds improvised field rest A-zone, 40 yards two rounds kneeling unsupported A-zone, 25 yards two rounds offhand unsupported A-zone then run back to the 100 and fire one round from bipod into the T-zone again while you're out of breath. All of this done with a 2.5 minute par time. Each round in the 4" circle and T-zone counting as 10 points anything outside of those scoring rings you receive no points with a maximum score of 100. Minimum score for qualification is 80. Anything less than 80 or over the par time is a failure to qualify.
I scored 100 points and improved on my best time by 6 seconds and this is with a rifle I had only fired 5 rounds out of ever.

I'm not one for using groups to testify as to a rifle's capability and therefore don't shoot groups that often. The ability of a weapon to be consistent and predictable over a broad range of application is much more important to me. If you want to look at groups, you can see the ones that Woody fired during testing before shipping the rifle to me. After shooting it personally, I have no doubt as to the rifle's ability to bughole rounds downrange.

At the beginning of this project I communicated my intent with the rifle to Woody as mentioned in my first post. He far surpassed my expectations and I now possess the finest rifle I have ever owned. The handling characteristics for a rifle that displays this kind of accuracy is amazing to me. This thing is built like a tank! It is much shorter than my current issued rifle (700P with Leupold VX-III tactical) and subsequently much easier to manuever with. The rifle is an absolute pleasure to shoot and very well executed by X-ring accuracy. I am dying to get the glass that I need to complete the project for duty use and really spend some time with it to find it's true capability. I have no doubt that it will be able to perform much better than I can drive it.

As mentioned before Woody at X-ring has gone above and beyond with this build and his customer service is some of the best that I have ever experienced. Please do not hesitate to use him for your next or first build. I can promise that if he treated you as he treated me, you will not be disappointed. Thanks again Woody. I have an idea forming for my son's first practical rifle that I want to run by you soon.

TN
 
#48
Re: First Build FN SPR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tennessean</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The base that the factory puts on it is a Near Manufacturing. Yours should have had one on it. If it didn't, I'd be having a little chat with your dealer. </div></div>

+1 agreed. If you bought an SPR you should have had a 20moa base on it stock. . . If not your dealer took it off and is selling it separate. That's a F'n no go. Id be pissed.
 
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