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FN Patrol Build Finally Finished!!!!

diderr

The Patch Guy
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 15, 2013
1,020
128
Gillette, Wyoming
datapatches.com
Well, here she is slightly over-due, and over budget. I'm very happy how it turned out.
Specs:
FN Patrol action
Bartlein 5r, 1 in 10, 22" from lug, 308
Premier Heritage 3-15
Badger rings
Near 20 moa base
PGW Defense NV rail
Cerakote OD Green
McM A5

Didn't have time to shoot for real groups today. I was trying to race a rain storm to get the barrel broke in. I threw together a load of left over components I had lying around with Sierra 180 Game Kings, a random charge of h414 (between min and max), Win case, fed 215 primer. I put a 9 shot group in under 3/4" and that was with cleaning after every shot. first 4 were under 1/2" but as the rain drops became more apparent I was in a hurry to just shoot and clean.
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Frank is correct, unless there is a recent change, CDNN no longer has the actions available. The CDNN actions were SPR actions and are already trued. They pop up on the auctions occasionally but are steadily increasing in price. Great looking build, I'm looking forward to a complete range report.
 
Great looking build!

Since it's not in your list, I assume you're using the stock bolt? How's it look for quality?

I recently picked up a "new" and unfired FN PBR on Gunbroker. The barrel and receiver are beautiful. The Hogue stock and two-piece scope mounts were not, so I sold the stock and I'm shopping around for a scope mount.

The bolt body, however, looks like hammered shit! It appears to be cast in one piece, then rough ground is some places, and sort of smoothed up in others. There are pits and inclusions everywhere! I'm just curious if mine is a rare experience, or all to common. It's not a big deal, as I'm picking up a PTG bolt once they're in full production in July. I just have to be patient.

Sometimes, I think I should have just gone with a Rem 700 - availability and selection of aftermarket options and such - but I've read good things about FNs. Like I said, the barrel and receiver look beautiful.
 
Great looking build!

Since it's not in your list, I assume you're using the stock bolt? How's it look for quality?

I recently picked up a "new" and unfired FN PBR on Gunbroker. The barrel and receiver are beautiful. The Hogue stock and two-piece scope mounts were not, so I sold the stock and I'm shopping around for a scope mount.

The bolt body, however, looks like hammered shit! It appears to be cast in one piece, then rough ground is some places, and sort of smoothed up in others. There are pits and inclusions everywhere! I'm just curious if mine is a rare experience, or all to common. It's not a big deal, as I'm picking up a PTG bolt once they're in full production in July. I just have to be patient.

Sometimes, I think I should have just gone with a Rem 700 - availability and selection of aftermarket options and such - but I've read good things about FNs. Like I said, the barrel and receiver look beautiful.
I wanted something different. The first gun I built was on a 700. I think the only draw back in this is I cant get the Badger bottom metal I want. I know there's always the CDI, but might get that down the road.

My bolt was perfectly fine. It did have some "weird" wear marks on it for a new gun, but nothing too abnormal. I used some Flitz on it, and it pulled out quite a bit of rust and gunk. It's now smooth as silk. I like the one piece Near base that came with it; even better than the Badger I had on my 700.
 
I wanted something different. The first gun I built was on a 700. I think the only draw back in this is I cant get the Badger bottom metal I want. I know there's always the CDI, but might get that down the road.

My bolt was perfectly fine. It did have some "weird" wear marks on it for a new gun, but nothing too abnormal. I used some Flitz on it, and it pulled out quite a bit of rust and gunk. It's now smooth as silk. I like the one piece Near base that came with it; even better than the Badger I had on my 700.

You'll soon have another option for bottom metal: PTG will also have their Winchester Stealth bottom metal available in July.

I'd heard they were putting Near bases on the newer rifles. Any experience with Nightforce scope bases?
 
You'll soon have another option for bottom metal: PTG will also have their Winchester Stealth bottom metal available in July.

I'd heard they were putting Near bases on the newer rifles. Any experience with Nightforce scope bases?

Nice. I'll have to keep any eye out for that. No experience with Nightforce, but heard good things.