FNAR Review - Pre "Test Fire" Summary

After spending hours researching, reviewing, pondering, scrutinizing, and nit picking, I think I'm finally at the point where I can wrap up this series of pre-range testing posts on what you get when you walk out of the store with this rifle in your hands.  But before I do my wrap up, let me refresh you with what FNH says about their rifle.  Everything in italics below was taken from multiple pages from the FNH web site.

Descending from the legendary Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), the FNAR puts autoloading speed and bolt-action accuracy into one powerful package. The FNAR is the ideal competition and practical rifle when both speed and power are your top priorities.

Browning BAR Short Trac Stalker top, FNAR Bottom

....endurance tested to 10,000 rounds for increased reliability and durability....

An ambidextrous magazine release button drops the detachable steel box magazine (DBM). A one-piece, receiver-mounted MIL-STD 1913 optical rail comes standard, along with three rails attached to the stock’s fore-end for mounting a battery of tactical lights and lasers.

The matte black synthetic pistol grip tactical stock is fully adjustable for comb height and length of pull via interchangeable inserts, and for cast on or cast off using interchangeable shims.

• CALIBER - 308 Winchester/7.62x51mm NATO
• ACCURACY - Every FNAR rifle ships from the factory with a one MOA, or better, accuracy specification.
• RECEIVER - 7075-T6 aircraft grade aluminum alloy with a hard coat black anodized finish - One-piece MIL-STD 1913 optics rail
• TRIGGER - Single-Stage, between 3.25-5.50 lbs (BEWARE: Some articles on the internet are showing this as a two stage trigger.  This single-stage identification came directly from the owner's manual, page 37.)
• BARREL - Match Grade - Hammer-forged, fluted - Chrome-lined - Target crown - Length 16" or 20" - 1:12" right-hand twist
• STOCK - Synthetic pistol grip stock - Checkered gripping surfaces - Three interchangeable recoil pads - Three interchangeable comb inserts - Multiple MIL-STD 1913 mounting rails - Length of pull 14", adjustable via interchangeable recoil pads
• OPERATING CONTROLS - Fully-ambidextrous magazine release button - Crossbolt safety button - Extended bolt release lever
• MAGAZINES - Steel magazine body - Low-friction follower - Available in 5-, 10- and 20-round capacities
• WEIGHT - 8.25 lbs with 20" light barrel and no magazine, 8.75 lbs with 20" light barrel and 10 round magazine, 9.00 lbs with 20" light barrel and 20 round magazine
• OVERALL LENGTH - 41.5” with 20" barrel

“We have engineered this gun for maximum out-of-the-box accuracy,” says Barbara Sadowy Bailey, director of marketing for FNH USA. “The FNAR is built to the same exact specifications as our U.S. military and law enforcement products, and it is a great addition to our line of high precision long range rifles. The FNAR’s accuracy is unsurpassed.”

As you can see, when FNH designed this rifle, they were serious about producing an accurate and dependable autoloader with some real kick.  Everything I have examined so far leads me to believe that they accomplished what they were trying to do.  Even though I have not been able to confirm first hand the accuracy portion of their claims, Jeff Quinn of GunBlast.com did a great FNAR Review of the rifle and he was able to show a 7/16" three shot group at 100 yards using Buffalo Bore Sniper 175gr Sierra Match King bullets. Clearly, that's sub MOA.   I'm anxious to see if my rifle and my capability can produce these same results.

Pros:

• One MOA or better accuracy (depending on bullet selection and shooter capability)
• An autoloader with character
• A true Multi-use rifle (I consider it a Tactical Hunting Rifle.  This is one rifle that I can truly see being able to compete in both the tactical and hunting rifle worlds.)
• Control and comfort of a pistol grip
• Rail ready for those night time hunts
• Based on the proven  FN / Browning BAR hunting rifle

Cons:

• Magazine costs - In time, I can see these coming down, especially if someone can make an aftermarket magazine.  Current pricing is about $65 to $80 per magazine and there doesn't seem to be a big price difference between the 5, 10 and 20 round magazines.
• Small Gun Case - Honestly this has nothing to do with the gun and at least the gun case is not a custom molded one that is not usable with another rifle.  At least it can be used for another rifle, so maybe this is actually a pro.

Links to what I would consider worthwhile reviews of the FNAR:

• American Rifleman
• GunBlast.com
• Shooting Illustrated
• Tactical-Life.com

You can see all of my posts on my FNAR rifle by going to my Summary Page.  Also, don't forget you can click on a photo and it will give you a high definition image so you can see more details.