FNH-USA SPR A3G

FNH-USA SPR A3G
The term I'd use for this rifle is "hard core." It's heavier and I dare say tougher than any of the others. Although the barrel is only 24 inches and is fluted, the rifle is well over 14 pounds bare. The bore is chrome-lined--a difficult thing to achieve without compromising accuracy--which gives FNH-USA's SPR series rifles a longer lifespan per barrel than any other tactical bolt-action .308 that I'm aware of. The big feather in the A3G's cap is from the FBI, which tortured one through 10,000 rounds, after which it still shot sub 1/2 m.o.a. groups.

The action is pre-64 Model 70 Winchester design, the barrel match-grade with mil-spec certified durability. An endless variety of McMillan stocks are available on the SPR series; the A3G wears an excellent version with adjustable cheekpiece and butt pad.

Shooting the FN was an education. Recoil was minimal due to the weight, and accuracy with its preferred load--Black Hill's 168-grain Match--was phenomenal. The trigger was adjusted fairly heavy, but was crisp and broke cleanly. Due to that massive barrel, the gun stayed cooler than the other rifles while firing.

The only downside I could find is the rifle's considerable weight, which, of course, contributes to its performance. And in the end, anyone whose job description is defined by the FNH-USA A3G is certainly tough enough to tote one.

Pros: Accuracy and longevity. The chrome-lined barrel puts it a notch above others for durability, and yet turned in the smallest average groups.
Cons: Considerable weight, as well as a none-too-cheap price tag.
Best load: Black Hills 168-grain match
Accuracy: .44 inch
MSRP: $3,233