[Gonzo8]

New to the forum, looks like a good place to get info.
Background-Got into long range shooting with my brother's FNAR. I went out to Tombstone Tactical here in Phoenix AZ, ordered a new SPR A1. Due to some stocking error they had it listed lower and I got it for $1500, A STEAL I know. Upon receiving the rifle I noticed the bolt had considerable wear, more wear than the 13 rounds from the factory. I have not been able to track down any information on the serial # either. All I will say is that it is one of the first 10 of the series starting with, “FNH” as in FNH0000x, the target and gun record book all show February 2015. FN’s tech department could not bring it up on their computer and no one picks up at the extension I was given. Perhaps a return that was reboxed as new from FN? The rep assured me they don’t do that. I am still trying to track down info and have not been able to buy rings to shoot it. I have a brand new Steiner 5-25x T5xi ready to be mounted. Just thought I would let you all know just in case someone has run into a similar problem and could give me some info on the serial #. If this gun shoots like all the reviews says it does I don't see a problem except it was billed as a "new gun".

 

[HK SD9 Tactical]

New to the forum, looks like a good place to get info.
Background-Got into long range shooting with my brother's FNAR. I went out to Tombstone Tactical here in Phoenix AZ, ordered a new SPR A1. Due to some stocking error they had it listed lower and I got it for $1500, A STEAL I know. Upon receiving the rifle I noticed the bolt had considerable wear, more wear than the 13 rounds from the factory. I have not been able to track down any information on the serial # either. All I will say is that it is one of the first 10 of the series starting with, “FNH” as in FNH0000x, the target and gun record book all show February 2015. FN’s tech department could not bring it up on their computer and no one picks up at the extension I was given. Perhaps a return that was reboxed as new from FN? The rep assured me they don’t do that. I am still trying to track down info and have not been able to buy rings to shoot it. I have a brand new Steiner 5-25x T5xi ready to be mounted. Just thought I would let you all know just in case someone has run into a similar problem and could give me some info on the serial #. If this gun shoots like all the reviews says it does I don't see a problem except it was billed as a "new gun".

I have an A5M XP that is brand new never fired except by FN for testing and it shows the same type of wear on the bolt that your has. The wear on the front of the lugs on the bolt is not quite as bad but you can see the wear. I also have the same type of wear or rub marks on the bolt face.

It looks good from my vantage point but others may chime in with different opinions.

 

[Gonzo8]

Thanks for the response HK, glad to here the wear is similar. I would still like to here from the community about their gear and about the funky serial number.

 

[djv38]

Mine looks the same, maybe a bit more wear on the finish, albeit it has 520 rounds through it and I don't know how many more action cycles.

 

[Gonzo8]

I didn't think the finish would come off until a couple hundred rounds at least. but due to the serial number maybe it was a show gun? If it was sent out to be tested by various vendors or whomever being that it is the first ten manufactured in the series, could it have been cycled hundreds of times by people say at "shot show" or something similar?

 

[Stealth_OPS32]

I just got my FN SPR A1 from Tactical Coordination yesterday and my rifle also has similar wear marks. I'm not worried about it though. I just got out that CLP and went to town on her! I too am waiting to mount my scope (need lower rings) so I haven't gotten to shoot her yet.

 

[Gonzo8]

I Should report that my Steiner can sit on the rail flush,without rings and the 56mm objective still clears the barrel allowing the lowest rings possible.

 

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Here are some pictures of my bolt of the A5M XP and I have not fired a single round though this firearm as of yet. According to the log, only 13 rounds have been fired through it. I am sure though that the bolt has been cycled more than a few time though.

 

[Gonzo8]

HK, similar although my bolt near the bolt knob is worn completely bare. Tight tolerances? I am just hoping my rifle wasn't molested before I got it, as I said before the serial number makes it almost impossible that I was the first owner. Unless a one in a million right?

 

[Gonzo8]

HK, I appreciate the reply and pictures.

 

[HK SD9 Tactical]

HK, similar although my bolt near the bolt knob is worn completely bare. Tight tolerances? I am just hoping my rifle wasn't molested before I got it, as I said before the serial number makes it almost impossible that I was the first owner. Unless a one in a million right?

While extremely snug, I do not think it would qualify as "tight". The bolt on your rifle could have been cycled many of times at the factory alone just for the examiners satisfaction of a properly working bolt. If your concerns are that great, and considering that you got the rifle at an amazing discount, I would get in touch with the seller and see if they have any back history on this.

Are you sure you did not purchase a Demo model and that is why you got such a large discount? TT may have had that on the shelf for some time and lots of people might have handled it cycling the bolt. If it is indeed a new firearm then you got one hell of a deal and the wear on the bolt is nothing of great concern.

 

[SONYtec]

It will wear in more with use, nothing to worry about.

 

[Gonzo8]

I will try to pry some more with the seller, just for my personal satisfaction. Once again, if the rifle shoots as all other FN SPR A1s I don't give 2sh!&$, a good shooting rifle is just that. My biggest argument has to be my serial number. Obviously I am not the first owner of number, "x" first ten. If someone had info on that it would be awesome.