The FN FS2000: Thoughts, observations, and range report
- Thread starter Master-G
- Start date
I sold mine after converting to non restricted. Ordered another from irunguns and going to convert again, I missed it even though it was a fat pig. I will have to do a review of it with my tavor once its complete.
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
It is a different rifle - that is for SURE.
OAL length can't really be beat though... It's shorter than my NR ACR with the stock FOLDED! Lighter weight too.
The railed handguard is poo in my opinion - HEAVY - the stock one is comfy and ergonomic.
The charging handle is easy to manipulate, even for a lefty reacharound.
If someone up here could make me a 'neu-trigger' out of stainless, I'd much appreciate it!
OAL length can't really be beat though... It's shorter than my NR ACR with the stock FOLDED! Lighter weight too.
The railed handguard is poo in my opinion - HEAVY - the stock one is comfy and ergonomic.
The charging handle is easy to manipulate, even for a lefty reacharound.
If someone up here could make me a 'neu-trigger' out of stainless, I'd much appreciate it!
Mercury0_0
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- North Vancouver
I love mine. Shot it in a 3-gun match in Idaho last summer. The Americans were surprised that a Canadian could actually shoot. I've also got a KSG shotgun. I've got a thing for bullpups.
I've also got a KSG shotgun. I've got a thing for bullpups.
Mercury0_0
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- North Vancouver
It was a brand new STI Trojan in .40. With ten round mags and with a full mag the first round would aways nose dive. It was the first time I had even shot it. If I download the mags to 9 it ran perfectly. I'm hoping that rounder nosed bullets will work better. Otherwise I'll have to have the feed ramp tuned.
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I tried. He won't ship to canada (it's a strip of metal!) due to it being a 'gun part'.
Also, he only accepts USPS money orders.
Someone up here needs to knock one off... and then sell one to me!!!!
Also, he only accepts USPS money orders.
Someone up here needs to knock one off... and then sell one to me!!!!
I see I never replied to your original question about what ammo mine liked. I have had very good success with Hornady 55 or 60 gr TAP. Mine is heading out in the next few weeks to get a NR barrel on it! I have found that I do prefer it with the railed forend, with a Magpul vertical grip on it.
I found the weight comparisons between various configurations of the FS2000 to be quite interesting. All weights were taken with a digital US Postal Scale. Here are the basic weight considerations:
- "Clean" FN FS2000 (No Optic, Polymer Handguard): 3.8 kg (8.4 lbs)
- Tri-Rail: .6 kg (1.3 lbs)
- Arken EP8 LVPO & American Defense Recon Mount: .9 kg (2 lbs)
- Vortex Spark 2 5x Prism Sight & UTG Riser: .5 kg (1.1 lb)
The lightweight configuration consisting of the "clean" FS2000 plus the Vortex Spark 2, 5 x Prism Sight, weighs a reasonable 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs)
All-up with the Arken LPVO and the porky Tri-Rail, the heaviest configuration is 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs)! That frigging Tri-Rail alone is a ridiculous 1.3lbs of Aluminum bar-stock. It is massively over-engineered to say the least!
- "Clean" FN FS2000 (No Optic, Polymer Handguard): 3.8 kg (8.4 lbs)
- Tri-Rail: .6 kg (1.3 lbs)
- Arken EP8 LVPO & American Defense Recon Mount: .9 kg (2 lbs)
- Vortex Spark 2 5x Prism Sight & UTG Riser: .5 kg (1.1 lb)
The lightweight configuration consisting of the "clean" FS2000 plus the Vortex Spark 2, 5 x Prism Sight, weighs a reasonable 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs)
All-up with the Arken LPVO and the porky Tri-Rail, the heaviest configuration is 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs)! That frigging Tri-Rail alone is a ridiculous 1.3lbs of Aluminum bar-stock. It is massively over-engineered to say the least!
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I tied a tri-rail on mine a few years ago myself and while I liked the look and added flexibility I ended up going back to the factory fore-end as I found the added weight threw off the balance of the rifle. I must say I do like the feel of the factory part better.I found the weight comparisons between various configurations of the FS2000 to be quite interesting. All weights were taken with a digital US Postal Scale. Here are the basic weight considerations:
- "Clean" FN FS2000 (No Optic, Polymer Handguard): 3.8 kg (8.4 lbs)
- Tri-Rail: .6 kg (1.3 lbs)
- Arken EP8 LVPO & American Defense Recon Mount: .9 kg (2 lbs)
- Vortex Spark 2 5x Prism Sight & UTG Riser: .5 kg (1.1 lb)
The lightweight configuragion consisting of the "clean" FS2000 plus the Vortex Spark 2, 5 x Prism Sight, weighs a reasonable 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs)
All up with the Arken LPVO and the porky Tri-Rail, the heaviest configuration is 4.3 kg (11.7 lbs)! That frigging Tri-Rail alone is a ridiculous 1.3lbs of Aluminum bar-stock. It is massively over-engineered to say the least!
If there were a way to easily attach a light to the factory Handguard (or mount a light within the hollow Handguard), that would be my preferred option. Sadly, to do so would require permanent modification to the Handguard itself, which I am not willing to undertake.
I think that my "compromise" is going to consist of the Tri-Rail (with VFG and light), and the Vortex 5x Prism Sight. That adds 1 kg (2.4 lbs) to the 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) rifle resulting in an all-up weight of 4.8 kg (10.8 lbs). I find that the Factory Handguard is uncomfortably wide in addition to being at an uncomfortable angle for my wrist. I much prefer a Vertical Foregrip (VFG), which unfortunately requires use of the unnecessarily heavy FS2000 aluminum Tri-Rail. That said, the Tri-Rail also permits the easy addition of a 1000-lumen Streamlight TLR-HL White Light for positive target ID, so it is a necessary evil.
The 5x Vortex Sparc 2 Prism sight is entirely adequate for anticipated engagement distances out to 400m. In a pinch I can reach out to 500m against a non-obscured target.
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- Location
- Nova Scotia
What about those top rail mounted 45 degree rail? To mount the Light?If there were a way to easily attach a light to the factory Handguard (or mount a light within the hollow Handguard), that would be my preferred option. Sadly, to do so would require permanent modification to the Handguard itself, which I am not willing to undertake.
I think that my "compromise" is going to consist of the Tri-Rail (with VFG and light), and the Vortex 5x Prism Sight. That adds 1 kg (2.4 lbs) to the 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) rifle resulting in an all-up weight of 4.8 kg (10.8 lbs). I find that the Factory Handguard is uncomfortably wide in addition to being at an uncomfortable angle for my wrist. I much prefer a Vertical Foregrip (VFG), which unfortunately requires use of the unnecessarily heavy FS2000 aluminum Tri-Rail. That said, the Tri-Rail also permits the easy addition of a 1000-lumen Streamlight TLR-HL White Light for positive target ID, so it is a necessary evil.
The 5x Vortex Sparc 2 Prism sight is entirely adequate for anticipated engagement distances out to 400m. In a pinch I can reach out to 500m against a non-obscured target.
It's too bad FN never invested some time to evolve this design. Despite its porky feel it shot well and was reasonably comfortable.
The clam shells really need to be thinned down and grip needs a re-work. It would have been nice if they were able to incorporate an adjustable LOP as well.
The clam shells really need to be thinned down and grip needs a re-work. It would have been nice if they were able to incorporate an adjustable LOP as well.
Anybody else with an FS2000 try removing one of the 2 Trigger Springs from the rear of the Trigger Pack in order to lighten the Trigger Pull Weight? I did it based on some positive US forum reports and boy, did it ever make a difference! It brought my Pull Weight down from 9 lbs 4 Oz to 5 lbs 8 oz (average over 5 pulls). My Trigger Pull Weight is not only lighter, the let-off is somewhat more predictable and controllable (stacking).
I am in email contact with a US Gentleman who makes custom FS2000 Trigger Springs which will apparently bring the Trigger Pull Weight down to a repeatable and predictable 4.5 lb pull. I should have a set of his replacement Trigger Springs in-hand within the next few weeks. Until then, the Spring removall trick seems to work very well, with no indication of misalignment due to stacking on one side and not the other. So far, so fine.....
I am also in touch with another American Fellow who still makes the replacement Aluminim Charging Handles, which are a critical spare part for the FS 2000 as they can easily break if mistakenly "HK Slapped" rather than gently released to fly forwards under Operating Spring tension.
Feel free to PM me if you are in need of the Custom Trigger Springs or an Aluminum Charging Handle and I will put you in touch with the applicable US resource. The FS2000 ceased production in 2014 and was a rare bird to begin with in Canada, so spare parts are in extremely short supply and all are located Stateside.
I am in email contact with a US Gentleman who makes custom FS2000 Trigger Springs which will apparently bring the Trigger Pull Weight down to a repeatable and predictable 4.5 lb pull. I should have a set of his replacement Trigger Springs in-hand within the next few weeks. Until then, the Spring removall trick seems to work very well, with no indication of misalignment due to stacking on one side and not the other. So far, so fine.....
I am also in touch with another American Fellow who still makes the replacement Aluminim Charging Handles, which are a critical spare part for the FS 2000 as they can easily break if mistakenly "HK Slapped" rather than gently released to fly forwards under Operating Spring tension.
Feel free to PM me if you are in need of the Custom Trigger Springs or an Aluminum Charging Handle and I will put you in touch with the applicable US resource. The FS2000 ceased production in 2014 and was a rare bird to begin with in Canada, so spare parts are in extremely short supply and all are located Stateside.
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That would partially work in lieu of the Tri-Rail Handguard, however it wouldn't provide me with the Vertical Foregrip that I also desire. Furthermore, I am not sure how I would actuate the light if I were simultaneously gripping the standard Factory Handguard.
- Location
- Newfoundland
The fs2000 is on my bull pup bucket list, I think it and the type97 with carry handle are the only ones on the list available in Canada still
Famas
SA80
AUG
In no particular order
Famas
SA80
AUG
In no particular order
I am pleased to report that the first 200 rounds went down-range today without so much as a hiccup. The FS2000 operated flawlessly and was a genuine pleasure to shoot aside from the somewhat elusive nature of the Trigger break. Nine times out of 10 I was able to deliberately "set" the Trigger resulting in a short, deliberate squeeze to the Break and beyond. Occasionally however, the round would fire while I was still seeking the set, which was less than ideal. More dry-fire time is evidently required for me to master that specific Bullpup Trigger. No complaints however - removing that Trigger Spring made a hugely positive difference to the Trigger Pull Weight. I can only imagine that installation of the Custom Trigger Spring Set available in the US will make a tremendously positive impact.
My best (repeatable) group size was 1.75" for 5 rounds of PMC 62gr XTAC at 100m. Better than average, which I attribute to the 18.5" Barrel conversion by Ian Herron of Herron Arms, back in the day. Although it is pencil profile and therefore prone tIo rapid heating with multiple shots, it maintains point of impact without the shift so commonly encountered with lesser Barrels. The Barrel was evidently correctly heat-treated during its fabrication. I was able to obtain single hits on steel targets out to 500m in a gentle breeze today. I was pretty happy about that!
The FS2000 handles exceptionally well despite its awkward appearance, thanks in large part to superb ergonomics. The fish-like appearance notwithstanding, the "Tactical Tuna" is a comfortable rifle capable of accurate fire out to 500m under the favourable conditions. It shoulders quickly and transitions rapidly between targets thanks to the (seemingly) compact length and relatively light weight. I really like it as a nimble, comfortable, compact and accurate rifle. If you can abide the bullpup configuration of the FS2000, you will find it to be an accurate and reliable platform, worthy of your trust.
My best (repeatable) group size was 1.75" for 5 rounds of PMC 62gr XTAC at 100m. Better than average, which I attribute to the 18.5" Barrel conversion by Ian Herron of Herron Arms, back in the day. Although it is pencil profile and therefore prone tIo rapid heating with multiple shots, it maintains point of impact without the shift so commonly encountered with lesser Barrels. The Barrel was evidently correctly heat-treated during its fabrication. I was able to obtain single hits on steel targets out to 500m in a gentle breeze today. I was pretty happy about that!
The FS2000 handles exceptionally well despite its awkward appearance, thanks in large part to superb ergonomics. The fish-like appearance notwithstanding, the "Tactical Tuna" is a comfortable rifle capable of accurate fire out to 500m under the favourable conditions. It shoulders quickly and transitions rapidly between targets thanks to the (seemingly) compact length and relatively light weight. I really like it as a nimble, comfortable, compact and accurate rifle. If you can abide the bullpup configuration of the FS2000, you will find it to be an accurate and reliable platform, worthy of your trust.
