FNC Bolts

[Navgunner]

I've officially kicked off the engineering side of domestic FN FNC bolt manufacture.  Just like the S&W 76 extractors that I made; I'm needed your help gaging interest to determine how many to produce.  I estimate these to sell for $650 each.  Based on that little bit of information I plan only producing just enough bolts to meet demand, with priority being given to those willing to place pre-orders which won't start until we have a qualified production-intent first article sample done and fully tested (November timeframe).

PM me if you are interested.  No formal commitment at this point.  

 

February 21st ,2024 UPDATE:

It's official, I'm now taking preorders for domestically manufactured FN FNC bolts!!  Pre-orders will last ~70 days then I'm submitting my production order.  Individuals that have their deposits PAID before May 1st, 2024, are guaranteed delivery and initial pricing.  Afterwards, on-hand sock will be very limited and sold at a "first come, first served" basis (at a higher cost too).  Please be aware that production will take upwards of 16-weeks but I'm personally guaranteeing your deposits.    

 

I will do my very best to reach out to individuals that have already expressed interest but please don't wait for me.  If you want to be included, then please be proactive.  

 

The pricing came in lower than I expected.  Pre-order cost is $450 (each set) for what's described in the "What's included" list below.  Deposits are a minimum of half upfront payment.  PM me on how to submit your payment.    

 

What's included (one each):

p/n: 442; Extractor Spring

p/n: 444; Extractor Retaining Spring

p/n: 445; Pin, Extractor, Inner

p/n: 446; Bolt

3D printed bench-block for extractor installation.

 

What's missing (contact member @fuatos):

p/n: 441; Extractor

p/n: 443; Extractor Spring Guide

 

Additional information:  Please read the entire thread above to best understand what you're getting!  Headspace will be required (by a qualified gunsmith) which may include a barrel replacement!!  If you don't understand what this entails, then please pass.  This is serious and could lead to damage to life and property!

 

*Cross posted on UT.

 

Edited December 3, 2024 by Navgunner
ready to go into the shipping phase

[JoshNC]

Outstanding! Very happy to see you’re tackling this.

[Navgunner]

Please find below my most recent post on UziTalk. I’m cross posting it here as it should explain a little bit of my thought-process/motivation and provide a bit of an update too. 

Thank you very much to all of you who have expressed interest via PMs!  This helps me a ton because I really need to get enough interest to justify kicking-off production which is 40+ bolts.

Regardless, I’ve already invested in model files and drawings. So if I don’t get enough interest just yet, we can reassess at a later date.

 

My “knowns”:
There’s NOT a one-size-fits-all bolt; period. However, most (if not all) of the FNCs that were imported into the US prior to the ban can be made to function to factory standards with a new bolt like the one that I’m making (a mirror copy of my factory bolt).

Changing your bolt will absolutely require a headspace check and it’s more than highly likely that your gun will require a headspace adjustment by a gunsmith who’s well versed in the FNC rifle. Heck… you’ll probably need a new barrel installed but that’s ok. I’m not making these bolts to be used in some sort if rotation, but rather as an alternative if truly needed, where more than likely the original bolt failed or is outright missing. Insurance if you will. As of today, there are an estimated 6,500 FNC’s here in the United States and based on direct conversations that personally I’ve had with the people in the know, there are about 3,600 versions that are transferable with the average MG FNC hovering around the $20,000 mark. Let’s be real honest with one another… If we’re going to keep these things going for generations to come, we’re gonna have to get creative and find a solution for spare parts. I’m just acting on it by literally putting my tens of thousands of dollars towards the effort with absolutely no guarantee of any return on investment.

For those living outside the US, I can’t export these things even if I wanted to, so I’m not factoring your rifles or other variants into my equation. I’m only focusing on those 3,600 individuals here fortunate enough to own a transferable FNC. Of those very few people I’m guessing that just a few percent will actually want one of these things but that’s OK because they’ll exist as an opportunity to feel more comfortable about shooting your guns knowing that there’s at least one option out there if something were to go wrong.


Below is a project update (part of this is an excerpt from a PM that I wrote to a Sturm member):

I've already sent out my bolt for 3D scanning which should be done in 4-6 weeks, prints will get their initial tolerancing shortly thereafter.

Once all the above is complete, I can start producing/refining (iterative process) the first article samples until I get a version that's appropriate for production. If all of this goes well, and there's at least enough demand to sell an initial production run of 40+ units then I'll kickoff sales.

Unfortunately, there's still a lot that can postpone or even kill the project so... fingers crossed.

[duza9999]

2 minutes ago, Navgunner said:

Please find below my most recent post on UziTalk. I’m cross posting it here as it should explain a little bit of my thought-process/motivation and provide a bit of an update too. 

Thank you very much to all of you who have expressed interest via PMs!  This helps me a ton because I really need to get enough interest to justify kicking-off production which is 40+ bolts.

Regardless, I’ve already invested in model files and drawings. So if I don’t get enough interest just yet, we can reassess at a later date.

 

My “knowns”:
There’s NOT a one-size-fits-all bolt; period. However, most (if not all) of the FNCs that were imported into the US prior to the ban can be made to function to factory standards with a new bolt like the one that I’m making (a mirror copy of my factory bolt).

Changing your bolt will absolutely require a headspace check and it’s more than highly likely that your gun will require a headspace adjustment by a gunsmith who’s well versed in the FNC rifle. Heck… you’ll probably need a new barrel installed but that’s ok. I’m not making these bolts to be used in some sort if rotation, but rather as an alternative if truly needed, where more than likely the original bolt failed or is outright missing. Insurance if you will. As of today, there are an estimated 6,500 FNC’s here in the United States and based on direct conversations that personally I’ve had with the people in the know, there are about 3,600 versions that are transferable with the average MG FNC hovering around the $20,000 mark. Let’s be real honest with one another… If we’re going to keep these things going for generations to come, we’re gonna have to get creative and find a solution for spare parts. I’m just acting on it by literally putting my tens of thousands of dollars towards the effort with absolutely no guarantee of any return on investment.

For those living outside the US, I can’t export these things even if I wanted to, so I’m not factoring your rifles or other variants into my equation. I’m only focusing on those 3,600 individuals here fortunate enough to own a transferable FNC. Of those very few people I’m guessing that just a few percent will actually want one of these things but that’s OK because they’ll exist as an opportunity to feel more comfortable about shooting your guns knowing that there’s at least one option out there if something were to go wrong.


Below is a project update (part of this is an excerpt from a PM that I wrote to a Sturm member):

I've already sent out my bolt for 3D scanning which should be done in 4-6 weeks, prints will get their initial tolerancing shortly thereafter.

Once all the above is complete, I can start producing/refining (iterative process) the first article samples until I get a version that's appropriate for production. If all of this goes well, and there's at least enough demand to sell an initial production run of 40+ units then I'll kickoff sales.

Unfortunately, there's still a lot that can postpone or even kill the project so... fingers crossed.

Nav I want to applaud you for this project, however I do want to note, FNC rifles will start becoming C&R within the next 5 years.

I have no idea if they continued making the same semi auto only rifles for law enforcement around the world (not MG’s with their full auto parts removed). 
But if they did those rifles will be importable in the coming years once they cross C&R status.

The importability sporting clause doesn’t apply to C&R rifles.

-Mathew

[Navgunner]

2 hours ago, duza9999 said:

Nav I want to applaud you for this project, however I do want to note, FNC rifles will start becoming C&R within the next 5 years.

I have no idea if they continued making the same semi auto only rifles for law enforcement around the world (not MG’s with their full auto parts removed). 
But if they did those rifles will be importable in the coming years once they cross C&R status.

The importability sporting clause doesn’t apply to C&R rifles.

-Mathew

 

@duza9999, thank you so much for sharing!  There's a lot that goes into this stuff, so I'll take all of the advice that's offered.  

I need your help, please explain how having a Type 03 – Collector of Curios and Relics license will make getting replacement parts for the FNC easier?  Full disclosure, I'm not a C&R holder.  I don't believe that the removal of the importability restriction with respect to the sporting clause for C&R firearms helps us.  It's exciting to think that a C&R holders could get a fresh SA variant of the FNC imported here into the USA but unfortunately, no one really knows just how many of those SAs were made globally (my bet is very, very few as defined by our NFA). 

Previously, my thought (hope really) was that foreign MGs could be demilled to US standards (since they're still prohibited under the GCA & FOPA) and then imported into the US as parts kits.  I'm actually very surprised that it hasn't happened yet since Indonesia and Belgium both abandoning their production of the FNC back in the early to mid 2000s.  Now with 20 years passing and Belgium recently sending much of their FNC surplus to Ukraine as military aid, US citizens may never see parts kits. 

I think that FNC owners have waited long enough for spare bolts and the stigma of the FNC being a lower-class transferable MG since replacement parts are "unobtanium" (especially critical components like the bolt) needs to end. 

Hopefully our community supports my efforts and that this project gains enough steam to warrant at least one production run.  Regardless, I'm making at least one for myself since I'm already investing in the engineering work.  

Edited August 29, 2023 by Navgunner

[rhouston8]

I will commit to buying three and am willing to pre pay. Just fyi.

[Navgunner]

13 minutes ago, rhouston8 said:

I will commit to buying three and am willing to pre pay. Just fyi.

Thank you, @rhouston8.  I've got you down on my preorder list.  Aside:  I have four of your prints hanging in my closet and I absolutely love them!!

[Navgunner]

Strum,

As it stands, my plan is to kickoff production with just 50 units and then wait to see where things go before I start another run.  Regardless, I don't anticipate doing more than two total runs (150 -350 units total).  Please be aware that my final order volume will depend completely on how much interest I receive from our community (I'm not stocking these). 

My goal is to start collecting pre-orders sometime in October and then have bolts ready for delivery to customers in December.  Customers that pre-order (paid) will receive a to-be-determined discount of somewhere between 10%-15% off.  I'll know more as I get the engineering / manufacturing costs tallied up for final pricing.  My estimate is still in the $500-$650 per bolt range.  

As of now, it looks like these bolts may have to come stripped (w/o extractors). I’m still trying to locate enough extractor sets to offer them complete but sourcing 50 to 100+ sets is posing a real challenge.  So... if anyone can assist me with a bulk order, I'd be very appreciative.  Remember, these extractors are the same ones that are currently being used in FN's M249 (there are two versions, either works).  I already have a source for the retainer pins, so we'll just need the extractor, spring, and spring guide pin.  
 

[rhouston8]

^^^ Great!

Best news I've heard in a long time. I hope this works out for all involved. It's long overdue ! Thanks again and glad you like the prints! If you don't have an FNC one...PM me w your address and I'll mail you one gratis.

[Navgunner]

That’s one of my favorites!

[Navgunner]

Here's some of the latest information that I've listed in UT:

If I can't secure enough extractors and end up having to sell these bolts stripped than the sales price will reflect it (closer to the $500).

1. I received a heartbreaking PM yesterday evening from a gentleman who experienced a broken bolt on his FNC. He is a perfect example of why I'm trying to get these bolts produced.
2. Despite that I've already sunk a ton of money and time into this project, we're not out of the weeds just yet. These are complex parts and there's still a lot of work yet to be done. That's why I'm waiting to take pre-orders.

3. Anyone who's expressed interest will have a guaranteed spot for pre-orders (Oct.-Nov. time frame) provided those individuals gave me a PM with their contact information.

I do plan to manufacture some quantity of additional bolts based on interest, but not so many that I take unnecessary additional risk.

Very Respectfully, -Nav

[Navgunner]

Update: CAD model is done!  Now onto prototyping.  We're still tracking to start accepting preorders by late October - early November with bolt deliveries before Christmas.  

If anyone wants to be on the preorder list, please send me a PM asap (if you haven't already).  At a minimum, I'll need your phone number and email address.   

[Navgunner]

Update:

I've been able to source a small number of springs (442) and retaining pins (444 & 445) so the first fifty bolts (446) produced will include these parts. 

Unfortunately, it looks like the buyers may have to locate their own extractors (441) and spring-guides (443).  They're available but expensive so I can't justify floating the additional cost to include them.    

[Cherd]

I will definitely take one FNC bolt

[Navgunner]

@Cherd Thank you for the PM!

[Navgunner]

UPDATE:

I have a couple of weeks left to go for engineering verification then I'll get these put in queue for machine time. The FNC bolts really need a 5-axis CNC to be done efficiently so for now that's my limiting factor. All of my usual contacts are already running on all cylinders to keep up with their regular business so we’re going to have to be patient. After manufacture, the bolts will need secondary processes in addition to the machining (like heat treat).

I will say that my confidence in this project has gone up significantly but of course there's still lots yet to do. Pre-order requests have gone up too (~40 so far) so that's no longer a concern of mine. Of course, I’ll just have to wait and see who's actually willing to commit with their payment.

[okrana]

Question from an Ignoramous: Can these parts be obtained and imported from either Belgium or Indonesia(assuming their version is same as FN version of the FNC)?

Okrana

[SGT Fish]

Have you checked with JP at Karma Metal Products (KMP)? He said recently they were taking jobs and has experience/licensing doing gun parts.  

[Navgunner]

3 hours ago, okrana said:

Question from an Ignoramous: Can these parts be obtained and imported from either Belgium or Indonesia (assuming their version is same as FN version of the FNC)?

Okrana

@okrana There's a lot to unpack with your question but the short answer is no.  Unfortunately, there won't be any bolts, bolt carrier/piston assemblies, receivers, or even gas blocks exported from these countries.  A great reference for all of this information can be found via the FNC forums on UziTalk.com (Sturm affiliate).

Most all other spare parts for the FN FNC can be found here in the US through one of my resources but expect to pay a premium because of scarcity.  PM me if interested.  Note that at this time, I'm only doing FNC bolts and that these other parts are not mine, I'm only offering to facilitate a connection.  

[Navgunner]

35 minutes ago, SGT Fish said:

Have you checked with JP at Karma Metal Products (KMP)? He said recently they were taking jobs and has experience/licensing doing gun parts.  

@SGT Fish Thank you for the recommendation!  At this time, I'm trying to keep this work within my already established network.  Also, on KMP's website they don't list 5 axis CNC capabilities.    

[Navgunner]

Update:

Thank you to everyone who's shown interest in this project!  As it stands, these bolts are scheduled to go into production sometime in December but that could be delayed if higher priority job bumps me. I'll continue keeping everyone posted as soon as my manufacturing team firms up a start date because that's when I'll start collecting money for pre-orders.  As previously stated, individuals that pre-order (paid) will get a discount and guarantee that they'll receive a bolt.  for others, I will make a small over-run but those will sell at a premium cost.   

[Navgunner]

It's official, I'm now taking preorders for domestically manufactured FN FNC bolts!!  Please read the original post "update" for details.

 

Edited February 21, 2024 by Navgunner

[rhouston8]

payment sent!

rocking!

thx!

 

HH

[Navgunner]

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who's supported this project through pre-sales.  I've been pleasantly surprised to see that most of the individuals who initially expressed their interest have already committed to pre-orders via their deposits.  For me, this is definitely a labor of love in service to the community that I'm so proud to be a part of.    

Very Respectfully, 

Navgunner  

[Navgunner]

Happy Easter!  Only 30 days left for preorders (window closes May 1st).

Sturm community, I’ve received more orders between this board and UziTalk than I expected which overwhelms me with thanks.  I appreciate the support!

[biubiu]

I also wish to take one!

 

[Navgunner]

1 hour ago, biubiu said:

I also wish to take one!

 

PM sent

[Navgunner]

There's only three weeks left until pre-orders close.  Please be aware that your deposits are due to me no later than May 1st because that's the date that I'm placing my production order with my manufacturing partner.  I will not accept any additional preorders past this date.  Please account for the time that it takes the US postal service to deliver mail because I can't provide any allowance for snail mail.  

 

Thank you to everyone who's supported and/or participated in this project!!

V/R,  navgunner    

[Navgunner]

Pre-Orders are CLOSED.

May 1st, 2024, has arrived (or passed depending on when you’re reading this), officially closing the FNC bolt preorder period. Please note that unless prior arrangements have already been made with me personally, I’m rejecting any additional (new) pre-orders and will return new order payments should I receive any. The next opportunity to purchase an FNC bolt is after the parts are finished, with those units being sold at a “first come, first served” basis (at an undetermined higher cost). As previously stated, I only provided discounts to those individuals willing to go through the pre-order process.

If you’ve sent money and haven’t received an acceptance receipt from me (PM, email, text), then please contact me immediately.

I’m now sending my production order to the manufacturing partner. They will need to procure material and start the “tooling process”. Lots of secondary processes too like multiple heat treats so please expect 16-weeks + to get these bolts ready for customers. Please feel free to call me anytime should questions arise but I’ll post updates on this thread as we progress.

We broke the 50-unit threshold which is phenomenal! Please accept my heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the pre-order process, this project would not have happened without your support.

 

Very Respectfully, 

Navgunner

[Navgunner]

Since this is my first official update (outside of PMs across various other forums such as UziTalk) I may include some old information so please bear with me.

Early on, I had a couple weeks delay on my side getting the requited sales tax exemption documentation from the State of Oklahoma but that's all sorted now. My manufacturing partner has been paid so that part is done too; I last spoke with them on June 24th, where at that time they were waiting on scheduling to start running the parts and I'm happy with that progress.

Moving Forward: Manufacturing will need to conduct what's referred to as "tooling runoff". As soon as that's dialed in, production will be in full swing which includes multiple machining operations & secondary processing (like surface treatments or heat-treatments). After that there's a quality review process and live fire testing. My target is till 16-weeks from official kickoff which puts us shipping bolts to customers early September. Aside: My plan is to personally fly out to my manufacturing partner (in Arizona) sometime in early August, but I can adjust my travel as needed.

This project has been a blast, and I can't wait to start delivering bolts to preorder customers later this year. For all others, I'm still receiving questions from people about how they can order. As I've previously stated, I don't anticipate doing another production run, but I have ordered a small quantity of extra bolts to support anybody that's missed the preorder cycle. I've already started a waitlist so it's very important that anyone who's interested to please PM me their information (first come, first served). Stripped bolts will be $600 each, custom bench-blocks (for extractor installation are $25 each, and buyers will pay the actual shipping cost. I won't start officially accepting new orders (or any money) until all of our existing pre-orders are filled.

Aside: If needed, extractor sets can be purchased from UziTalk member fuatos.

V/R, Austin Meek (NAVGUNNER LLC)

[Navgunner]

Here’s a picture of a solid polymer bench blocks, it helps a ton with extractor installation. Individuals who preordered will automatically receive one with each bolt purchased.

[Navgunner]

Quick update: The flights are now officially booked for our visit to the manufacturing partner so I’ll be Arizona from August 22nd through the 23rd.  I’ll report back shortly after.

[Navgunner]

I’m waiting for my flight back home so this is the the best opportunity for me to provide you guys with an update. I flew out here to Arizona specifically to meet with our manufacturing partner who I must say has done an absolute phenomenal job so far and I couldn't be more thankful. 

Status:
Material is procured, CAD/CAM (the numerical code that CNCs need to machine the parts) is at the tail end of being completed, the manufacturing process flow is completed and we're scheduled to start "cutting chips" in just two weeks. As stated before, there's tons of secondary processes that will need to be completed so we're still a couple of months away from delivering these bolts to customers but we're well on our way. For scope: our current leadtimes for each heat-treat cycle along with the finishing are two-weeks (remember, that's for each stage). We're in a really good spot right now and my excitement is stilling over; It's such a good feeling seeing these FNC bolts finally come to life! Thank you to everyone who's participated in the pre-orders; you commitments are what gave me to confidence to invest so heavily into this project.

[rhouston8]

^ hey. THANK YOU !!!!!

[Navgunner]

Getting closer. This picture was taken early last week.

Edited October 3, 2024 by Navgunner

[Navgunner]

We're getting closer!

[Navgunner]

The final machining operation starts Monday. We’re still trending to have these delivered to customers before Christmas.

[Sid Post]

Wow!  Those look really good and should keep owners in a position to run their rifles.

[Navgunner]

Getting closer. 

[Navgunner]

Orders should ship in the next few weeks to all paid-in-full customers! For those individuals that submitted a partial deposit, I recommend going ahead and getting the balance paid. 

[fuatos]

Exciting progress on these bolts! From inception to completion, a work of art!

I’ve been fortunate over the years to have acquired some of the last factory Belgian FN FNC parts. There have been a few parts that were very hard to source and when found, VERY EXPENSIVE. The bolt is one of those items. This is a great service to the FNC community.

Over the duration of this project, I’ve developed a good friendship with Navgunner. With his background, contacts and drive, this project has been a great success! I love hearing about the updates…

Some have reached out to me about extractors. I wish I had enough factory FN FNC extractors for all the bolts being manufactured, but I do not. (I’m always looking and trying to source more parts…) I have a small quantity of extractor sets available (extractor, spring & guide). I also have other FNC parts available if needed/interested. Email is the best way to communicate with me (I have a regular M-F job that demands a lot of my time). Please don’t tie up this bolt thread with any questions on parts availability or commitments to purchase. Please contact me directly. My email is fuatosATmsnDOTcom

Edited December 29, 2024 by fuatos

[Navgunner]

@fuatos has been instrumental in helping all of us keep our FNCs running for years. Thank you, sir!  
 

I’ve already sold more stripped bolts than available extractors. I highly recommend getting a set before they’re gone. 

[JoshNC]

On 12/3/2024 at 9:59 AM, Navgunner said:

Orders should ship in the next few weeks to all paid-in-full customers! For those individuals that submitted a partial deposit, I recommend going ahead and getting the balance paid. 

@Navgunner I just cannot thank you enough for tackling this project. I’m looking forward to getting my bolts. Also a big thanks to @fuatos for the extractor parts. 
 

We FNC owners have needed these for a long time. It’s very exciting to see this come to fruition.

[Navgunner]

The FNC bolts are here! Paid orders will ship out tomorrow (1/6/25). Please accept my heartfelt thank you to everyone that supported the project, this wouldn’t have come to fruition without each of you. 

There’s a limited quantity of extras available for sale so buy them before they’re all gone. Unfortunately, I don’t anticipate any future production runs. These were expensive to produce so I’d appreciate your support helping me get the overrun sold so that I can recoup my investment. 

For Board Members:
$550 per stripped bolt
$25 per bench block
$10 flat rate USPS shipping (regardless of order size).
* I also made some replacement oval mag release buttons too if anyone wants to add them to new orders. $15 each. 

I’ll add more pictures when I get time to place the formal FS listenings (UziTalk, Sturm, GB)

[Navgunner]

Here’s a short video of a NAVGUNNER bolt running on my registered receiver FNC. Enjoy. 
 

 

[Navgunner]

All orders shipped this past Monday, January 6th 2025.  I believe that I got everybody their tracking information, but if for some unknown reason you were missed, please let me know.  Once you receive your bolts, I encourage everybody to post their first impressions here on this thread.  
 

This project was a massive undertaking, so please accept my heartfelt thank you to individuals who supported the endeavor along the way.   My intent has stayed the same from start to finish… to help those in need to restore their rifles back to working order, and for all others to provide some sense of security that their rifles will continue to function for the next generation.  Also, it’s my belief that the value of all FNCs (here in the US) will increase too, which is a big win for everyone, regardless if you purchased a new bolt or not.

As stated above, there’s a small quantity of bolts sill available for those interested in purchasing.  I’d sure appreciate your help selling these remaining bolts so I can recoup my investment (as you all know by now, this was very, very expensive project).  Ultimately, I’d like to get started producing additional parts (like the FNC carrier assembly), but I’ll need to finish selling these bolts before I can get started. Thanks in advance for your continuing support.  

Respectfully,

Nav

[rhouston8]

such an awesome project and great service to the FNC community.

Thanks NavGunner.

You have great respect !