PTR 91 GI vs F

[Hawksnest]

I searched around some on THR and with Google and couldn't quite get a straight answer to my question, which is:

Is the only difference between the PTR-91 GI and PTR-91 F models is that the F model has a fluted barrel? The GI has looser tolerances to facilitate better usage of milsurp ammunition, but from my understanding does not have a fluted barrel. Does the F model also have these looser tolerances with its only difference being the barrel? Or is the F model tighter for increased precision?

 

[stubbicatt]

I don't know the answer, but yesterday shot the old JLD vintage PTR91 at 300 yards or so, and just clobbering soda can sized rocks on the hillside. It may not like tar sealed ammo, but DAMN! that thing is absolutely a laser beam to 600 yards. Easily my favorite rifle.

The tight chamber is a down side to some, but the rifle is absolutely amazing, and doesn't require a whole lotta force to resize brass.

 

[Flashcube]

The F models have heavy barrels and different chamber flutes (fewer, I think). The GI model has a thin profile barrel and is chambered to original HK91 specifications.

Some of their higher end target models do have flutes milled into the exterior of the barrel, which might be what you're thinking of. Aside from reducing weight, these external flutes are purely cosmetic.

 

[Driftertank]

Sorry i'm late to this one. The biggest difference in new, current production PTR's is that the F model has a heavy target barrel while the GI uses a military-profile tapered barrel like the original G3 and HK91, and lacks the attractive black powdercoating of the higher-end models (though i've seen ads for GI's with the black finish for a bit more $).
To the best of my knowledge the ammo tolerance issues have been fixed on new production F's, and both have the same number and depth of chamber flutes, so the biggest difference will be that the GI is a bit lighter and more neutrally-balanced, while the F will exhibit slightly better accuracy and consistency shot-to-shot from the better harmonics and slower heating of the bull-barrel.

Love mine. Gotta pic-whore a bit...

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

The common generality is that the GI version takes all ammo while the F version is more accurate. However, I have the F version and have had zero problems with all kinds of cheap ammo. It's a newer one, if that makes a difference (2010, I think).

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

Driftertank, at what distance were you shooting those groups?

 

[Driftertank]

100yd, off the hood of my brother's car.

It's not a great performance, i shot a 5rd group 1.25" with the same ammo last friday morning. Doing load workups to find a good handload currently. Found out she does NOT like pointed soft points. Takes a diagonal chunk out of the tip as they enter the chamber, which blows the group. Flat soft points do better, BTHP's do well. Gonna try some ballistic tips next.

I think MOA is do-able with this rifle once i find the right combination.

 

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I managed about 3.5" @ 130y with Fiocchi and American Eagle, resting on a bench. I was pretty satisfied for using "cheaper" factory loads, no real target, and no optics. I love that thing! LOL