New FN SLP Mark 1 - Initial Cleaning + Break-in

[BoomStick]

I just bought a brand new FN SLP Mark I, 22" smooth bore barrel --- and, it's frickin' awesome. I love it.

I came across this forum after I paid for the SLP, and after reading many of the posts here about failures to cycle and feed, I was honestly very worried that I had made a poor purchase.

The instruction manual clearly says NOT to fire the SLP until it has been properly cleaned after purchase. I noticed that the factory lube on the SLP when it arrives, new, is a very thick, almost waxy grease. It could very definitely clog gas ports and so on.

So, I first locked the SLP's bolt to the rear, and left it that way for about 5 days to help break-in the spring.

Then, per the manual, I disassembled it and gave it a decent cleaning. Hoppe's solvent through the barrel and around the action, plenty of swabbing with cotton patches and Q-tips to extract as much of the grease as possible, then squirts of CLP in key locations before cycling the action a few times to help it work its way around --- finally, a gentle wiping-away of the excess CLP, and a few dots of gun oil in appropriate spots. I left the shotgun in a slightly "wetter" state than I normally run my guns, but that's because I have heard that the SLP likes to be run wet. I don't like guns that spray you with CLP when you cycle them, so it wasn't as wet as that, though.

The next morning, I very excitedly and anxiously got up and took my SLP out for its debut. "Daaaaamn" from my buddies when it came out of the case. Definitely an awesome looking gun, that's for sure.

I started with 15 rounds of Winchester 3" Magnum OO Buckshot, anticipating that I would be taking a beating... instead, I was pleased to find that the SLP is very soft shooting, even with Mag rounds! Absolutely no issues cycling the shotgun, and no issues with feeding.

Then, 30 rounds of Winchester AA Target load, specifically for clays, slightly hotter than the Winchester Universal --- even softer shooting, and no cycling or feeding issues.

Finally, multiple boxes of standard Winchester Universal, from the 100 rounds for $22.97 boxes at Walmart --- no issues there either. These were obviously the ones that I was most concerned about, the Walmart economy shells, but the SLP ran through 'em just fine.

And, man, it's fast!!! It's a lot of fun to do a full mag dump --- a huge crowd-pleaser --- if only it was belt-fed, muahahaha!!! The barrel does get hot, though, so you have to let it sit for a little bit after you do that.

So, Day 1 with the Mark 1 is over, and it has performed. It ran like a champ, and was very pleasing to shoot. It's a little unusual to aim a shotgun with a fiber optic front sight, but it's a nice sight.

In summary, for me, the SLP is an awesome gun, and I'm sure it'll continue to run well as it is broken in some more. I am the guy who always cleans my guns that night after coming home from a day at the range, and I'll continue to run it a little wet.

Hopefully this post will help to alleviate any anxiety on the part of potential or new owners of the SLP --- another epic weapon from the legendary FN!!!

Edited October 15, 2011 by BoomStick

[dukeguy]

Congrats on the purchase of a fine shotgun! I'm sure you'll enjoy it, as I have mine.

[Red_SC]

I came across this forum after I paid for the SLP, and after reading many of the posts here about failures to cycle and feed, I was honestly very worried that I had made a poor purchase.

I suspect that many SLP's are like mine, they worked fine until we started modding them. If you look around, there are similar threads for Benellis and Remingtons, too. Congrats on the purchase, they're fine shotguns!

[CmbtEngr]

I went through virtually the same process as you with my SLP...and with like results. I've been running primarily Federal bulk ammo. Never had a malfunction yet.

[bushmeat]

+1 on the Federal bulk over the Winchesters in my experience. However, there seems to have been a bad run recently. Check to make sure there's no bulge on the shells.

Are you using the heavy piston? If you can run light loads with it, leave it in. Saves you having to switch pistons out for slugs or 3" shells.

[BoomStick]

Thanks for the comments - yeah, I'm pretty pleased with my SLP right now. The only problem is, it's Monday, so I have a whole handful of days left 'til the weekend, when I get to shoot it again

Yep, I'm running the light piston. That's why I only ran 15 3" Magnum shells through it --- I wanted to break it in, but I don't want to overdo it and have the spring in the light piston break.

I actually avoided the bulk pack of Federal rounds due to some photos I'd seen of their shells bulging at the bottoms, as if the shell was made of very poor quality/thin plastic. The Winchester bulk pack shells that I bought have been great, so far.

[kellymc]

thanks for your informative post. Ordered mine today hope to have it tomorrow

Edited October 20, 2011 by kellymc

[dravz]

Awesome post, thanks for the info! I'm pretty set on getting an SLP next, can't wait!

[gerritm]

+1 on the Federal bulk over the Winchesters in my experience. However, there seems to have been a bad run recently. Check to make sure there's no bulge on the shells.

Are you using the heavy piston? If you can run light loads with it, leave it in. Saves you having to switch pistons out for slugs or 3" shells.

I have an SX3 and run the heavy piston and use the Federal Bulk loads. Plus 1 on the bad run on the Federals. I have had several shells with a bulge and have had to push the bolt forward to load them. they have all ejected fine. No problem on running these loads, but it will not run the Remington light trap loads. Does not like them at all with the heavy piston.

[Lead-Head]

I ave had a similar experience with my SLP. I have done very few mods: shortened the mag tube spring, opened the loading port. Other than that it has worked with every type of ammo I feed it.