I recently purchased an Accuracy International AT rifle (serial number 23AT2****), which is supposedly made in 2023. After shooting for the first time the next day, I noticed rust had developed on the import mark portion of the receiver (see pic). I shot 20 rounds to zero in my scope recently on a rainy day (it has been raining in Northern California every weekend recently), and I wiped it down as much as I could at the range and then cased it. Several hours later, when I got home, I noticed rust spots developing.
I know rain is bad and the rust is only cosmetic, but it bothers me that a $5k rifle could behave like this. Rust is also found on the nitrocellulose certification marking and the bolt release catch (pic 2&3). Even my 80+ years old surplus military rifle is more durable than this. How could AI not consider the elements as a factor when engraving this rifle (the 2023 version, at least)?
If I remember correctly, the import marks on the AW and even earlier AT rifles were painted over with white paint or some sort of finish instead of leaving engraved bare steel letters exposed to the elements. Has anyone else experienced this issue? I’m wondering if this is covered under warranty. Many thanks!
Steen
I know rain is bad and the rust is only cosmetic, but it bothers me that a $5k rifle could behave like this. Rust is also found on the nitrocellulose certification marking and the bolt release catch (pic 2&3). Even my 80+ years old surplus military rifle is more durable than this. How could AI not consider the elements as a factor when engraving this rifle (the 2023 version, at least)?
If I remember correctly, the import marks on the AW and even earlier AT rifles were painted over with white paint or some sort of finish instead of leaving engraved bare steel letters exposed to the elements. Has anyone else experienced this issue? I’m wondering if this is covered under warranty. Many thanks!
Steen
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