This is my review of the AIM FS-42 folding stock bag. Mine is green and the “reverse” model because my AXSR folds left. Purchased from Mile High last week so I obviously don’t have a lot of time with it. It will be mostly pics since there are so few on their site.
My pre-sales impressions are that AIM is a little ghey. Their product page sucks and they still haven’t answered any of my emailed questions almost a month ago. Fortunately Mile High is awesome. They even pulled a bag and an AXSR off the shelf in 300nm with a Tbac SR brake to verify it would actually fit in the bag which it does but barely. Thanks a ton!
This was a concern because my tape measure says the rifle OAL folded is one inch longer than the bag’s Interior length according to AIM website.
TLDR so far, AIM comms suck, mile high awesome, gun fits in bag.
I really wanted a short, wide bag because it fits the Jeep and side by side much better than long and skinny. And I like the way the AI stocks protect the bolt. I hate having to pull the bolt out of the rifle to put it in pelican cases. This bag does that very well.
It also has 8 straps around the outside with buckles to secure everything inside. And 4 more on the inside plus the pocket.
First impressions are that the padding is generous and where it needs to be. The rifle sits inside several layers of straps, padding, and the outer canvas, and more straps. Plus an extra sheath of heavy canvas over the muzzle.
There’s quite a bit of space inside the bag. I currently have the Tbac 338Ultra SR in the large pouch on the side along with a TAB gear sling, but I think I can strap it inside the bag either over the barrel or under the hand guard for a better fit and use of space.
I was also worried about the bag being tall enough to add a WMLRF. Since I don’t have one on this rifle yet I improvised with a 2x4 block which zipped easily inside over the area419 diving board.
I immediately got anti seize all over the inside padding. I’ll have to figure out how to keep that from attracting dirt.
There’s ample room for a gen 1 Ckyepod too.
On the bottom spine of the bag is a pocket for a cleaning rod. The unavoidable downside of the short fat bag though is that none of my cleaning rods are this short and indeed, i doubt a cleaning rod exists that is long enough to push a patch out the end of a 27” factory AI 300nm barrel (plus brake) AND fit in a 33” pouch. And that assumes removal of barrel from action for cleaning. It is nevertheless well constructed and may work great for the 20” BBL crowd. But, I’d rather the pouch be a wee bit more generous and allow an actual barrel instead of a cleaning rod. There’s plenty of room in the external pouches for the bolt and mags for a caliber change. But the cleaning rod pouch is pretty tight. I’m mildly concerned a rod may be warped over time in it, but it’s prob not a feature I’ll use so for me it’s just another layer of padding between the rifle and the floor.
Straps and all seem exceptionally well stitched together. IMHO the construction is at least as good as my eberlestock bags, probably better. And I like that I can add or move internal straps as the bottom one doesn’t quite line up where I want for the AXSR.
The back has an extra layer of hard material to protect the hinge which is the part farthest to the rear on the rifle. If nothing else it helps the bag keep its shape in the back.
The pouches on the outside are generous. The smaller one easily holds a couple of 300nm ammo binder/books in the interior sleeves. The 300nm magazines fit in them as well. I don’t plan to keep ammo there of course, just showing the fit for reference.
The back has a sleeve for shoulder straps (included) which allow it to be carried like a backpack. I don’t really have any intention of using them so I’ll prob remove them for weight savings.
Both sides are covered with little tabs. Not sure what they’re for but I’m speculating you could run a bike cable through them and secure the contents of the bag and both pouches pretty well. They’re on all four corners of both pockets.
The handle is pretty comfortable. It carries easily but balance is a bit butt heavy for me. judging by the bear pit I guess that may be the prevailing preference these days.
Overall I’m quite impressed with the quality and the well thought out design. It may be slightly irritating for casual range use because it takes a bit of time buckling and unbuckling everything. The alternative of just leaving the buckles flapping is suboptimal. But for bouncing around offroad it seems like a great alternative to a hard case. the rifle seems quite well protected. Probably needs a rain cover though.
Honestly my criticisms are extremely minor. (Needs a barrel and suppressor sleeve, and rain cover)
Net: 2 thumbs up. I’d recommend without reservation. Anyone else have one with some miles on it? How’s it holding up?
That solves a lot of my gear transport issues for the AXSR. But I also doubt I’ll actually use the two pouches for anything. Everything that I can think of putting in there is stuff I’d move to the pack when I get on foot anyways, like tools etc. but Possibly a spare bipod or scope? Caliber change mags and bolt would be nice. But there’s nowhere to store the barrel.
Anyways, I think I’ll have to reconfigure my lo-drag. Maybe switch to the hi-speed instead without the scabbard since the AXSR doesn’t come close to fitting folded or otherwise. Then put the ammo carrier on it and get a jelly roll for the thermal. For transport, That really just leaves the belt and mag holders with no home. Guess I need a duffle bag too.
www.snipershide.com
