So I have a few pretty good shooting 700's and Savages. And recently been thinking about doing a custom action rifle, either a Badger or Bighorn. I shot a friends AIAX a couple weekends ago and it got me thinking about getting into one instead. Besides name what am I getting in an AI vs one of the custom actions I'm thinking about?
- Thread starter lencomatt
- Start date
Re: AI vs ?
What you're getting is a field-proven, battle-ready precision long range rifle. All the kinks have been worked out, it's ready to go with NO FUCKING AROUND.
You can build a great custom, too. However, sometimes a product is worth more than the sum of its parts. The custom is a one-off product, a conglomeration of parts that have not been proven to work 100% with eachother. A great smith can and will put it together into great form, but still, it is not field proven battle ready.
Read what AI owners have to say about them.
They say the same thing, over and over:
They hopped from one rifle to another, always looking for that "perfect" package. Once they got the AI, their quest was over. Most of these owners say they wished they'd have just saved and got the AI to begin with.
Now, if you fancy something really specific, and you won't be satisfied with a "cookie cutter" rifle, the custom is the way to go for sure.
What you're getting is a field-proven, battle-ready precision long range rifle. All the kinks have been worked out, it's ready to go with NO FUCKING AROUND.
You can build a great custom, too. However, sometimes a product is worth more than the sum of its parts. The custom is a one-off product, a conglomeration of parts that have not been proven to work 100% with eachother. A great smith can and will put it together into great form, but still, it is not field proven battle ready.
Read what AI owners have to say about them.
They say the same thing, over and over:
They hopped from one rifle to another, always looking for that "perfect" package. Once they got the AI, their quest was over. Most of these owners say they wished they'd have just saved and got the AI to begin with.
Now, if you fancy something really specific, and you won't be satisfied with a "cookie cutter" rifle, the custom is the way to go for sure.
Re: AI vs ?
As an AI owner who has damn sure made the loop around the custom rifle world, I scoofed at the price to play with AI, but its worth it. The one I have will not leave my safe. They are absolutely the best rifle hands down. Accurate as all hell, bomb proof, and smooth as glass.
As an AI owner who has damn sure made the loop around the custom rifle world, I scoofed at the price to play with AI, but its worth it. The one I have will not leave my safe. They are absolutely the best rifle hands down. Accurate as all hell, bomb proof, and smooth as glass.
Re: AI vs ?
The one thing that sold me on the AI platform was their almost perfect reputation for reliability. I wanted one rifle I could shoot for the rest of my life that would never fail. And I feel as if an AI fit the bill perfectly. So if I were to answer your question in one short thought;
"the best piece of mind in the industry"
The one thing that sold me on the AI platform was their almost perfect reputation for reliability. I wanted one rifle I could shoot for the rest of my life that would never fail. And I feel as if an AI fit the bill perfectly. So if I were to answer your question in one short thought;
"the best piece of mind in the industry"
Re: AI vs ?
Match grade accuracy with to hell and back reliability.
The AIAW and AIAX are amongst the very few military grade full sniper rifles that are available to civilians. They're factory built switch barrels that are designed for those with basic armorers training to do most work on the rifles.
And they're just classy rifles..
-Sean
Match grade accuracy with to hell and back reliability.
The AIAW and AIAX are amongst the very few military grade full sniper rifles that are available to civilians. They're factory built switch barrels that are designed for those with basic armorers training to do most work on the rifles.
And they're just classy rifles..
-Sean
Re: AI vs ?
I have had over 10 aw rifes and 3 ae rifles and atleast 20 guns with aics chassis, granted not at one time but over the course of a few years. Anytime they come avsilable cheap i buy them asap. Currently i only have 4 aw rifles and a few custom rifles mostly badger ordnance and pierce. Aw rifles are nice but dont get confused, they are not investment rifles if sombody tries to pitch that story to you. I have seen a few go down at matches and even mine has stopped working but were easily repaired. In my opinion they are a really good rifle and very accurate to say the least. Personally they are a little overpriced but they are a military grade weapon that will take any abuse you can dish out to the point of beating it with a hammer. MHS and Euro Optic and a new vendor Oakland Tacticalare the goto place for them, they will take good care of you for the whole package.
Rich
I have had over 10 aw rifes and 3 ae rifles and atleast 20 guns with aics chassis, granted not at one time but over the course of a few years. Anytime they come avsilable cheap i buy them asap. Currently i only have 4 aw rifles and a few custom rifles mostly badger ordnance and pierce. Aw rifles are nice but dont get confused, they are not investment rifles if sombody tries to pitch that story to you. I have seen a few go down at matches and even mine has stopped working but were easily repaired. In my opinion they are a really good rifle and very accurate to say the least. Personally they are a little overpriced but they are a military grade weapon that will take any abuse you can dish out to the point of beating it with a hammer. MHS and Euro Optic and a new vendor Oakland Tacticalare the goto place for them, they will take good care of you for the whole package.
Rich
Re: AI vs ?
With a name like lencomatt ,do you dragrace?
With a name like lencomatt ,do you dragrace?
Re: AI vs ?
As I stated in a previous thread, I wish I had just bypassed the custom route and just bought an AI. As expensive as they are, I still would have saved money, and had a better rifle to boot.
Practically everything else out there is a hunting based system that uses match clearances to increase accuracy. That is great, as long as it is kept clean. When they get dirty, you get problems.
As I stated in a previous thread, I wish I had just bypassed the custom route and just bought an AI. As expensive as they are, I still would have saved money, and had a better rifle to boot.
Practically everything else out there is a hunting based system that uses match clearances to increase accuracy. That is great, as long as it is kept clean. When they get dirty, you get problems.
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Steve Petty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With a name like lencomatt ,do you dragrace? </div></div>
I used to, I had a 10.5 car back when they were back half cars and7.90's were flyin...I'm starting on another one, 275 or true 10.5 maybe. I have a car and a set of cylinder heads at the best head guy in the industry and a rough plan. Are you "The" Steve Petty?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Steve Petty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With a name like lencomatt ,do you dragrace? </div></div>
I used to, I had a 10.5 car back when they were back half cars and7.90's were flyin...I'm starting on another one, 275 or true 10.5 maybe. I have a car and a set of cylinder heads at the best head guy in the industry and a rough plan. Are you "The" Steve Petty?
Re: AI vs ?
Another good feature of an AI versus a custom is they really seem to hold their value if you ever need to unload one.
Granted, some customs do also if everything is top tier components and work is done by a well known smith. However, you commonly see used AIs for sale for only a few hundred bucks off what a new one might cost. Long story short, you are definitely getting what you pay for.
I'm awaiting a Mk III in 6.5 Creedmoor right now and am about to bust at the seams to get it.....still have a couple of months.
Another good feature of an AI versus a custom is they really seem to hold their value if you ever need to unload one.
Granted, some customs do also if everything is top tier components and work is done by a well known smith. However, you commonly see used AIs for sale for only a few hundred bucks off what a new one might cost. Long story short, you are definitely getting what you pay for.
I'm awaiting a Mk III in 6.5 Creedmoor right now and am about to bust at the seams to get it.....still have a couple of months.
Re: AI vs ?
Thats cool,10.5 is my favorite class,glad to see you getting back into it,275 is exploding.It is me,we just went 4.02 with lynchs vette in 10.5, and ive been crew chief on Troy Coughlins pro mod this year.We just won the nhra championship at vegas last weekend.Shooting is my new wintertime hobby,pretty excited about it.
Thats cool,10.5 is my favorite class,glad to see you getting back into it,275 is exploding.It is me,we just went 4.02 with lynchs vette in 10.5, and ive been crew chief on Troy Coughlins pro mod this year.We just won the nhra championship at vegas last weekend.Shooting is my new wintertime hobby,pretty excited about it.
Re: AI vs ?
Man you guys have been having some hard luck with that vette, I'm glaf its turning around for you. Any possibility of you guys heading out to Vegas for the SSCN in a couple weeks? I'm going out to watch and get a little more motivated on the car again.
Man you guys have been having some hard luck with that vette, I'm glaf its turning around for you. Any possibility of you guys heading out to Vegas for the SSCN in a couple weeks? I'm going out to watch and get a little more motivated on the car again.
Re: AI vs ?
Two pet peeves of mine are 60 degree bolt throws and 2 stage triggers. I'm a creature of habit and didn't like those two things about the TRG I bought so AI is wouldn't work for me, just saying, although AI's are "probably???" the most reliable
bolt rifle ever made.
Two pet peeves of mine are 60 degree bolt throws and 2 stage triggers. I'm a creature of habit and didn't like those two things about the TRG I bought so AI is wouldn't work for me, just saying, although AI's are "probably???" the most reliable
bolt rifle ever made.
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two pet peeves of mine are 60 degree bolt throws and 2 stage triggers. I'm a creature of habit and didn't like those two things about the TRG I bought so AI is wouldn't work for me, just saying, although AI's are "probably???" the most reliable
bolt rifle ever made.
</div></div>
God the 60 degree bolt throw is one of my favorite features. I hate shooting rem clones because of the difference.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two pet peeves of mine are 60 degree bolt throws and 2 stage triggers. I'm a creature of habit and didn't like those two things about the TRG I bought so AI is wouldn't work for me, just saying, although AI's are "probably???" the most reliable
bolt rifle ever made.
</div></div>
God the 60 degree bolt throw is one of my favorite features. I hate shooting rem clones because of the difference.
Re: AI vs ?
What is wrong with 60 degree bolt throw? Less movement is great when taking multiple shots.
What is wrong with 60 degree bolt throw? Less movement is great when taking multiple shots.
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Besides name what am I getting in an AI vs one of the custom actions I'm thinking about?</div></div>
You can kind of have the best of both worlds. Get AICS chassis and then get the barrel, trigger, and action you like best and have gunsmith put it together for you. That's what I did.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Besides name what am I getting in an AI vs one of the custom actions I'm thinking about?</div></div>
You can kind of have the best of both worlds. Get AICS chassis and then get the barrel, trigger, and action you like best and have gunsmith put it together for you. That's what I did.
Re: AI vs ?
I haveva 700 in an AX chassis right now and its fine, I don't love the grip but it doesn't effect my shooting so its ok. I have been on a kick for a 60 degree bolt for a while. Badger says their action will fit most 700 footprints but I don't know if it really will in an AX. By the time you buy all the parts and make them fit I'm probabaly pretty close to a real AI.
I haveva 700 in an AX chassis right now and its fine, I don't love the grip but it doesn't effect my shooting so its ok. I have been on a kick for a 60 degree bolt for a while. Badger says their action will fit most 700 footprints but I don't know if it really will in an AX. By the time you buy all the parts and make them fit I'm probabaly pretty close to a real AI.
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lencomatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I haveva 700 in an AX chassis right now and its fine, I don't love the grip but it doesn't effect my shooting so its ok. I have been on a kick for a 60 degree bolt for a while. Badger says their action will fit most 700 footprints but I don't know if it really will in an AX. By the time you buy all the parts and make them fit I'm probabaly pretty close to a real AI. </div></div>
Badger action doesn't fit in the AX...and my understanding is no one wants to inlet them for it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lencomatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I haveva 700 in an AX chassis right now and its fine, I don't love the grip but it doesn't effect my shooting so its ok. I have been on a kick for a 60 degree bolt for a while. Badger says their action will fit most 700 footprints but I don't know if it really will in an AX. By the time you buy all the parts and make them fit I'm probabaly pretty close to a real AI. </div></div>
Badger action doesn't fit in the AX...and my understanding is no one wants to inlet them for it.
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ronas</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Besides name what am I getting in an AI vs one of the custom actions I'm thinking about?</div></div>
You can kind of have the best of both worlds. Get AICS chassis and then get the barrel, trigger, and action you like best and have gunsmith put it together for you. That's what I did. </div></div>
Lots of guys are going to argue that the ACTION and TRIGGER of the AI is what makes it so great. It's reliable and durable. Lots of guys, myself included, don't so much care for the legacy chassis all that much.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ronas</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Besides name what am I getting in an AI vs one of the custom actions I'm thinking about?</div></div>
You can kind of have the best of both worlds. Get AICS chassis and then get the barrel, trigger, and action you like best and have gunsmith put it together for you. That's what I did. </div></div>
Lots of guys are going to argue that the ACTION and TRIGGER of the AI is what makes it so great. It's reliable and durable. Lots of guys, myself included, don't so much care for the legacy chassis all that much.
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ronas</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Besides name what am I getting in an AI vs one of the custom actions I'm thinking about?</div></div>
You can kind of have the best of both worlds. Get AICS chassis and then get the barrel, trigger, and action you like best and have gunsmith put it together for you. That's what I did. </div></div>
Lots of guys are going to argue that the ACTION and TRIGGER of the AI is what makes it so great. It's reliable and durable. Lots of guys, myself included, don't so much care for the legacy chassis all that much. </div></div>
Agreed. The entire point of the AI system in my opinion is the Action. The old stock was a love or hate relationship. I think the AX is a nice jump forward in ergonomics.....I know my positional shooting sucks a lot less now since I moved to the AX stock.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ronas</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Besides name what am I getting in an AI vs one of the custom actions I'm thinking about?</div></div>
You can kind of have the best of both worlds. Get AICS chassis and then get the barrel, trigger, and action you like best and have gunsmith put it together for you. That's what I did. </div></div>
Lots of guys are going to argue that the ACTION and TRIGGER of the AI is what makes it so great. It's reliable and durable. Lots of guys, myself included, don't so much care for the legacy chassis all that much. </div></div>
Agreed. The entire point of the AI system in my opinion is the Action. The old stock was a love or hate relationship. I think the AX is a nice jump forward in ergonomics.....I know my positional shooting sucks a lot less now since I moved to the AX stock.
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two pet peeves of mine are 60 degree bolt throws and 2 stage triggers. I'm a creature of habit and didn't like those two things about the TRG I bought so AI is wouldn't work for me, just saying, although AI's are "probably???" the most reliable
bolt rifle ever made.
</div></div>
God the 60 degree bolt throw is one of my favorite features. I hate shooting rem clones because of the difference. </div></div>
Thought I'd like it before I tried it for a while but I just couldn't get used to it, feels strange. All my other rifles are 90 degree and have been for 45 years.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two pet peeves of mine are 60 degree bolt throws and 2 stage triggers. I'm a creature of habit and didn't like those two things about the TRG I bought so AI is wouldn't work for me, just saying, although AI's are "probably???" the most reliable
bolt rifle ever made.
</div></div>
God the 60 degree bolt throw is one of my favorite features. I hate shooting rem clones because of the difference. </div></div>
Thought I'd like it before I tried it for a while but I just couldn't get used to it, feels strange. All my other rifles are 90 degree and have been for 45 years.
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two pet peeves of mine are 60 degree bolt throws and 2 stage triggers. I'm a creature of habit and didn't like those two things about the TRG I bought so AI is wouldn't work for me, just saying, although AI's are "probably???" the most reliable
bolt rifle ever made.
</div></div>
God the 60 degree bolt throw is one of my favorite features. I hate shooting rem clones because of the difference. </div></div>this.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Poison123</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two pet peeves of mine are 60 degree bolt throws and 2 stage triggers. I'm a creature of habit and didn't like those two things about the TRG I bought so AI is wouldn't work for me, just saying, although AI's are "probably???" the most reliable
bolt rifle ever made.
</div></div>
God the 60 degree bolt throw is one of my favorite features. I hate shooting rem clones because of the difference. </div></div>this.
Re: AI vs ?
Not an AI fanboy and I thought the traditional stock was ugly and heavy. BUT, the AX looks pretty nice and it's hard to argue with the reliability. Just remember, the tubegun pioneered the look everyone is imitating now.
Not an AI fanboy and I thought the traditional stock was ugly and heavy. BUT, the AX looks pretty nice and it's hard to argue with the reliability. Just remember, the tubegun pioneered the look everyone is imitating now.
Re: AI vs ?
I'll be out there with troy coughlin and jose gonzales's pro mods and a fast radial corvette that should run6.50's.Give me a holler!
I'll be out there with troy coughlin and jose gonzales's pro mods and a fast radial corvette that should run6.50's.Give me a holler!
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought the traditional stock was ugly and heavy. BUT, the AX looks pretty nice </div></div>
Sorry sir, you appear to be in the wrong department....jewellery and clutch bags are on the second floor. this is the hardware department!
No offence ScooterPIE, just joking. You make a good point - there are plenty of smiths out there who will take a serious pile of cash off you to make a very handsome "custom rifle", whether it is with AAA grade fancy stock wood, gold inlaid engraved action and blued/polished metal or as "tacticool" as you like but that can't hit a barn at 50 yards.
But I'm guessing the OP is in the market for a shooter, not a fashion statement.
But in the end, even if you select the best available components for a build, the end result will always be influenced by how good (or not) the smith that puts them together may be.
The AI rifles are a proven,functional tool with all the bugs ironed out already. You know what you are getting - no risk, no doubt.
Granted, on the AW finish was not always a strong point for some. Maybe the AX are better in that respect?
But as you say, you can't argue with the reliability or the performance of the AI's.
Don't get hung up on the "legacy chassis" issue - most of the comments I've ever heard about that were down to personal ergonomic preferences - specifically the thumbhole grip.
To me that's a redundant discussion now there are multiple choices on that - both from AI and OEM sources such as the Viperskins and Roedale offerings.
I have both a GAP and AW....both are great rifles and very, very accurate. However, if to came down to a choice (and no disrespect to George and his boys), I'd have the AW.
It's built to last with bullet proof reliability, made to soak up all the abuse you can give it and still do the job. It has a superb action and trigger (although I accept that some may disagree on the trigger, again personal preferences). Accuracy is guaranteed - to a level where it will deliver better performance and consistency than many of us are able to guarantee to get from ourselves.
The key to AI ownership for me is that the rifle will out-perform both myself and the conditions I use the rifle in - so it gives me one less critical factor to worry about - the rifle itself. So I can concentrate on the fundamentals and getting the shot where it needs to be.
Personally the money spent on the AW was the best I have ever spent on a rifle - I'm sure I'd feel exactly the same had it been an AE or an AX. I can't envisage any circumstances under which I would sell it, makes me smile every time I get behind it, keeps me honest and makes me work hard. Bit like the wife really!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought the traditional stock was ugly and heavy. BUT, the AX looks pretty nice </div></div>
Sorry sir, you appear to be in the wrong department....jewellery and clutch bags are on the second floor. this is the hardware department!
No offence ScooterPIE, just joking. You make a good point - there are plenty of smiths out there who will take a serious pile of cash off you to make a very handsome "custom rifle", whether it is with AAA grade fancy stock wood, gold inlaid engraved action and blued/polished metal or as "tacticool" as you like but that can't hit a barn at 50 yards.
But I'm guessing the OP is in the market for a shooter, not a fashion statement.
But in the end, even if you select the best available components for a build, the end result will always be influenced by how good (or not) the smith that puts them together may be.
The AI rifles are a proven,functional tool with all the bugs ironed out already. You know what you are getting - no risk, no doubt.
Granted, on the AW finish was not always a strong point for some. Maybe the AX are better in that respect?
But as you say, you can't argue with the reliability or the performance of the AI's.
Don't get hung up on the "legacy chassis" issue - most of the comments I've ever heard about that were down to personal ergonomic preferences - specifically the thumbhole grip.
To me that's a redundant discussion now there are multiple choices on that - both from AI and OEM sources such as the Viperskins and Roedale offerings.
I have both a GAP and AW....both are great rifles and very, very accurate. However, if to came down to a choice (and no disrespect to George and his boys), I'd have the AW.
It's built to last with bullet proof reliability, made to soak up all the abuse you can give it and still do the job. It has a superb action and trigger (although I accept that some may disagree on the trigger, again personal preferences). Accuracy is guaranteed - to a level where it will deliver better performance and consistency than many of us are able to guarantee to get from ourselves.
The key to AI ownership for me is that the rifle will out-perform both myself and the conditions I use the rifle in - so it gives me one less critical factor to worry about - the rifle itself. So I can concentrate on the fundamentals and getting the shot where it needs to be.
Personally the money spent on the AW was the best I have ever spent on a rifle - I'm sure I'd feel exactly the same had it been an AE or an AX. I can't envisage any circumstances under which I would sell it, makes me smile every time I get behind it, keeps me honest and makes me work hard. Bit like the wife really!
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What you're getting is a field-proven, battle-ready precision long range rifle. All the kinks have been worked out, it's ready to go with NO FUCKING AROUND.
You can build a great custom, too. However, sometimes a product is worth more than the sum of its parts. The custom is a one-off product, a conglomeration of parts that have not been proven to work 100% with eachother. A great smith can and will put it together into great form, but still, it is not field proven battle ready.
Read what AI owners have to say about them.
They say the same thing, over and over:
They hopped from one rifle to another, always looking for that "perfect" package. Once they got the AI, their quest was over. Most of these owners say they wished they'd have just saved and got the AI to begin with.
Now, if you fancy something really specific, and you won't be satisfied with a "cookie cutter" rifle, the custom is the way to go for sure. </div></div>
1+ well said.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What you're getting is a field-proven, battle-ready precision long range rifle. All the kinks have been worked out, it's ready to go with NO FUCKING AROUND.
You can build a great custom, too. However, sometimes a product is worth more than the sum of its parts. The custom is a one-off product, a conglomeration of parts that have not been proven to work 100% with eachother. A great smith can and will put it together into great form, but still, it is not field proven battle ready.
Read what AI owners have to say about them.
They say the same thing, over and over:
They hopped from one rifle to another, always looking for that "perfect" package. Once they got the AI, their quest was over. Most of these owners say they wished they'd have just saved and got the AI to begin with.
Now, if you fancy something really specific, and you won't be satisfied with a "cookie cutter" rifle, the custom is the way to go for sure. </div></div>
1+ well said.
Re: AI vs ?
When I started out I had a few custom guns and sold them and bought an AIAW. It was great but I realized I wasn't a huge fan of the ergonomics of the stock so I sold it. Since then I have had numerous custom guns built but it has always seemed like something was missing. I recently bought an AX and I couldn't be happier. I love the ergonomics of the new stock and just like my AIAW it is built like a tank with the ultimate reliability in mind. I would say you just cant go wrong with an AIAW or and AIAX if you are looking for the ultimate package.
When I started out I had a few custom guns and sold them and bought an AIAW. It was great but I realized I wasn't a huge fan of the ergonomics of the stock so I sold it. Since then I have had numerous custom guns built but it has always seemed like something was missing. I recently bought an AX and I couldn't be happier. I love the ergonomics of the new stock and just like my AIAW it is built like a tank with the ultimate reliability in mind. I would say you just cant go wrong with an AIAW or and AIAX if you are looking for the ultimate package.
Re: AI vs ?
I kicked around the custom rifle idea before pulling the trigger on an AI AW .308 with a folding stock. The good folks at Mile High Shooting had it in my hands in just over a week, which included cutting down the barrel on a 24" model to 20", installing an SAS TOMB, and proof testing the combo with a SAS Ti Arbiter that would take much longer to deliver.
Another thing to consider with AI is that you're buying into a rifle system that comes with an established logistics trail. Spare parts and consumables like barrels can be on their way to you the next day and are user-replaceable items, not custom-fit one that require gunsmith installation. Anecdotally, AI seems well ahead of Sako in this regard.
My AW has no cold-bore shift, keeps the same POI when run hard, and goes about shooting in an utterly businesslike fashion. The bolt runs incredibly smoothly, and shooting a rifle with a 90-degree lift just feels wrong at this point. The 2-stage trigger feels very similar to the Geisseles in my AR-15s.
I highly recommend going with the folding stock. It locks up like a bank vault and folds easily for transit and removing the bolt.
—Andreas
I kicked around the custom rifle idea before pulling the trigger on an AI AW .308 with a folding stock. The good folks at Mile High Shooting had it in my hands in just over a week, which included cutting down the barrel on a 24" model to 20", installing an SAS TOMB, and proof testing the combo with a SAS Ti Arbiter that would take much longer to deliver.
Another thing to consider with AI is that you're buying into a rifle system that comes with an established logistics trail. Spare parts and consumables like barrels can be on their way to you the next day and are user-replaceable items, not custom-fit one that require gunsmith installation. Anecdotally, AI seems well ahead of Sako in this regard.
My AW has no cold-bore shift, keeps the same POI when run hard, and goes about shooting in an utterly businesslike fashion. The bolt runs incredibly smoothly, and shooting a rifle with a 90-degree lift just feels wrong at this point. The 2-stage trigger feels very similar to the Geisseles in my AR-15s.
I highly recommend going with the folding stock. It locks up like a bank vault and folds easily for transit and removing the bolt.
—Andreas
Re: AI vs ?
To be honest I was laughing people buying this AI (expensive rifle), and said "you guys waste your money". Now I had one AE MK III lol!
Here : first 3 shots @ 100 yards cold bore 175smk pulled
and another 1 shot each dot target
Until I'm tired shooting hence top middle target last 3 shots @ 100 yards
To be honest I was laughing people buying this AI (expensive rifle), and said "you guys waste your money". Now I had one AE MK III lol!
Here : first 3 shots @ 100 yards cold bore 175smk pulled
and another 1 shot each dot target
Until I'm tired shooting hence top middle target last 3 shots @ 100 yards
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lencomatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what are the differences between the AE and AW? Besides a few thousand dollars and the magazines. Are they the same action and barrels? </div></div>
I built a search on google for AE vs AW results on the hide:
search
From what I know, the action is a little stouter on the AW. Either one will do anything a normal shooter would need. If you are in a battlezone, or have the extra cash, look at the AW more.
I dream of an AE...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lencomatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what are the differences between the AE and AW? Besides a few thousand dollars and the magazines. Are they the same action and barrels? </div></div>
I built a search on google for AE vs AW results on the hide:
search
From what I know, the action is a little stouter on the AW. Either one will do anything a normal shooter would need. If you are in a battlezone, or have the extra cash, look at the AW more.
I dream of an AE...
Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lencomatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what are the differences between the AE and AW? Besides a few thousand dollars and the magazines. Are they the same action and barrels? </div></div>
Not the same actions, and the AE can use AW barrels..but not the otherway around.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lencomatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So what are the differences between the AE and AW? Besides a few thousand dollars and the magazines. Are they the same action and barrels? </div></div>
Not the same actions, and the AE can use AW barrels..but not the otherway around.
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