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Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

johnl

johnl

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 11, 2006
190
55
Wet Coast
Gents


I'm in the mood for a new tact gun. Foolish sold off my previous rifle due to unforeseen septic failure. Guys, the most two important parts of a house beside a man cave is the roof and the toilet. Anyway most of the matches are from 75 to 600 yards in B.C. I really like the Accuracy International AX series but they are over 7 grand. I was thinking of the AX chassis, surgeon action, kreiger barrel and have left over money for a S&B PM11. Question for the AI crowd. Are the guns really worth the dough over a build. Thanks
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

IMHO, yes they are.

You will have a FACTORY rifle that is supremely accurate. When you need a new barrel you can just order it. If you wear anything else out they are all production parts.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

I love my aw and have a ax coming in 260, they are amazing guns built to be ran hard. Custom guns are awesome I have those too but the AI's hold a special place.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

RW Snyder's website says he'll build a Surgeon 591 in a AIAX chassis for $3600. This includes finishing, barrel fluting, etc. Add $135 for a Huber two stage trigger. You can buy this setup and top it off with a S&B for the cost of just the AIAX rifle. Several members on this forum that own AI rifles swear by them, but I would too if I dropped over $7K on a rifle. This decision is a no brainer for me.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

Save the money, buy an AE MK III, add a quality scope and spend no more than the cost of an AX.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LCDR JGB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RW Snyder's website says he'll build a Surgeon 591 in a AIAX chassis for $3600. This includes finishing, barrel fluting, etc. Add $135 for a Huber two stage trigger. You can buy this setup and top it off with a S&B for the cost of just the AIAX rifle. Several members on this forum that own AI rifles swear by them, but I would too if I dropped over $7K on a rifle. This decision is a no brainer for me. </div></div>

This makes sense to me too - unless money isn't a concern. Don't take this comment as anything to do with AI quality because it isn't, but dang, 7k for the rifle alone? And once you're shooting 1/2 moa or less with the same chassis in either system it just isn't worth the extra money for me.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When you need a new barrel you can just order it. If you wear anything else out they are all production parts.</div></div>

I very much agree that is a nice feature, but not nice enough to spend another $2K-$3K. If I was spending someone else's money, like a government program office needing to outfit teams of operators, that would be a convenient selling point to simplify the logistics/lifecycle support costs. Since I'm spending my own money, I would just go with a Surgeon barreled action set in the chassis.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

Like graham said, get the mkiii, its the perfect middle man for your situation. It's what I did, and its fuckin awesome.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Save the money, buy an AE MK III, add a quality scope and spend no more than the cost of an AX.</div></div>

This is a good point. AI AE MK III is $4235. Were I in the OP's position, this consideration would make the decision more difficult.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

AI AX= zombie apocalypse gun with hella accuracy

AI AICS= good enough for recreational shooters
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LCDR JGB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Several members on this forum that own AI rifles swear by them, but I would too if I dropped over $7K on a rifle.</div></div>

I think you may be looking at it a bit backwards.

Guys aren't swearing by them to justify the cost. The cost is justified because you CAN swear by them. I have shot rifles that are more expensive that several AI choices that were not as refined or not as durable.

If you are just a weekend plinker then you may never need what an AI can offer. If lives are on the line or you are spending thousands of dollars to train up and then get to a match, having a rifle that will not choke is a no-brainier.

In the end it's a personal choice. I don't feel the need to justify my purchases to anyone. My match rifle is an AE MkII because it's an excellent balance of features and cost and I can enjoy my time at matches and not worry about my rifle. The next time you see a guy kicking the bolt handle on a full-custom rifle, ask him if he would have rather had a AI.

Plus....my Wife approves of the AI.

IMG_6166.jpg
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

AI if you can afford it. If not, put a Badger 2008 in an AICS and spend all your time arguing that "it's just as good if not better." Like the guy with a 335i with m3 badges on it.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

Hey Lonewolf nice looking set-up, rifle is not bad either. LOL. I'll start saving for the AI and put my leupy on it for now and worry about the German glass later.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

Lonewolf, what is the barrel length on your MKII? Thanks
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TestnDoc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where can you find AI rifles in stock? Or do you have to order them?</div></div>

We have a container full of rifles... but the inventory is always rollling. Give us a call or send a PM/email with what you might be interested in and we'll be happy to help.

Sean
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

Isn't a MKIII essentially th same thing as a surgeon action bolted into a chassis? I worked through this very question during my last build, I ended going with a Surgeon actioned custom by a top gunsmith in an AX chassis for significantly less than the MKIII. I also have the flexibility of swapping barreled actions and can change out barrels for less money as well. Just another perspective...
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sales@MileHigh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TestnDoc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where can you find AI rifles in stock? Or do you have to order them?</div></div>

We have a container full of rifles... but the inventory is always rollling. Give us a call or send a PM/email with what you might be interested in and we'll be happy to help.

Sean </div></div>

AIAX in 308 and 6.5 creedmoor loaded out
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ANGLICO Marine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Isn't a MKIII essentially th same thing as a surgeon action bolted into a chassis? I worked through this very question during my last build, I ended going with a Surgeon actioned custom by a top gunsmith in an AX chassis for significantly less than the MKIII. I also have the flexibility of swapping barreled actions and can change out barrels for less money as well. Just another perspective... </div></div>

no not the same thing
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ANGLICO Marine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Isn't a MKIII essentially th same thing as a surgeon action bolted into a chassis? I worked through this very question during my last build, I ended going with a Surgeon actioned custom by a top gunsmith in an AX chassis for significantly less than the MKIII. I also have the flexibility of swapping barreled actions and can change out barrels for less money as well. Just another perspective... </div></div>

That's the thing, they're not at all the same. The Surgeon is a Remington pattern held to tighter tolerances. The AI actions are three-lug 60 degree bolt throw... different extractor....replaceable lock ring where the bolt locks into battery... full diameter bolt...different trigger geometry...

A Surgeon is just a modified Remington, which is a very successful hunting rifle that can be modified into a tactical rifle. The AI is a purpose built, from the ground up, hard-use sniper rifle. For those of us that want that design, the AI is the only thing that makes sense. For many, the Remington is enough.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LCDR JGB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Several members on this forum that own AI rifles swear by them, but I would too if I dropped over $7K on a rifle.</div></div>

I think you may be looking at it a bit backwards.</div></div>

No, I recognize the value in rock solid reliability. But if someone asked me how much I paid for my AIAX/AIAE MKIII, especially someone that knows little about firearms, I think I would find myself in a defensive position, justifying the reason I spent so much money on a single rifle.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If lives are on the line or you are spending thousands of dollars to train up and then get to a match, having a rifle that will not choke is a no-brainier.</div></div>

I totally agree.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In the end it's a personal choice. I don't feel the need to justify my purchases to anyone.</div></div>

Right there with you (except I have to justify them to my other half and, between us, dropping $7K for an AIAX topped by a $3.5K S&B wouldn't go over too well for me).


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Plus....my Wife approves of the AI.</div></div> Right on ;-)
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

at the end money is a huge factor and for the average person there is no benifit to a AIAX if you don't run your guns hard and don't shoot in inclimate weather, or dirty situations. not to say other guns don't do that either but i've seen and heard of many other makers both custom action, r700, savage, etc. go down hard in conditions that the AI rifle just keep on trucking. there is a reason why wolf likes his, i like mine, frank loves his, etc. but that doesn't mean they are for everyone. to each their own if you can afford it, they are worth every penny. if not go and enjoy the best rifle you can, the sport is awesome regardless of what you shoot and there will always be someone with a less expensive rifle who will hand you your ass at one point or another.
wink.gif


shoot straight.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

I would buy the AE MkIII. You would have most of what the AX has to offer, and $3,000 left over to buy the scope.

I believe the bolt is almost identical, and that is where most the moving parts are. If you do not need the quad rail that the AX has, I do not see that much of an advantage for recreational shooting.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I believe the bolt is almost identical, and that is where most the moving parts are. If you do not need the quad rail that the AX has, I do not see that much of an advantage for recreational shooting.</div></div>

Not "almost". It is identical. This allowed AI to produce the bolt assembly for both platforms on the same tooling.

You pretty much hit on the AE/AX comparison. For the end user, if you don't need a rail system, then the AE MkIII will save you some cash. The barrel change procedure on an AW/AX is a little faster than the AE MKII/MKIII, but it's still not slow. With the new skins you can have thumbhole or pistol grip so the ergos are VERY similar.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johnl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lonewolf, what is the barrel length on your MKII? Thanks </div></div>

20" for the .308 in the photo.

I have a 26" .243 on it now.
 
Re: Ax 308 or AX AICS build?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I believe the bolt is almost identical, and that is where most the moving parts are. If you do not need the quad rail that the AX has, I do not see that much of an advantage for recreational shooting.</div></div>

Not "almost". It is identical. This allowed AI to produce the bolt assembly for both platforms on the same tooling.

You pretty much hit on the AE/AX comparison. For the end user, if you don't need a rail system, then the AE MkIII will save you some cash. The barrel change procedure on an AW/AX is a little faster than the AE MKII/MKIII, but it's still not slow. With the new skins you can have thumbhole or pistol grip so the ergos are VERY similar. </div></div>

I really like the thumbhole chassis, however the completed rifle with scope ends up about 18 lbs., I believe. What about putting the barreled action in a McMillan A5? That would save approximately 3 lbs. The only hard part would be adapting a DBM system to the AI bolt spacing.

I have an excellent custom gun based on a Surgeon RSR action. However I broke the extractor and damaged the bolt one day. It was my fault, but probably would not have happened with the AI. My next gun will be a AE MkIII, but I have some interest in putting it in a McMillan.
 
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