AI AE MK III Barrel Contour Question

hk dave

Optics Fiend
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Jun 7, 2011
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    So CA
    Howdy folks... out of curiosity, does anyone know if AI uses a proprietary barrel contour on their AE rifles? They say Heavy Match....

    I suppose the better question to ask is, does anyone know the AE's barrel dimensions and weight? Weight being the thing i'm most curious about.
     
    Re: AI AE MK III Barrel Contour Question

    Which barrel, the factory 308 barrels or Tooley/AINA barrels?

    I have 2 AE MK3s; one of them has the factory .308 barrel and one has an AINA/Tooley 6.5CM Bartlien barrel. The barrel contours are substantially different between the two.

    I can get better measurements for you later but the 6.5 AINA barrel has a gradual taper down from in front of the recoil lug to the muzzle (similar to a factory Remington heavy contour) whereas the factory AI barrel has an immediate taper down over the first 1.5" or so past the recoil lug and then looks to be almost straight contour beyond that stepdown all the way out to the muzzle.

    If nobody else provides measurements between now and when I get off work I'll pull them out of the safe and measure for you.
     
    Re: AI AE MK III Barrel Contour Question

    Thank you Kiba that's very kind of you. I suppose the measurement I'm most curious about is the muzzle of the 308 barrel.
     
    Re: AI AE MK III Barrel Contour Question

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you Kiba that's very kind of you. I suppose the measurement I'm most curious about is the muzzle of the 308 barrel. </div></div>

    No problem.

    I believe the factory AI 308 barrel finishes about .890 at the muzzle but I'll measure and verify when I get home.
     
    Re: AI AE MK III Barrel Contour Question

    Thanks guys... was quite curious about that. So probably around 6.5#

    Not sure why from looking at photos of it, I assumed AI used a thinner profile like a Sendero.
     
    Re: AI AE MK III Barrel Contour Question

    OK, just got home and here are measurements of the barrel contour on both of my AE's. The measurements might be a little off as I didn't want to yank the scopes, skins, or spin the barrels off so up to 9" or so past the recoil lug I was sneaking the calipers under the scope and between the skins & barrel. Should be close enough to give you a good idea.

    contours.jpg