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Accuracy International Quick - Change Barrels

Edsel

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 9, 2013
366
53
Are they MEANT to be taken apart and reassembled for transport (or similar) frequently?
 
You can't but most don't ...

The stock folds, use a carbine length case to transport it. However they do have one in a Covert type set up with the barrel off.

When I shot the videos, my barrels were spun on and off at least 25x a day to get footage I need.

If that is how you want to break it down, go ahead. My bet is, you never do it that way though.
 
How short do you really need it to be? Quick change or not, that would be a real hassle and actually take the fun out of shooting, if I had to disassemble and reassemble on every range trip. And like Frank said, the stock folds down to make it pretty damn short already.
 
Are they MEANT to be taken apart and reassembled for transport (or similar) frequently?

I would think they are not meant to be taken apart for transport as that would increase the chance of damaging the threads on the barrel.
 
I would think they are not meant to be taken apart for transport as that would increase the chance of damaging the threads on the barrel.

I guess thats one bonus of the PSR. It came with some nifty screw on thread protectors for the stored barrels.
 
I guess thats one bonus of the PSR. It came with some nifty screw on thread protectors for the stored barrels.

That would be great if they include them with all barrels for now on since all their rifles are now quick change.
 
Even though the quick lock makes it easy, it's still a process.

Like P123 said, the PSR rifles have thread protectors. Still if you have a very sharp eye, I scratched the barrel on the AX338 a couple of times sliding it in and out of the rail.

You can strip it down any number of ways, but you totally slow the process by having it completely taken down with the barrel off.

I just like I can travel with a short AR / Carbine length case with the stock folded. That works the best.

if you shot once a week, and removed the barrel, it's not a big deal at all. The average person is not doing it daily. it can easily handle a monthly disassembly but you have to weigh the pros & cons of what you are doing versus the time to do it. Seriously if you can afford any of the new AIs you can buy a short case. If you want to make a Covert,, you understand it's a mission specific rifle and not a target rifle, so why treat it like a target gun.
 
Agreed its still a process. I've carved the shit out of the coating on my PSR barrels, and you have to remove the rail regardless on the AXs to pull the barrels. But who gives a shit they are wear items.
 
The new system you don't have to pull the rail... they changed that. The barrel slides through

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I wonder why they decided to change it from having to take the rail off on the PSR.
 
They just flatted that shoulder. If you look instead of the rounded flange / shoulder on the barrel, it's flat.

I am sure with the PSR Contract they didn't want to have to take the rail off. Now there is no need unless you are changing the rail size.
 
In an interview with Tom Irwin he said he transports all the demo rifles disassembled because he isn't sure how big the trunk of his rental car will be. As a guy who drives a small car I think it's a very appealing option.
 
In an interview with Tom Irwin he said he transports all the demo rifles disassembled because he isn't sure how big the trunk of his rental car will be. As a guy who drives a small car I think it's a very appealing option.

You gonna check your zero every time?
 
In an interview with Tom Irwin he said he transports all the demo rifles disassembled because he isn't sure how big the trunk of his rental car will be. As a guy who drives a small car I think it's a very appealing option.

All you gotta do is fold the stock and you have something that's as short or shorter than most AR carbines.
 
Funny enough I have a PSR. It does have a little bit of shift. Around .1-.2mil

Hmmmm... maybe it wouldn't work, but it would be nice if it did. The guys says he transports the AXs in a 16"x12" case. That'd be a heck of a lot easier than even a 35" case. My next car and dwelling will be a Subaru BRZ and an 700 square foot apartment. Smaller is better.
 
Hmmmm... maybe it wouldn't work, but it would be nice if it did. The guys says he transports the AXs in a 16"x12" case. That'd be a heck of a lot easier than even a 35" case. My next car and dwelling will be a Subaru BRZ and an 700 square foot apartment. Smaller is better.

No doubt. If I go to the Hide Cup I'm seriously thinking of doing the covert style case and just checking the zero again the zero before.
 
The more I learn about this, the more excited I get about the AI AXMC 308 Tan version I ordered last week. Plan shoot primarily 243 & 260. Heard 2 days ago the new rifles should start arriving at Mile High in March, but we'll see. Also, I'd like to learn more about the primer pearcing issues with the 6.5 mm versions that AI provides, if anyone could chime in.
 
They just flatted that shoulder. If you look instead of the rounded flange / shoulder on the barrel, it's flat.

I am sure with the PSR Contract they didn't want to have to take the rail off. Now there is no need unless you are changing the rail size.

The fact that you can change a barrel(flattened shoulder) on the new AX-MC338 without removing the rail is a nice update to the PSR kit from last year.

Question:
Is this only because of the flattened-out barrel shoulder….. or are the rails actually different on the new AX MC338 than the PSR ???? I am curious if/when you get a new barrel for the PSR kit, will this new “barrel spec“ allow PSR owners to change a barrel without removing the rail.
Thank you.
 
As far as the thread protectors anyone with a lathe can make you one. Use delrin and just thread it to fit. They have been use for many many years now.

As far as removing the barrel for transportation why would you really need to? You would only save about 12 inches or slightly less, if that is a deal breaker you may want to reevaluate your kit. Besides from the POI shift which it will more than likely have some no matter how consistent you install the barrel you just open yourself up to other unnecessary problems. I know it is an AI and they are as tough as it gets and the rifle is designed to have the barrel removed easily, but what about the other variables. Besides from the extra wear imparted on the screw and action from repeated torqueing and loosening you increase the chance of dropping the barrel on the threads when installing or removing it, getting dirt and sand on the barrel threads when installing them and having foreign material imbedding in the action threads, ect. The time spent removing and installing the barrel each trip to the range could be better used by dry firing. Don't take this a me tring to shoot holes in you idea to transport with the barrel removed, just some outside thoughts.

I actually have been thinking about this system since the PSR was released. To me it is a solution looking for a problem. The previous generation AI rifles were pretty easy to change barrels and calibers with a few simple tools and seemed to work pretty well. If you think about it how many people actually take more than one caliber barrel to the range and shoot it every time they shoot except for zeroing and load development. The different calibers are there to fill different needs. If you are shooting ELR the 338LM would be the only barrel you need. If when you are shooting ELR and a target at 800 to 1K yards comes up are you really going to stop and "quickly change" barrels bolt and mags to a 260 or 308? Or if you are going to shoot short to semi long range (100 - 1K) are you really going to chew up barrel life on your 338LM or are you just going to shoot your 308 or 260? My point is most people set out to shoot at a specific course of fire each time the go shooting, well at least I do (I may be completely off on these assumptions and the PSR or quick change barrels be the best thing going, but I doubt it).

I don't mean to be shitting on these new rifles as I am sure they are as well made and accurate as all AI's have been, I personally just don't see the need for it. These rifles brings to mind a story a guy I know once told me:
He was talking to Deter Anschutz and ask him why they came out with the 20 series of actions as opposed to the 19 series actions. The man who asked the question asked if the 20 series were designed for better accuracy with the increase in bedding surface, or the ease of barrel changes, ect. For those of you who don't know the Anschutz 54 round actions that have been out since the 1960's as the 14 series then the 18 series hade a few minor changes in the 1970's - 1980's and finally the 19 series came out in the late 90's as the latest in the series. All these actions are basically the same with only minor differences and are considered by many to be the benchmark for rimfire actions. In the early 2000's Anschutz came out with a square, flat bottom, quick change barrel action called the 20 series that uses 4 action screws as opposed to the 2 screws on the round actions. Deter said, why do automobile makers come out with new model years? We did it to sell more rifles...
 
The PSR was not designed with civilians in mind. The barrel changes would allow for a reliable source of ammo in Afghanistan regardless of where one has deployed.

That being said, with a 6.5 or .260 barrel thrown in the mix, one could roll up to any match and have a decent rifle, albeit a heavy one.
 
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I wonder why they decided to change it from having to take the rail off on the PSR.


yea funny thing is it dose not say a dam thing in the owners manual about taking he rail off... you would think for $17K they could put that in there...OR make it work as advertised in the first place..
 
I actually have been thinking about this system since the PSR was released. To me it is a solution looking for a problem. The previous generation AI rifles were pretty easy to change barrels and calibers with a few simple tools and seemed to work pretty well. If you think about it how many people actually take more than one caliber barrel to the range and shoot it every time they shoot except for zeroing and load development. The different calibers are there to fill different needs. If you are shooting ELR the 338LM would be the only barrel you need. If when you are shooting ELR and a target at 800 to 1K yards comes up are you really going to stop and "quickly change" barrels bolt and mags to a 260 or 308? Or if you are going to shoot short to semi long range (100 - 1K) are you really going to chew up barrel life on your 338LM or are you just going to shoot your 308 or 260? My point is most people set out to shoot at a specific course of fire each time the go shooting, well at least I do (I may be completely off on these assumptions and the PSR or quick change barrels be the best thing going, but I doubt it).

The system was advertised to allow for mission specific tools and as a way for units to train with "cheaper" ammunition (similar to the Sig SSG3000 with it's rimfire conversion.)
 
The fact that you can change a barrel(flattened shoulder) on the new AX-MC338 without removing the rail is a nice update to the PSR kit from last year.

Question:
Is this only because of the flattened-out barrel shoulder….. or are the rails actually different on the new AX MC338 than the PSR ???? I am curious if/when you get a new barrel for the PSR kit, will this new “barrel spec“ allow PSR owners to change a barrel without removing the rail.
Thank you.


The OD on the shoulder of the barrel was reduced. No other changes.
 
The system was advertised to allow for mission specific tools and as a way for units to train with "cheaper" ammunition (similar to the Sig SSG3000 with it's rimfire conversion.)
I understand that. However that idea isn't exactly solid. You would have to shoot 3000 rounds (or something close to that) of 308 instead of the 338 just to break even instead of buying an AIAX 338 and that is using commercial ammo prices. This would be good to get a new shooter familiar with the weapon system but you don't get the same benefits training with a 308 as you do with a 338. Shooting a 308 to max effective isn't exactly the same thing as shooting a 338 to max effective, and if that is what you are going to do then that is how you need to train.

As far as the mission specific tools if you are doing an urban or close over watch style mission where the LM is no longer an asset then why in the hell would you choose the PSR chambered for 308 or even 300WM over a SASS or similar. I know it all depends on your specific application and unit assets but you get my point.

Also note that I am not trying to argue the intended use or design of the PSR or the quick change rifles now offered by AI. I think it just may be the next big thing. I am just simply stating my opinion on the subject, and like ass holes we all have one and they all stink...
 
Without calling AINA or Mile High etc, can anyone confirm if the barrels for the AW are compatible with the new quick lock barrel system. I have a AINA 6.5 CM barrel on the way for my AE/MK II and have an AT on order. I am wondering if the barrel will work for the AT. I may end up selling the AE if the barrel is compatible. I would like to keep both but Donald Trump I am not.
 
Without calling AINA or Mile High etc, can anyone confirm if the barrels for the AW are compatible with the new quick lock barrel system. I have a AINA 6.5 CM barrel on the way for my AE/MK II and have an AT on order. I am wondering if the barrel will work for the AT. I may end up selling the AE if the barrel is compatible. I would like to keep both but Donald Trump I am not.

Your AINA AE/AW barrel will work. There is no difference in the barrel tenon. That was done so a replacement barrel wasn't model specific. UK AE barrels will not work on the AT.
 
the QCB is a real bonus for people who live in countries where folding stocks are prohibited...a full length rifle in a full length case wont fit in the trunk of my car, so it has to but placed in the front seat, foot well, which is a pain in the arse..the QCB will let me get a shorter case
 
Your AINA AE/AW barrel will work. There is no difference in the barrel tenon. That was done so a replacement barrel wasn't model specific. UK AE barrels will not work on the AT.
Dave,

In post 10 in the following thread it's mentioned that the AW and AE barrel's are .003 off from each other;
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...s/65711-verify-aw-barrel-ae-mk-i-correct.html

MHS states in post 11 that an AW barrel would fit an AT, but doesn't list that an AE barrel would;
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...irst-look-accuracy-international-ax338mc.html

So to be more accurate, an AE barrel would fit an AT if it was an AINA barrel, which would be stock AINA barrels, and Tooley/Bartlein AINA (.260, etc.) barrels?

Thanks.
 
Dave,

In post 10 in the following thread it's mentioned that the AW and AE barrel's are .003 off from each other;
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...s/65711-verify-aw-barrel-ae-mk-i-correct.html

MHS states in post 11 that an AW barrel would fit an AT, but doesn't list that an AE barrel would;
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...irst-look-accuracy-international-ax338mc.html

So to be more accurate, an AE barrel would fit an AT if it was an AINA barrel, which would be stock AINA barrels, and Tooley/Bartlein AINA (.260, etc.) barrels?

Thanks.
No it would not fit, a portion of an AE barrel is not threaded due to the recoil lug on an AE. So it will not fully thread onto an AT or AW.
 
No it would not fit, a portion of an AE barrel is not threaded due to the recoil lug on an AE. So it will not fully thread onto an AT or AW.
I understand there's a unthreaded section towards the shoulder on an AE barrel, but I don't see how that would prevent an AE barrel from threading onto an AW, although the reverse has potential problems.
That's not my question to Dave though.
It's been pointed out that there are slight dimensional differences between the AE and AW barrels, I'd like to know if this is true, and there's a very good chance that Dave would know the answer.
 
I understand there's a unthreaded section towards the shoulder on an AE barrel, but I don't see how that would prevent an AE barrel from threading onto an AW, although the reverse has potential problems.
That's not my question to Dave though.
It's been pointed out that there are slight dimensional differences between the AE and AW barrels, I'd like to know if this is true, and there's a very good chance that Dave would know the answer.
That portion on an AE barrel that is not threaded is the same outside diameter as the threads. So when threaded on to an AT or AW the barrel will jam up where the threads end. An AW barrel can thread into an AE because the inside diameter of the recoil lug is slightly larger than the O.D. of the threads allowing it to thread all the way in without binding on anything.
 
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That portion on an AE barrel that is not threaded is the same outside diameter as the threads. So when threaded on to an AT or AW the barrel will jam up where the threads end. An AW barrel can thread into an AE because the inside diameter of the recoil lug is slightly larger than the O.D. of the threads allowing it to thread all the way in without binding on anything.
Thanks, I see what you mean (picture below for reference).
I'm assuming what Dave referred to as the `AINA AE/AW' barrel, is the AINA AW barrel that would work in a AE with a possible imprint of the threads into the recoil lug under torque.
I'd still be interested to know if the reported .003 difference is real or not.
 

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Does anyone know how the quickloc system works?

Is it simply a split action end and tightening the bolt is just applying clamping force around the barrel threads?
 
Aussie ,

No , although you can screw out the barrel so it fits in your LITTLE car etc , its not really suited to that .
Its designed as a in frequent quick change barrel/calibre swap , not as a quick way of reducing OAL .
The folder is what you want for this use , that and others , I got mine as I liked the COOLness of IT , but in reality , I use it to fit in my Little car , behind the seat east-west , very handy for that , rather than north-south in the boot etc .
On the range , when the bolt needs to be removed or cleaning , also real good and convenient to have a folder , otherwise , I would be having to find me allen key to un-screw the cheek piece etc .
I know that in Aussie you are stopped from having the folding version , as far as I know , the only new model of AI rifle to be available with a fixed stock is the AT model , which means at this stage , the AX models will not be available in Aussie for civies ?

RE the barrel , yes the bottom of the action is split with 3 cuts .

Later Chris