Accuracy International Opinions on AE & 2014 AT

[racerman1]

Accuracy International AT (2014)
Accuracy International AE Mk. III (2013)

I would like to hear opinions on what would/could make a
2014 AT worth the current cost difference from a AE Mk III (Mark 3).

And how this would relate to any performance differences

I am buying an AE...but I just wanted to get this settled in my mind.

Also...
I know the AT is "new", and not very many have hands on yet...
so therefore the "opinions" statement.

Thanks for your input.

 

[poison123]

Aren't they practically the same cost "new" Both should be right about 4k new I believe.

Otherwise.

AT uses the AW type Action
AT is quick Change Barrel System.
AT has the upgrades to the AE stock like the pistol grip(if your into that) and the NVG mount on the front.


Now....if I was getting a AE for in the 2k region....its a no brainer I'd go with the AE.

 

[Lowlight]

An AE is an AE, and the Mk III is excellent, the barrel is the same as any other AI, and it's Performance is the same.

The AT is an AW with a QuickLoc which allows you change the barrel a few minutes quicker. If you want to move from caliber to caliber within the same family often, or swap out barrels of different lengths the QuickLoc is what you want. If you plan on sticking to a single caliber most of the time, it's not that big a deal. You can still change barrels. Changing barrels often requires spending money, if you don't plan on having a supply of barrels in different lengths and/or calibers, it's just a cool guy feature... look ma what I can it in 1 minute and 30 seconds, vs 8 minutes.

The AT is a tiny bit more bulletproof because it's a combat rifle vs a Law Enforcement one, the bonding is a bit sturdier, however for 99% of what you'll see under normal use, you'll never notice it. The very worse case is, you might have to re-torque or check torque on the AE and you don't have to sweat it on the AT. That is about it.

The AT is a great price and has some cosmetic changes, but nothing the average user will notice or better, a first time user. You won't recognize the differences so that part is a wash.

Shooting it... have at it, I have pretty much the whole AI line and still use and love my AE MKIII... I have no reason not to. It works, works well and is a hammer of a rifle. The AE remains in the front of the safe cause I use it.

 

[afate45]

According to Mile High's website:

AI AE MKIII, folding stock, plain threaded 308 barrel = $3217.60

AI AT, folding stock, plain threaded 308 barrel = $4622.00 (subtract $422 if you want a non-folding stock)

Either way you go, plan on adding another $800 or so for a threaded barrel in another caliber (260, 6.5 creed, etc)...800 is just an estimate, it might be slightly less, but I doubt any more.


Post edit: I didn't see LL's post when I first made mine, so I want to add that I also love my AE MKIII and I'm very pleased with the purchase. I've shot next to an AX and my AE is every bit as accurate as the AX. I would probably rarely use the barrel swap feature unless I had one of the new long action AXMC and I could swap between 338/260...but I don't have my hopes up on seeing those conversion parts any time soon. I hope to upgrade to an AXMC in short action in the next year, but until then, my MKIII will continue to shoot just as well as the other AI rifles out there. Whether or not I can keep up with the other guys out there shooting those rifles, well, that's a different story.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

The price I got on an AE MKIII folder was just over $3k for a non threaded model. An AT is $4083 delivered for a folding model without brake. For me the quick change is an advantage but I'd spend th extra cash for the competition trigger, double stack mags, and flush cups alone.

 

[Randoman5]

If it matters to you the AE is a little bit lighter.

 

[ColbyLang]

I bought my AE knowing that they were discontinuing it after SHOT. Picked up my 24" threaded .308 folder on Xmas eve. I paid the sale price with a smile on my face.

I look at it like this, I saved my dollars to buy this one, I'll save some more and buy an AT. Who says ya can't have both!!

 

[snipe10]

Reading this (especially LL) I'll now spend the extra for the AT. Don't know if/when I'll buy extra barrels but want the choice plus it seems that it's a little more bomb proof than the AE. Throw in the 5% Mile High discount and it's around $4K out the door for a folder. To me, when I'm talking $3K or $4K, I'm past trying to save some dollars and more about getting what I want.

 

[racerman1]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my questions.

I appreciate your insight, expertise, and opinions.

It has helped me greatly....

Thanks again