AI AE MK3 Barrel Swap?

[sevenplagues]

I just recently got into PRS. I've started with some good gear but my setup is in .308 WIN...A lot of people I've been speaking with say 6.5CM is the way to go. I've been searching on Mile High Shooting and Euro Optics for a replacement barrel for my AIAE MK3 in 6.5CM but I don't know which is compatible. (None say AE)
Have any of you guys ran into this issue? If so, where can I get a 6.5CM replacement barrel for my rifle? How hard is it to do? Does this rifle have a barrel nut or do I need to have the barrel installed by a gunsmith?

thanks in advance

 

[morganlamprecht]

im pretty sure AT/AW/AX barrels will work on an AE, but AEs wont work on the others because they have a unthreaded portion for the recoil lug

its not a barrel nut, its a typical barrel torqued on...need an action wrench/vise

its been a long time since ive messed with anything AE tho so memory is fuzzy...a call to euro or mile high would clear it up pretty quick

 

[Basher]

im pretty sure AT/AW/AX barrels will work on an AE, but AEs wont work on the others because they have a unthreaded portion for the recoil lug

its not a barrel nut, its a typical barrel torqued on...need an action wrench/vise

its been a long time since ive mess with anything AE tho so memory is fuzzy...a call to euro or mile high would clear it up pretty quick

You’re correct. AT/AW/AX tenons are fully threaded, and the recoil lug from an AE will slide right over it, but an AE tenon has an unthreaded portion that prevents them from fully threading into the newer actions.

 

[hollowoutadime]

I had three AE's and did a number of barrel changes. A barrel that fits any AX or AT will screw right on - that's the most common type. Gradous, Mile High, and EuroOptic are three retailers of the barrels. You'll need a generic barrel vise, some talc (holds barrel in vise, and an AI action wrench . bolt vise to workbench, put action in vise, use a 1/2" breaker bar with the action wrench to remove the barrel. Your new barrel is headspaced, is just screws on. There's a torque setting, something like 100 ft/# (google it), to see that it's tight. Whole process takes about 15 minutes, worth doing, easy.