That was my point--all "pointless" from a practical standpoint.
- Thread starter R.Walters
- Start date
Sneak peak!!
Alright guys be on the lookout for the newest newest POST- SHOT show model, the AT-XB (brass).
This one is made entirely of brass, including the action, has a straight pull bolt (got rid of the lift entirely) and weighs 87lbs unloaded.
Alright guys be on the lookout for the newest newest POST- SHOT show model, the AT-XB (brass).
This one is made entirely of brass, including the action, has a straight pull bolt (got rid of the lift entirely) and weighs 87lbs unloaded.
One would imagine they don't want to have two different short actions that fit the same purpose but require different parts.
It could also be that AI NA doesn't really want to offer the AT but it could be special ordered from the UK.
AI still makes the AWM/AWSM but doesn't sell in the USA.
What AI needs to do is redesign the AT forend so it's more like the AT-X (lower profile and barricade stop) and keep the thumbhole rear end. That with the new action will be the sexiest/most practical rifle on the planet.
Add in magnum and 223 bolt bodies and, well, insert boner GIF.
That makes sense.
I guess from my point of view if I want a military tested / military issued sniper rifle I should buy an AI AT while I can, assuming of course that these new designs haven’t been similarly .mil tested.
-Stan
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Wasn't the AT-X released as a comp gun? I just found it interesting that once people started debonding them and swapping to things like the AO/Vision chassis, the next releases from AI aren't bonded. I'm not a comp guy at all but it is a massive focus in the industry.
Yes, the AT-X was released as a comp gun. Though it's still perfectly fine for a duty rifle (see the CBP solicitation and award). However, the AXSR was released before the AT-X as a .mil rifle and wasn't bonded. The AT-XC rifle is now a combination of the AT-X chassis and the AXSR action. And the rifles are performing well enough, there's no need to keep the older bonding required chassis around. That's just how products evolve.
Not bonding modern AI (AXSR) happened before the comp rifle. Also keep in mind that AI has released rifles in the past that weren't bonded (AE rifles).
You're making connections focusing on very specific things instead of the big picture.
The AXSR was tested and isn't bonded. The reason it failed the contract was a failure on a trigger (the factory tried and true trigger type, not the competition trigger). Shit happens sometimes.
But, it passed everything else. It runs 338 cartridges fine without bonding.
And the AT-XC is a scaled down short action version of the AXSR.
Thank you, but the price difference between the AT and the various AI chassis rifles doesn’t buy me anything that I value.
If a clock is ticking on the AT for civilians, then my bank account is getting scared, as I intended to wait until May 2025 to purchase.
-Stan
Yea, if price is a concern. Your post stated the reason for picking up was it has been tested and new designs had not.
I'm focusing on reasons bonding would go away from the design. It just seemed to me unbonded would have more benefit to civilian shooters where as a bonded chassis wouldn't really hurt mil/le. I'm sure AI tested it heavily and is satisfied with the results otherwise they wouldn't have changed it.
unbonded is nicer for everyone (Civ/Mil) when it comes to servicing the rifle. The military has armorers that take apart and service rifles, I'm sure they could deal with a bonded action but a few bolts torqued to spec are just easier for all involved. Plus I'm sure it's more efficient to not bond actions in production.
I can’t remember if Scott said this in one of the threads or if it’s on their website, but AI has addressed bonding. Paraphrasing, AI stated something along the lines that earlier models were bonded due to ‘poor’ (not their word) machining. Modern machining (equipment & skill) no longer requires bonding.
Same deal with their square actions. It wasn’t based on special engineering, they simply had square bar stock, so they used it.
Both bonding and ‘square’ actions are now modern mythology.
Same deal with their square actions. It wasn’t based on special engineering, they simply had square bar stock, so they used it.
Both bonding and ‘square’ actions are now modern mythology.
While I’m disappointed that AI will not update the AT with some magnum bolt faces, I’m not going to be a buyer for an AT-XC for $6500 plus whatever another bolt costs. Figure that would be pushing $7K+ just to add short mags. While I could sell my current AT-X to make up some difference I could also just save a few more $$$ and buy a full size magnum length action to build and really yeet some bullets with more HP than 6.5 PRC, WSM, or RSAUM can hope to do.
Maybe Chad at LRI will get back with @FUNCTIONAL or myself and get an aftermarket bolt in the works for the AT action at an attainable price and availability.
Maybe Chad at LRI will get back with @FUNCTIONAL or myself and get an aftermarket bolt in the works for the AT action at an attainable price and availability.
I believe that the AX50 from 2010 did not have a bonded action... The AT-X and AXSR also do not, no longer required apparently.
Having bonding on the previous AI' I've owned was comforting, knowing that the action was stuck in place and likely never going to shift.
It was a bit of a task getting AT' out of their chassis' to put them into MPA' a couple of years ago.
Having bonding on the previous AI' I've owned was comforting, knowing that the action was stuck in place and likely never going to shift.
It was a bit of a task getting AT' out of their chassis' to put them into MPA' a couple of years ago.
Hold up, what the fuck did you just say?
For once it's not you guys getting all the best toys.
Accuracy International - AW Rifle System
Sporting Services specially factory commissioned AW Rifle System! ** Unfortunately these are now all sold and the AI factory is not currently accepting further orders. We will update here is that changes ** Note: These are in the newer style stock sides as shown in photo. We are pleased to...
www.sportingservices.co.uk 
Says all sold and not accepting further orders. You sure they’re currently available over there?For once it's not you guys getting all the best toys.
Accuracy International - AW Rifle System
Sporting Services specially factory commissioned AW Rifle System! ** Unfortunately these are now all sold and the AI factory is not currently accepting further orders. We will update here is that changes ** Note: These are in the newer style stock sides as shown in photo. We are pleased to...
Sorry didn't see that, they were available until recently.
AI appears to still be making the rifles for the British Military so looks like Sporting Services must order a few at the same time.
IIRC, Scott said, and I believe posted here (somewhere), that there was no trigger related failure.
His quote…
“We submitted three ASR rifles to SOCOM for the trial that started in 2017. One of the three rifles had a trigger that did not maintain the adjustment range and we were eliminated from the trial. Again, that trigger was an AI trigger and that failure is on us.”
Thanks for the reply and correction.
Couple of comments...
1. I have a fair amount of different bolt action rifles. My TL3's and Defiance actions certainly feel nice, and bolt manipulation is very smooth. However they sometimes can be temperamental. When I ask people what they are looking for in a rifle, I tell them they can go two ways - a. build it yourself, and you are the systems QC engineer, or buy a Factory rifle, where the factory has tested the complete platform for QC. The benefit of an AI (any factory rifle) is that the factory is on the hook to validate the entire platform. Some companies do a better job than others, and that is what you pay for when purchasing a factory rifle. A comparison of a custom built rifle and a factory rifle are not apples to apples in my opinion. More like making a weighted decision - like how much error can you accept based on what your task is.
2. One of the reasons I purchased an AI is the proof testing. European manufacturers are required to proof test every firearm. There is no such requirement here in the USA, so manufactures can do whatever testing they feel is warranted. This may be 1/1000 unit testing, or simply a design test. So when I was concerned about the safety of an action, I wanted to know what level of testing was performed by the action manufacturer. Because the new AT-XC has better safety features, I will likely upgrade at some point. I don't think the AT-X is an inferior action, but I like the additional safety features added to the AT-XC
3. Bonding - one of the reasons I was interested in a bonded action isn't the fit of the action to the chassis per-se but instead to resist dust infiltration into the mechanics of the system. However I wonder (hope) the new AT-XC is easier to disassemble and clean. Also, after having a failure in my custom TL3 where the action bolts came loose on me during a 2 day competition, I was hoping for a backup to the action bolts coming loose. Currently in my custom actions, I check bolt torque after every day in a 2 day match, since that is often a problem for custom bolt action rifles in a 3rd party chassis. I am hoping that the AI will not have this problem, but since it is more like a custom action I will likely check them anyway.
1. I have a fair amount of different bolt action rifles. My TL3's and Defiance actions certainly feel nice, and bolt manipulation is very smooth. However they sometimes can be temperamental. When I ask people what they are looking for in a rifle, I tell them they can go two ways - a. build it yourself, and you are the systems QC engineer, or buy a Factory rifle, where the factory has tested the complete platform for QC. The benefit of an AI (any factory rifle) is that the factory is on the hook to validate the entire platform. Some companies do a better job than others, and that is what you pay for when purchasing a factory rifle. A comparison of a custom built rifle and a factory rifle are not apples to apples in my opinion. More like making a weighted decision - like how much error can you accept based on what your task is.
2. One of the reasons I purchased an AI is the proof testing. European manufacturers are required to proof test every firearm. There is no such requirement here in the USA, so manufactures can do whatever testing they feel is warranted. This may be 1/1000 unit testing, or simply a design test. So when I was concerned about the safety of an action, I wanted to know what level of testing was performed by the action manufacturer. Because the new AT-XC has better safety features, I will likely upgrade at some point. I don't think the AT-X is an inferior action, but I like the additional safety features added to the AT-XC
3. Bonding - one of the reasons I was interested in a bonded action isn't the fit of the action to the chassis per-se but instead to resist dust infiltration into the mechanics of the system. However I wonder (hope) the new AT-XC is easier to disassemble and clean. Also, after having a failure in my custom TL3 where the action bolts came loose on me during a 2 day competition, I was hoping for a backup to the action bolts coming loose. Currently in my custom actions, I check bolt torque after every day in a 2 day match, since that is often a problem for custom bolt action rifles in a 3rd party chassis. I am hoping that the AI will not have this problem, but since it is more like a custom action I will likely check them anyway.
I remember a video posted on the Hide a few years back regarding the proof tests done by AI. I think it was their video. I wish I saved it as it was an eye-opener and what persuaded me to wait for an LH AI to become available.
I have both AI’s and tikkas as well. The ctr T3X to me is a “poor mans AI” if they want a smooth action, 10 round double stack mag, excellent trigger and decent shooter on a budget. When someone looks for a recommendation on a factory rifle in the $1000 range it hands down goes to the CTR for me
Absolutely! IMO there is no better factory rifle in the sub $1-2K price range than a Tikka CTR, Tac A1, or Super Varmint. The Ruger Precision Rifle is the only thing that comes close for me.
I was shooting with a friend at the PRS match in Telluride when he got a stuck .223 case (a bit overpressure). He was on-the-clock and hit the bolt with his hand to try to eject the case and the bolt handle snapped clean off his Tikka. He finished the match shooting his .308 AI AW which they let him shoot so he could finish the match. However because of that, I wouldn't shoot a Tikka.
How hard did he hit the handle? Had he ever dropped the bolt before?
I mean, Remmy’s handles have snapped off
“I wouldn’t run a Remmy either” I know I know.
So like a lot of the Remingtons of years past? Whatever happened to our old member Bolt Ripper? I think he earned that on a Remington.
X-Ring has a good video on the break down of the XC
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cj5n3H02KD0&si=NxraPQCCUfY17V7j
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cj5n3H02KD0&si=NxraPQCCUfY17V7j
AI bolt handles are the Kate Moss of bolt handles. I'm not surprised
(I know they rarely fail).
Yeah, he was hitting it pretty hard.
However last time I shot the Nightforce ELR match in Wyoming someone - I can't remember who, but pretty good shooter had ammo that was WAY over pressure. Every shot he had a hammer, to pound open the action by pounding on the bolt handle. He did that for the entire match (2 day match)... I kind of expect the bolt to hold up to repeated abuse, but I guess if I was really concerned I would go with the Archmedes from ARC...
Attachments
That was chase stroud. He was shooting a 338 enabler version I think, in a cadex or cadex chassis. He said the chamber was cut wrong. He lost 200fps from his first shot of the match to his last. I think that was 2021, first time I shot that match. I was in that squad.
I bet sometimes people that own Bentleys get a flat tire, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't ride or drive one.
Yes, it was pretty surprising to watch - I think someone else did the loading for him right before the match, so no time to validate it. I was surprised his action survived...
Haven't seen anyone post this yet on here, but AI UK posted this on their Instagram today. Not sure if this totally confirms they are "sun-setting" the AX and AT lines, but seems likely.
Caption: "Accuracy International product line 2024. Three models in different calibres and configurations for Sporting and Professional customers. For full details visit the NEW AI website: www.accuracyinternational.com"
Caption: "Accuracy International product line 2024. Three models in different calibres and configurations for Sporting and Professional customers. For full details visit the NEW AI website: www.accuracyinternational.com"
They've already stated they are. AT and AX might be available to LE in some fashion. But not civilian, unless the decide to keep the AT due to it's popularity and lower price point.
so, would u guys jump on the new Gen4 or do a custom build on an Impact/Zues action w just the AT-X chassis instead? im undecided.
Do you wanna be able to post pics in the
AI thread? If yes atx if not GTFO.....
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si? You mean this: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Si
Or sports illustrated?
I know I know. Stupid autocorrect/ mistype strikes again.
I know that's why I bought one.
If someone was giving me one for free, I'd pick the AT-XC. Might be different if I had to spend my own money, depending on what deals can be had.
Are you interested in the AI features or prefer the handling (60 degree)? Or do you have no use for quick change barrels, AX mags and the AI ecco system? Or do you love the feel of 90 degree actions and can't handle 12 lbs of bolt lift?
To me it's AI or GTFO but to each their own.
To me it's AI or GTFO but to each their own.
AX308.
So your saying to keep being a poor for another year or two and get the new new ATXC vs going custom?
