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AI AX vs Barrett MRAD: Which is better and why?

AI AX vs Barrett MRAD: Which is better and why?

  • AI AX

    Votes: 134 77.9%
  • Barrett MRAD

    Votes: 38 22.1%

  • Total voters
    172
I don't necessarily think one is better than the other. Both have their advantages. Seems like more third party support for the AI. It's almost like comparing Ford to Chevy...IMO
 
I don't necessarily think one is better than the other. Both have their advantages. Seems like more third party support for the AI. It's almost like comparing Ford to Chevy...IMO
Sure, what are the advantages/disadvantages for each in your opinion?
 
Sure, what are the advantages/disadvantages for each in your opinion?
I don't have personal experience with the MRAD. Just basing my opinion from what I've read. I purchased an AI AT then moved to the AXSR, but have not received it yet. Should be next week hopefully. I feel its pretty subjective.
 
Hi,

O man, these this vs that threads, lolol

Nobody ever really says the truth bluntly, haha so let me be of assistance....

IF you have to ask which is better and why then you most definitely would not notice the difference in either of them IF you made the decision to actually get either one of them. So that is win win for you.
IF you have to ask strangers which is better and why then you most definitely are not going to notice a difference on the target no matter which of them you actually go with. So that is another win win for you.
IF you are looking for other peoples opinions in order to sway your decision process then you should spend more time shooting and learn what YOU like and why, instead of what someone else likes. And that could either save you money in the long run or cost you a shitload more money in the long run.

The reality is you should buy whichever one YOU like and not what someone else likes.
Could you imagine buying health insurance based off what someone else likes about their plan.......

Sincerely,
Theis
 
The AI magazine system is superior. Each AI magazine is designed around its family of cartridges and feeds reliably from the double-stack. AI uses metal magazines that don't scratch and scuff internally, which fares better in the long term. Also, AI doesn't require the use of a barrel extension, which simplifies re-barreling. Best, Tom
 
I love Tricare and my M240 MK19 is the most accurate weapon on the planet.

Hi,

Not as good as cashcare (where a doctor is not contractually obligated aka receiving kickbacks) to push this vs that (See what I did there), lolol....
Cashcare is International and not only do I get to keep my doctor....I get to fire my doctor at anytime, lolol

Now is for the Mk19......I can shoot the charging handle off those things and give you a big ass heavy crossfit weight that not even Tricare care fix, lolol

Aspis.jpg


Sincerely,
Theis
 
Hi,

Not as good as cashcare (where a doctor is not contractually obligated aka receiving kickbacks) to push this vs that (See what I did there), lolol....
Cashcare is International and not only do I get to keep my doctor....I get to fire my doctor at anytime, lolol

Now is for the Mk19......I can shoot the charging handle off those things and give you a big ass heavy crossfit weight that not even Tricare care fix, lolol

View attachment 7495403

Sincerely,
Theis
23472345_10105907916050929_4555073845771004610_n.jpg

My tripod's weight > your everything's weight 🤪
 
The AI magazine system is superior. Each AI magazine is designed around its family of cartridges and feeds reliably from the double-stack. AI uses metal magazines that don't scratch and scuff internally, which fares better in the long term. Also, AI doesn't require the use of a barrel extension, which simplifies re-barreling. Best, Tom

I don't tend to be rough on equipment, but I've owned and shot MRADs since they came out. Never had a problem with a mag. I shoot .338, .300WM, .308 & .260 R.
 
I don't tend to be rough on equipment, but I've owned and shot MRADs since they came out. Never had a problem with a mag. I shoot .338, .300WM, .308 & .260 R.

My experience is limited to a data sample of one, but I tested some of True Velocity's ammunition out of their MRAD chambered in .338 norma. Jimmy Sloan, the designer of the .338 Norma and the .300 Norma, was there with me and it was a rifle he used quite a bit. I don't know the round count on that gun, but the magazine bodies (I think we were using more than one) had become scuffed internally to the point that the follower would and did stick on me a couple times. This required removing the magazine to clear the malfunction. It's an easy enough fix - buy a new magazine - but it soured me a bit on the rifle.
 
Hi,

O man, these this vs that threads, lolol

Nobody ever really says the truth bluntly, haha so let me be of assistance....

IF you have to ask which is better and why then you most definitely would not notice the difference in either of them IF you made the decision to actually get either one of them. So that is win win for you.
IF you have to ask strangers which is better and why then you most definitely are not going to notice a difference on the target no matter which of them you actually go with. So that is another win win for you.
IF you are looking for other peoples opinions in order to sway your decision process then you should spend more time shooting and learn what YOU like and why, instead of what someone else likes. And that could either save you money in the long run or cost you a shitload more money in the long run.

The reality is you should buy whichever one YOU like and not what someone else likes.
Could you imagine buying health insurance based off what someone else likes about their plan.......

Sincerely,
Theis

Well said. I own and love my AI AT, I’m just settling an argument with some unbiased evidence. :)
 
If your buying Id take one of each to add to the collection . :giggle: :giggle: :giggle: and love them both equally . I would have to say that one ai package looked really sweet one gun 3 barrels 3 bolts 3 mags for each caliber and all less than the cost a new kidney life is good .
 
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My experience is limited to a data sample of one, but I tested some of True Velocity's ammunition out of their MRAD chambered in .338 norma. Jimmy Sloan, the designer of the .338 Norma and the .300 Norma, was there with me and it was a rifle he used quite a bit. I don't know the round count on that gun, but the magazine bodies (I think we were using more than one) had become scuffed internally to the point that the follower would and did stick on me a couple times. This required removing the magazine to clear the malfunction. It's an easy enough fix - buy a new magazine - but it soured me a bit on the rifle.

I haven't shot out a barrel yet so what do I know. Though I do rotate two .338 barrels.

A manufacture may have modified another manufactures products, for who knows why. This is the first I've heard of this and a used to keep up with the new Barrett MRAD thread.
 
I haven't shot out a barrel yet so what do I know. Though I do rotate two .338 barrels.

A manufacture may have modified another manufactures products, for who knows why. This is the first I've heard of this and a used to keep up with the new Barrett MRAD thread.

You certainly have more personal experience with the MRAD than I do, I was just passing along my my thoughts based on what I saw and experienced in my limited contact with it. I think the MRAD is a good rifle and I love how easy it is to pull the trigger for maintenance. It is very accurate and, of the two rifles mentioned, it's lighter. The OP asked for opinions, so I threw mine out there. It's just an opinion.

Just to provide some context, Jimmie Sloan (spelled it wrong last time) told me he'd fired over 150,000 rounds of .338 Norma during the cartridge's development. He initially designed it as a machine gun cartridge, but did a truckload of testing through bolt-actions rifles. I have no idea how many rounds that MRAD i shot had seen, but it was probably a ton. The magazine had not been modified in any way.
 
I don't have personal experience with the MRAD. Just basing my opinion from what I've read. I purchased an AI AT then moved to the AXSR, but have not received it yet. Should be next week hopefully. I feel its pretty subjective.
What made you go from At to AXSR?
 
I had this same discussion with my brother recently.

If you like crooked teeth, tea, wearing women’s undies and 3-cylinder Diesel engines, the AI is for you.

If you like super models, coffee, going commando and the sound of V8’s, the MRAD is for you.


Just looking at this reply, along with that "cOlLeCtOrS" ACC you're trying to sell... I'd say you're all kinds of F*ed up, player....
 
I'll chime in just to answer the OPs question as most have ignored it. I have both and thoroughly enjoy both. The AI is a more refined package with better support for aftermarket barrels and chambering options. With the new military contract is appears more aftermarket barrels are starting to pop up-great for us all as the MRAD had years to get some momentum and Barrett let it languish to the point of extinction. Both shoot equally well so it is either an aesthetic effect or saving some $$$ that would decide it either way. The two systems can go tit for tat and you would be happy either way.
 
LOL

It’s not my fault you couldn’t understand a simple English vs. American joke.

As for the KAC I am selling, it might not be your cup of tea. That’s OK though, it was only made for real men.
You obviously don’t know who @NoLegs24 is or what’s he has done to protect your freedom to do and say stupid shit. I’d probably back off.
 
Two different type of rifles.

One has a SOCOM contract.

The other is an AI.


Also, food for thought; I'm one of the extremely few (if the only one?) on here that has actually used an issued AI in combat via the G22. I still vastly prefer the MRAD.
 
Two different type of rifles.

One has a SOCOM contract.

The other is an AI.


Also, food for thought; I'm one of the extremely few (if the only one?) on here that has actually used an issued AI in combat via the G22. I still vastly prefer the MRAD.

What did you like better about the MRAD?
 
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LOL

It’s not my fault you couldn’t understand a simple English vs. American joke.

As for the KAC I am selling, it might not be your cup of tea. That’s OK though, it was only made for real men.

LOL. Made for real men..... I’ve got uppers worth more than your rifle, at the price you’re trying to sell it at, too.
Does yours have an etched out number or even a QR code that it from the other ACC’s?? Besides being factory coated?

You want to know how I WON this rifle?

4CDACFEF-1576-4FA8-8223-38190EAB61C2.jpeg


By using this one...

F52EE5CD-9120-49D6-8032-C7D1327046C6.jpeg


Also, since when did real men report other guy’s post? This ain’t your for sale ad, homie. 😘
 
LOL. Made for real men..... I’ve got uppers worth more than your rifle, at the price you’re trying to sell it at, too.
Does yours have an etched out number or even a QR code that it from the other ACC’s?? Besides being factory coated?

You want to know how I WON this rifle?

View attachment 7495864

By using this one...

View attachment 7495865

Also, since when did real men report other guy’s post? This ain’t your for sale ad, homie. 😘

OP here, which one do you like better and why?
 
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Yep, I bought an ASR ... Hey @NoLegs24 - what after market barrel did you buy there for yours?
 
What did you like better about the MRAD?

It's honestly Ford vs Chevy. I have an MRAD and prefer it, people will show up with AIs and prefer them. Honestly, if you gave me either, I wouldn't really care.

The G22 analogy is a bit off from the current generation of AI as we didn't have a fully adjustable busttock, spigot bipods that basically folded onto themselves, permeantly attached irons which made a requirment for a special mount that put the optic so fucking high it was retarded. Oh and fuck that swept back bolt handle. This was in 1999 back through 01/02 so improvments were made with upgrading the stock as well as whatever AI offered for future evolutions of the AI AW.

But apples to apples, the MRAD has a much better switch barrel design. It is afterall, a switch barrel gun so that should really be something to focus on. They've also gone to the point to offer 'kits' to have your own caliber/barrel spun up instead of being captive to their chamberings. I can change a barrel in a few minutes with zero shift, if done right. Most who say there is a shift generally do the barrel swap incorrectly; main culprit is not holding/inserting the barrel vertically or not using the proper torque wrench. Generally you're shooing long action calibers and the MRAD is set up for that; closing the bolt on the MRAD is also much smoother than the weird force to overcome you have on the AI.

Performance wise? They're the same. You're splitting hairs on the barrels/action/overall performance.

AI has an edge on aftermarket support availability, and while true, there is nothing that doesn't exist for the MRAD that exists for the AI that I've ever wanted/needed, so having more random crap for the sake of it being more its pretty moot.

Oh, and MRAD doesnt have the upside down buttplate :p

MRAD is cheaper with the same level of performance as the AI and a better/easier barrel change system in a barrel change centric weapon system.
 
@TheGerman, is a barrel extension still needed to swap MRAD barrels? I haven’t kept up on what they are doing. Also can you elaborate on how the MRAD barrel change is easier then the AI loosening one Allen bolt and changing the barrel?
 
@Zorfunk They're both such good rifles man. Without having anytime with the Barrett MRAD, but I have had time with the Sako TRG M10. My main gripe with those weapons systesm and any other system that uses a Barrel extension is, aftermarket barrels. Thought the barrel extension does make it easier to change barrels on platfroms like the Barrett and Desert Tech with side screws vs Remington MSR or TRG M10 where you need a wrench to lock the barrel nut in place.

I am aware of Barrett finally making the "Barrel Maker Kits", but it took them long enough that a lot just moved away from that system. I know some don't like the feel of the bolt on the MRAD, they say it feels cheap? Prolly cause of the polymer bolt guide. Who knows.
They're both good rifles though. But I'm an AI guy at the end of the day. You won't go wrong with either.

@craigos I get all my barrels chambered by Matt at Sawtooth Rifles

@Bkbz Me? angry? Negative, this is me being playful.
 
Hi,

Not as good as cashcare (where a doctor is not contractually obligated aka receiving kickbacks) to push this vs that (See what I did there), lolol....
Cashcare is International and not only do I get to keep my doctor....I get to fire my doctor at anytime, lolol

Now is for the Mk19......I can shoot the charging handle off those things and give you a big ass heavy crossfit weight that not even Tricare care fix, lolol

View attachment 7495403

Sincerely,
Theis

Is that the new 2021 savage that was supposed to exhibit at shot show

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:p:devilish:
 
LOL

It’s not my fault you couldn’t understand a simple English vs. American joke.

As for the KAC I am selling, it might not be your cup of tea. That’s OK though, it was only made for real men.

You picked one of the last guys on earth that you would want to be compared to to see which of you is the "real man."

But at least your post was was funny.
 
LOL. Made for real men..... I’ve got uppers worth more than your rifle, at the price you’re trying to sell it at, too.
Does yours have an etched out number or even a QR code that it from the other ACC’s?? Besides being factory coated?

You want to know how I WON this rifle?

View attachment 7495864

By using this one...

View attachment 7495865

Also, since when did real men report other guy’s post? This ain’t your for sale ad, homie. 😘

Since Nightforce was the sponsor did they give you a scope too for taking 1st place ?
 
I had both an AXMC and a MRAD, I prefer the Mrad, though I will admit that nothing looks as cool and iconic as an AI.
A couple things I noticed that don’t get brought up very often are cost, the Mrad is significantly less $$ than a modded AXMC or a PSR.
Also the Mrad is really in a tube gun form, ( B/A set into the chassis rather than on top) which I really like.

I don’t necessarily think the Mrad is better, but i prefer it.

C9116D26-D324-4EEC-9564-242912F59C0C.jpeg