.308 AI or custom build

S

shoey03

Private
Minuteman
Feb 19, 2012
4
0
39
#1
Hello everyone, I am sure you have several of these threads laying around and won't make anyone answer if they can help to point me in the right direction. I searched and came up with things that didn't help.

I am looking to get a .308 built for a good long ranger. I have not stayed up on rifles in the past 8 years so this is all new info I am taking in.

Options thus far:

Buying a rifle ready to go out of the box besides optics of course.

AI .308 AX series rifle
Surgeon

OR

Building( looks like it will save me a lot of money!)

I have heard a lot of good things can come out of an R700

IF I were to build I suppose this could be an options and from reading these are some mods worth doing?

-AICS chassis
-KRG Bolt Lift
-Timney Trigger
-Defiance Action
-Custom Karbon Barrel with muzzel brake

For this rifle I want precision. Lets say 5k budget with no optics. Let me know if there are better options out there as far as builds go?

Thank you for all the help in advance.
 
#3
Re: .308 AI or custom build

The AI is going to be near bombproof and will hold its resale value better than a custom. If you have the dough, that is the way I would lean. You might also add the Sako TRG to the list. The AX wasn't around when I picked up my TRG and the Sako fit me far better than the AI.

Lastly, bookmark the following search engine and use it exclusively for searching the hide. the organic search function isn't the best.

Search Link

Josh
 
#4
Re: .308 AI or custom build

No competitions, I just want a LR rifle for a hobby, but don't want to compromise accuracy just because it is for hobby as I do intend to take precision shooting courses by black water throughout the year.
 
#5
Re: .308 AI or custom build

I'm having a custom built with a Stiller Tac 30, Bartlien Barrel, AX chassi and timney trigger. Its going to cost about 3300 in the end not including scope, bipod etc.

With the group buy's going on actions and barrels right now you could probably have just about the same thing built for under $3000

AX rifles start around $6500
 
#10
Re: .308 AI or custom build

Lets back up a step. Can someone help me put together a stacked build list for a LR rifle in either .338 or .308 calibers. Like I said budget is around 5k for everything but the optics. I have never attempted or even looked into a custom build so all of this is new to me. Any details will be of great help.

Are there any Cons to building other than you most likely won't reach the quality level without paying the same high dollar amounts as some of the big names.
 
#11
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoey03</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have never attempted or even looked into a custom build so all of this is new to me. Any details will be of great help.</div></div>Consider not spec'ing out a bulid if you don't know what you want, because you are not in a position to get maximum benefit from a custom build compared to a quality factory rifle (for less).
 
#12
Re: .308 AI or custom build

I want a .308 precision rifle, that looks aggressive, shoots true out to about 800-1000yds and is accurate with a good piece of glass on top. As for brand/build that is why I am asking for help. The AE just doesn't do anything for me looks wise and if I can get something a little more personal for cheaper,that is just as accurate great!

I know I am picky, but if you spend 4-7k on a rifle you want it to look sweet too right?
 
#13
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoey03</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I want a .308 precision rifle, that looks aggressive, shoots true out to about 800-1000yds and is accurate with a good piece of glass on top. As for brand/build that is why I am asking for help. The AE just doesn't do anything for me looks wise and if I can get something a little more personal for cheaper,that is just as accurate great!

I know I am picky, but if you spend 4-7k on a rifle you want it to look sweet too right?
</div></div>

Sako TRG-22 and be done for less than most full customs run.

Josh
 
#15
#16
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoey03</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lets back up a step. Can someone help me put together a stacked build list for a LR rifle in either .338 or .308 calibers.....</div></div>

If you don't know exactly what you want, then a custom rifle is definitely NOT for you. The whole purpose of a custom is to get exactly what YOU want, not what I think you need.

My suggestion would be to get an AI AE MkIII and enjoy it. If you get to the point that you decide you want something different, you may be in a better position to know how you want it configured.

I have a considerable amount of time behind a bolt gun and I went with the AE instead of a custom. I have not regretted it once. That isn't to say that I am not going to have a custom built down the road. It is just that the AE fills 99% of my needs at this point.

When I did the review of the AE MkII I covered some of the reasons I went AI instead of custom:
http://8541tactical.com/AIAEMk2%20article.php
 
#17
Re: .308 AI or custom build

I think the Hide has the best selection of rifles for sale. Browse and browse some more, there are a ton of high quality rifles for sale here. Even if you don't buy, you'll get a better idea at what you're lookin for. I have a GAP Crusader and love the thing, but it may not be your cup of tea. Shop around. And I don't think you'll find anything bad about the AI AE.
 
#19
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cox380</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You could always put Viperskins on the AI AE if you want it to<span style="color: #CC0000"> look better</span>. </div></div>

Seriously?

If you said to get them because they make the rifle more comfortable or useable, I wouldn't have had anything to say......but looks?
 
#21
Re: .308 AI or custom build

I think you should buy a Savage, Remington, FN or Tikka, out of the box, and stick a USO, Premier ir Bender on top.

Shoot that for a season or two, go to the range or competitions/matches as much as you can, get behind other folks rifles, and chat with them.

Then, armed with real experience and knowledge, buy what you (now) KNOW you want.

That said, you can't go wrong with a TRG or AI as far as high-end factory rifles go.

Or, browse the classifieds and jump on a used custom that strikes your fancy, built by obe of the many reputable outfits such as GAP, SAC etc etc etc...

I think it's a waste for anyone to "jump in" and buy some superrifle when they don't really even know what they want...but, superrifles are nice!
 
#22
Re: .308 AI or custom build

Buy a used ga from here for a savings or other reputable gunsmith or high end factory gun. Dont waste your time buying beginner guns and shooting the barrel out, that just takes longer to get something good. If you have 5k to spend thst tells me you will have multiple rifles in no time. Train and learn with the best to bring the best out of yourself. If you have the best equiptment then you wont be giving excuses to why it doesnt perform.

Rich
 
#23
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cox380</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You could always put Viperskins on the AI AE if you want it to<span style="color: #CC0000"> look better</span>. </div></div>

Seriously?

If you said to get them because they make the rifle more comfortable or useable, I wouldn't have had anything to say......but looks? </div></div>

If you read the OP's post #3132567 you will see that he/she is pretty concerned about <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">lo</span>oks</span> as it is mentioned three times. So yes seriously and with no disrespect. I was trying to be helpful to the OP who doesn't like the looks of the AI AE.
 
#24
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cox380</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If you read the OP's post #3132567 you will see that he/she is pretty concerned about <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">lo</span>oks</span> as it is mentioned three times. So yes seriously and with no disrespect. I was trying to be helpful to the OP who doesn't like the looks of the AI AE.
</div></div>

My apologies.

I just now read the post you are referring to.

Since the OP is more concerned with the looks, I think I will just bow out of this one. I really can't wrap my head around that decision making process so I don't feel that I would be much help.
 
#26
Re: .308 AI or custom build

I would take the AI over just about any custom gun you can put out there. Most of them are just going to be built up 700 clones of some sort. A AI is a AI, not a gussied up hunting rifle!
 
#27
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The AE is still the best value in a quality precision rifle. </div></div>

I agree with Graham. Esp since the MkIII has come out. It or the TRG. Id get a nice used one, if it were me. There are numerous AEs and TRGs listed here. I have yet to purchase a brand spanking new rifle. Id miss out on too many good deals or would spend needless extra $$ on the same rifle, when I could put that toward a good scope.

Looks are a subjective matter. What one person thinks looks good, will certainly not apply to everyone else. The same goes with ergonomics. Just because it feels good to one person, does not count for everyone.
 
#28
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cpl Snafu</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you like the AI, buy the AIAE. The cash you save will buy you a top shelf scope. I own an AW but if I was buying today I'd get an AE. </div></div>

Agree 100% I've had Aw & AE and the AE shot every bit as well. No need to spend the extra on the AW unless you Must have the Military version. Resale on an AI is superb, A custom is a "Custom". It will be built for You and may not appeal to most other shooters.
 
#29
Re: .308 AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cox380</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If you read the OP's post #3132567 you will see that he/she is pretty concerned about <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">lo</span>oks</span> as it is mentioned three times. So yes seriously and with no disrespect. I was trying to be helpful to the OP who doesn't like the looks of the AI AE.
</div></div>

My apologies.

I just now read the post you are referring to.

Since the OP is more concerned with the looks, I think I will just bow out of this one. I really can't wrap my head around that decision making process so I don't feel that I would be much help. </div></div>

No worries. I hear ya. lol
 
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