Accuracy International Picture Thread

[HKSniper11B]

Hard to say. Lots of things circled in there. Could be a bolt release, could be an action. Who’s to say, really?

He's asking why there's a recession in the action.

I think you're confusing two different AI barrel systems, maybe? You referenced a pic of an AXSR and asked about barrel flats and strap wrenches, etc. "Hand-tight" is what is SPECIFIED in the manual for the AXMC, AXSR, and other platforms that use the Quick-Loc barrel system. Hand-tight sets the headspace properly, and the lock mechanism, properly torqued to approx. 50 in.lbs provides the force to keep it locked firmly in place with no need for additional torque on the barrel. The flats are handy in case one ever got stuck and wouldn't come off by hand, but I have changed quite a few around and never run into that. It seems to me that torquing one of these barrels significantly more than hand-tight could potentially damage the receiver threads since the threads are split longitudinally (to make the clamp) and not designed to take that much torque with the clamp loosened for barrel changing. The i.d. of the receiver threads is relaxed (larger) with the clamp loosened, and the threads don't go 360 deg around the tenon of the barrel - there is a gap in the threads at the bottom.

You would be correct, however, on the earlier, non Quick-Loc designs, which definitely need substantially more torque than hand-tight because they don't have the clamping mechanism.

I have 19mm (for Lothar-Walther and Bartlein/WinTac barrels) and 22mm surgical wrenches (for current Accuracy International factory barrels) which are rubber coated I use specifically for barrel wrenches as barrels on my quick change AT308 have always gotten stuck when I go to pull them. The rubber coating helps prevent marring the Cerakote on the barrel.

But digressing, this is the correct answer.

 

[HKSniper11B]

Mmm, I don’t think so with the Quick-Locs. The video you mention is Jake Bynum from Rifles Only, with a non Quick- Loc action. They are supposed to be torqued to a specific (higher) value, and the point of his video was that “whatever”that specific value is, isn’t that important. Just good and TIGHT (whack the big wrench with a big hammer, no torque wrench for him). But those rifles are supposed to have their barrels on tight because they lack the retention mechanism of the Quick-Loc. I don’t have an AT, just AXMC and AXSR. What does your manual say?

I hate that video so goddamn much... Just because it "works" doesn't mean folks should be doing that. So much unnecessary stress is being put on the action from those hammer whacks. If it was life or death and it had to get done? Fine... But it's a sniper rifle, not an M240B for Pete's sake. If you're changing your barrels, do it right or don't do it at all.

 

[HKSniper11B]

I do 55 in/lbs as well.


View attachment 8692359
Nothing about barrel torque…hmmmm

The "barrel torque" is, essentially, the barrel screw torque. The tolerances of machining in the action and on the barrels is such that "hand tight" of screwing the barrel in, is all that's needed to ensure there's zero gap between the barrel and action. Everything that keeps the barrel in place is being done by that barrel screw at 49 inch pounds.

 

[carbonbased]

All right, just got off the phone with an AINA tech. Folks are correct that one doesn’t need to do anything more than hand tight when screwing in a barrel.

But he also said what I do with a Cresent wrench doesn’t hurt the action at all. Whew.

He mentioned that ~100 ft/lbs might cause problems (barrel torque, not the little screw), but he said I can’t get anywhere near that sort of torque with my method.

Well, I guess I’ll try just hand tight (plus, of course, the little screw). 50% tool use reduction during barrel swaps! Lol

Edit: thx @vh20!

 

[Edsel]

He's asking why there's a recession in the action.

I have 19mm (for Lothar-Walther and Bartlein/WinTac barrels) and 22mm surgical wrenches (for current Accuracy International factory barrels) which are rubber coated I use specifically for barrel wrenches as barrels on my quick change AT308 have always gotten stuck when I go to pull them. The rubber coating helps prevent marring the Cerakote on the barrel.

But digressing, this is the correct answer.

Knipex parallel - jaw pliers, with rubber protectors.

I wonder…

 

[carbonbased]

View attachment 8692398View attachment 8692399

Knipex parallel - jaw pliers, with rubber protectors.
I wonder…

I own the 10”, 7”, and 5” versions of that wrench. Awesome. But finally went with a Lobtex Japanese adjustable wrench (negligible slop/backing off!) for barrel changes as it’s faster to get the right width. Buuut now I just learned my hands are enough! Lol for AI’s at least.

Regardless, those Knipex fucking rock. The 5” ones live in my range bag.

For a while I tried carefully wrapping the barrel with gaffer tape during changes etc but FUCK it started to feel like I’m that anxious guy from the Simpsons with his comic books in Mylar sleeves yelling at customers.

So, I’ve embraced scratches. Used-looking rifles look cool too, but that’s just my take.

 

[diggler1833]

I hand-tight my barrels, and use a calibrated guess for torquing the screw with the Allen wrench provided under the cheek piece. Purists are going to be upset at me for not unraveling my $3,500 AI torque driver roll, and wearing a $600 lab coat for swapping my barrels back and forth...

...but it works.


My other actions (non AI) I do in fact, use the correct action and torque wrenches with a barrel vise. One of the reasons why I got the AI was to not have to mess with that stuff.

 

[Bacarrat]

Blue painters tape works too.

 

[HKSniper11B]

Blue painters tape works too.

This is what I use as well. Keeps it simple and easy. Especially for installing muzzle brakes, etc.

 

[anon]

G3 Razor again through EV for $2,400,

EV? Who dat?

 

[carbonbased]

Blue painters tape works too.

Just felt like that guy who keeps his Dept 56 Xmas displays in the box, ya know? (That’d be my straight brother! Wtf, I say, wtf to him indeed)

 

[TheOE800]

EV? Who dat?

ExpertVoice

 

[MK20]

I hate that video so goddamn much... Just because it "works" doesn't mean folks should be doing that. So much unnecessary stress is being put on the action from those hammer whacks. If it was life or death and it had to get done? Fine... But it's a sniper rifle, not an M240B for Pete's sake. If you're changing your barrels, do it right or don't do it at all.

Yes, I'm sure your concerns make Jacob quake after he has over 300K rounds on that action changing his barrels that way.

 

[Edsel]

For a while I tried carefully wrapping the barrel with gaffer tape…

I learned of using Dry Wall Tape for these kinds of things from someone on YouTube…

Been using it for these purposes ever since.

It’s nonadhesive, keep a short length in your bag.

 

[Movistar]

I hand-tight my barrels, and use a calibrated guess for torquing the screw with the Allen wrench provided under the cheek piece. Purists are going to be upset at me for not unraveling my $3,500 AI torque driver roll, and wearing a $600 lab coat for swapping my barrels back and forth...

...but it works.


My other actions (non AI) I do in fact, use the correct action and torque wrenches with a barrel vise. One of the reasons why I got the AI was to not have to mess with that stuf

Im not here to judge. I don’t really understand not shelling out $50-100 for the torque limiter for the barrel screw. Doing it wrong can be very expensive. So why not do it right? No I won’t pay $600 for a lab coat or $1000 for a kiafrufru range bag. But guessing on the barrel screw torque? Yeah I’ll buy the torque limiter

 

[Edsel]

Yeah I’ll buy the torque limiter

What’s recommended?

Fix - it Sticks?

Borkas?

Thinking of getting a small set.

 

[Movistar]

I like my fix it sticks set. I got the whole set because I wanted to have the torque limiters for scopes and mounts too. I tend to gorilla things on accident so I wanted to remove my dumb ass being a factor. Got my set with with 4 limiters for $179.

 

[HKSniper11B]

What’s recommended?

Fix - it Sticks?

Borkas?

Thinking of getting a small set.

+1 Fixit-Sticks

 

[Movistar]

Not affiliated with the company or the seller here. This is what I got and it’s covered all my bases

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/fix-it-sticks-torque-limiter-kit-with-t-way-wrench.html?queryID=84294338ecad7da988a1591d780f766c&objectID=6101&indexName=m2_prod_default_products

 

[hafejd30]

I run the fix it sticks as well. I have a 55 in lbs limiter for my AI’s and a 140 for my LMT MWS

 

[TylerN]

Fixit sticks. I just got the single torque limiter that I need and not the entire set. I think I use the 49 in-lbs one and it works great, is small, and simple to use.

 

[Tex68w]

I'm using Fixit Sticks here as well. I have a large range kit and a nice desktop kit for home use. I love them!

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Same two fix it sticks I have for the same reasons @hafejd30

 

[Hennig]

I must be the only AI shooter who rarely swaps his barrel, and very rarely in the field.

 

[carbonbased]

I resisted fixit sticks individual limiters for the longest time…first the Fat Wrench, then the all-in-one fixits, then, finally, reluctantly, convenience and user-friendliness won out and fixit sticks emptied my balls wallet. Ahhhhhh…

But I didn’t get their bits or cases. I like 2” bits (power bits?) with big/very visible engraved sizes on the sides. Way easier to use in the freezing cold. I own some very nice German bits that I can BARELY see the sizes on the side.

VEGA brand bits rock and they satisfy my criteria. Example of engraving

Amazon.com

Except for torx bits…I like color-coded stuff because it’s faster to select. The GRK torx bits that come with their screws are nice in this regard. Places like Home Depot typically sell just the bits:

https://www.grkfasteners.com/grk-products/specialty-fasteners-and-accessories/star-drive-bits

Cases (currently 2 for 1):

Beefy Pocket Organizer (Buy 1 Get 1 Free Pocket Organizer. Mix and Match in Multiples of 2. All Sales Final.)

MAXPEDITION,Military, CCW, EDC, Tactical, Everyday Carry, Outdoors, Nature, Hiking, Camping, Bushcraft, Police

www.maxpedition.com

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

@carbonbased i still keep my fat wrench for scope mounting and some oddball stuff but the individuals in my opinion trump the all in one fixit. I did buy their T handle thing and I use that thing constantly. Worth every penny. I should upgrade my bits though now that I've started standardizing everything.

 

[Bacarrat]

I must be the only AI shooter who rarely swaps his barrel, and very rarely in the field.

I only do the swaps at home. But I do change calibers often.

 

[hafejd30]

@carbonbased i still keep my fat wrench for scope mounting and some oddball stuff but the individuals in my opinion trump the all in one fixit. I did buy their T handle thing and I use that thing constantly. Worth every penny. I should upgrade my bits though now that I've started standardizing everything.

Same. I have a couple fat wrenches I use for everything. The fix it sticks and T handle for the quick change stuff. I have a ton of bits, extensions and torque wrenches from 4 to 200 inch lbs. Also have the all in one kit for my bag. Can never have enough

 

[Vivacious Stallion]

I must be the only AI shooter who rarely swaps his barrel, and very rarely in the field.

I've pretty much settled on mine living as a 300 PRC over the last year and really haven't been switching calibers much. Most of my short action reloading is going into my PRS guns so I haven't had a lot of time to worry about shooting smaller stuff through that rifle.

I always find it fascinating to hear people online that are switching cartridges multiple times whenever they're at the range.

 

[Vivacious Stallion]

@carbonbased i still keep my fat wrench for scope mounting and some oddball stuff but the individuals in my opinion trump the all in one fixit. I did buy their T handle thing and I use that thing constantly. Worth every penny. I should upgrade my bits though now that I've started standardizing everything.

I see my fat wrench ever year or so. It floats between my work bench and the tool cabinet. I haven't used it in probably 5 years so I'm not sure how it gets around. Probably the lost sock gremlins.

 

[carbonbased]

I did buy their T handle thing and I use that thing constantly.

Me too. I got the non-ratcheting version and really like it.

If AI really wanted to mint some dollars they’d brand a big set of fixit sticks and put it in a DPM pattern pouch or something lol

 

[Tex68w]

I've pretty much settled on mine living as a 300 PRC over the last year and really haven't been switching calibers much. Most of my short action reloading is going into my PRS guns so I haven't had a lot of time to worry about shooting smaller stuff through that rifle.

I always find it fascinating to hear people online that are switching cartridges multiple times whenever they're at the range.

I don't change barrels at the range, but I do tend to shoot a cartridge for a few months or a few hundred rounds, then move on to another just to mix it up.

 

[SRPowah]

Hmmmm yeah I get it. That’s not enough torque for me, I guess. I agree with @bohem ’s advice

Barrel flats, any one use them?

I was thinking that would be such a fast way to switch out barrels. Does anyone use that method for fast barrel change? Im thinking 30 to 40 torque. I was also think it could be done right at range just brace rifle with legs and spin off.

www.snipershide.com

10” Cresent wrench Is what I use, and I snap it tight as I hold it between the legs. But if hand tight works for you, I’m not arguing. Just didn’t consider people forgoing machined-in flats, which kinda boxes you into hand tight or futzing with a strap wrench.

FWIW: When I commented in that thread, I only use the wrench for return to zero consistency on my AT. Like you found out from your phone call, no issues at all going hand tight only if you plan on leaving the barrel installed or have a chance to zero it. You can even get decent RTZ with hand tight if you have some sort of index mark. The wrench is just quicker.

 

[Huskydriver]

He's asking why there's a recession in the action.

I have 19mm (for Lothar-Walther and Bartlein/WinTac barrels) and 22mm surgical wrenches (for current Accuracy International factory barrels) which are rubber coated I use specifically for barrel wrenches as barrels on my quick change AT308 have always gotten stuck when I go to pull them. The rubber coating helps prevent marring the Cerakote on the barrel.

But digressing, this is the correct answer.

@BurtG would like a word

 

[Whiskey 2-1]

I hate that video so goddamn much... Just because it "works" doesn't mean folks should be doing that. So much unnecessary stress is being put on the action from those hammer whacks. If it was life or death and it had to get done? Fine... But it's a sniper rifle, not an M240B for Pete's sake. If you're changing your barrels, do it right or don't do it at all.

Trust me, that man knows more about running an AI than anyone on this forum.
I’m just going to leave it at that.
-Doc

 

[Kopfjager1]

I have the precision rifle Fix-It Sticks kit, Ive used if more on other peoples rifles than my own, at a match at least. Everything from pulling a ruptured case out, pushing a bullet out of the lands, torquing screws on tripods, optics, action screws, etc. Extremely handy, and Im glad those shooters were able to continue shooting the matches.

But yes, change out the bits, the standard ones are garbage.

 

[xxflyingturtlexx]

Razor

Or go get a LEO/MIL MK5 7-35 and buy more ammo

Maffs for Muhreens

5-25 is better optic by slight margin

 

[Vivacious Stallion]

Me too. I got the non-ratcheting version and really like it.

If AI really wanted to mint some dollars they’d brand a big set of fixit sticks and put it in a DPM pattern pouch or something lol

You just gotta roll your own dawg. Plus you know AI would sell that kit at the same markup level as that ridiculous Kifaru bag.

 

[carbonbased]

I must be the only AI shooter who rarely swaps his barrel, and very rarely in the field.

Never in the field for me. But lately I’ve been bouncing between 308 and 6br. Hopefully soon settling on good ole 22-250…waiting on a barrel. Then I’ll probably rarely take it off unless I want to deep clean or something.

22-250: I’m not a steel shooter; I like varmint shooting and don’t reload. And I want to use my AT more.

 

[carbonbased]

You just gotta roll your own dawg. Plus you know AI would sell that kit at the same markup level as that ridiculous Kifaru bag.

Yeah agreed that Kifaru bag is retarded. AI fixit kit cost: $2500 with special lube nut sauce

 

[HKSniper11B]

I'm pretty sure I've shared these before. The official roll-up kit I felt was too bulky and didn't hold enough. So, I opted for a children's pencil case. I built out two kits. Hopefully this helps some folks here with building their own cleaning kits. (Serial Numbers have been blurred out on the patches)

Complete list of cleaning parts is as follows:

"I used a children's school pencil bag as my case (Amazon) It is 9" in height, and under 4" thick. It worked perfectly.

"Cleaning kit is from OTIS which includes both nylon and phosphor brushes, using a brass rod to mitigate marring. Tools are from Fix-It Sticks, which includes a full SPUHR kit and a 49 in/lbs torque limiter for barrel changes. Also included is a Hoppe's Bore Viper, a medical rubberized 19mm wrench used as a barrel wrench, a Klein folding hex key from 1.5mm to 6mm, an aluminum milled Accuracy International factory bore rod guide imported from the UK, and Pro-Shot 2" cleaning patches. "

UPDATE: Link to pencil case: https://a.co/d/087Kzcg
UPDATE 2: Link to the wrench. Gedore is the brand, and they're German made steel, imported. https://a.co/d/7x1aPkf

 

[mercracing]

Do any of you muppets even shoot, or do you hang out here and talk about barrel torque?

AI pic since this is a pic thread

 

[HKSniper11B]

Do any of you muppets even shoot, or do you hang out here and talk about barrel torque?

AI pic since this is a pic threadView attachment 8692849

I'm still waiting to see shot groups from a number of folks myself you might be right... Maybe they all just got safe queens.

 

[BurtG]

Do any of you muppets even shoot, or do you hang out here and talk about barrel torque?

AI pic since this is a pic threadView attachment 8692849

Brah they make arca handguards you don’t need a bolt on one

 

[BurtG]

I'm still waiting to see shot groups from a number of folks myself you might be right... Maybe they all just got safe queens.

Some people use their rifles. And shoot

Now off to find some “surgical wrenches” so I don’t deface my fashion accessories

 

[Jrb572]

I'm pretty sure I've shared these before. The official roll-up kit I felt was too bulky and didn't hold enough. So, I opted for a children's pencil case. I built out two kits. Hopefully this helps some folks here with building their own cleaning kits. (Serial Numbers have been blurred out on the patches)

View attachment 8692803

View attachment 8692804

Complete list of cleaning parts is as follows:

"I used a children's school pencil bag as my case (Amazon) It is 9" in height, and under 4" thick. It worked perfectly.

"Cleaning kit is from OTIS which includes both nylon and phosphor brushes, using a brass rod to mitigate marring. Tools are from Fix-It Sticks, which includes a full SPUHR kit and a 49 in/lbs torque limiter for barrel changes. Also included is a Hoppe's Bore Viper, a medical rubberized 19mm wrench used as a barrel wrench, a Klein folding hex key from 1.5mm to 6mm, an aluminum milled Accuracy International factory bore rod guide imported from the UK, and Pro-Shot 2" cleaning patches. "

UPDATE: Link to pencil case: https://a.co/d/087Kzcg

Brand of the medical rubberized 19mm wrench please. I tried searching and it doesn’t pull anything up

 

[HKSniper11B]

Some people use their rifles. And shoot

View attachment 8692855

View attachment 8692856View attachment 8692857View attachment 8692859


Now off to find some “surgical wrenches” so I don’t deface my fashion accessories

Did you really just make a two round shot "group" like it's statistically significant? And isn't shooting wildlife at under 25 yards with a Accuracy International cheating?

 

[HKSniper11B]

Brand of the medical rubberized 19mm wrench please. I tried searching and it doesn’t pull anything up

I updated the post with a link to the wrench for you. Here it is as well: https://a.co/d/7x1aPkf

Here is a cheaper alternative if you don't care about marring your barrel, but want a quality spanner: https://a.co/d/i4NrS9W

 

[BurtG]

Sheeit. This was one shot.

#morebodiesthanyall

 

[HKSniper11B]

Sheeit. This was one shot. View attachment 8692860

View attachment 8692861

Burt you can't just stick the muzzle in the hole and pull the trigger. You're doing it wrong!