AE vs AW Durability

[wildcatsfan11]

So I have been doing a lot of reading but obviously not enough. I am trying to decide between an AE and an AW in 308. The AE appeals to me more because of price and currently I have no need to change barrels. The one question I do have though is that I have read in countless posts that you do not give up durability with the AE instead of the AW. How can this be considering the AE action is not permanently bonded or does the bonded vs. not bonded action not have a great deal of effect on repeatability/durability.

Thanks for any info.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: AE vs AW Durability

It's the same... don't sweat it.

The reason it's not an issue is because the spec torque value is 100 in lbs, most bolt guns are using half that if not less in some of the lesser builds.

You'll never hurt it.

 

[wildcatsfan11]

Re: AE vs AW Durability

Ok that makes perfect sense, 100 is way more than, say 65 on the AICS so I can see now.

Thanks, Lowlight

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: AE vs AW Durability

I really researched it before I bought my AE.

I don't regret the decision in the least.

If you want to drive up to Evansville, IN you are welcome to give my AE MkII a spin.

 

[SRT_Supply]

Re: AE vs AW Durability

The AE is plenty durable enough for everything anyone here can throw at it - the bonded action is a nice feature, but it doesn't mean everything else is fragile by any means.

 

[gugubica]

Re: AE vs AW Durability

That depends...do you ever plan on tossing it off the top of a 2 story building?

If not, you will be fine.

 

[Captain Moroni]

Re: AE vs AW Durability

Has anyone ever bonded their AE? Just wondering with 100 inch pounds you would have to do some awfull things to the rifle to break it loose either that or you will snap the action screws. What is the RC hardness of the action? I would think that on a lesser action you might strip the threads on either the screw or action.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Re: AE vs AW Durability

I think one thing people tend to forget about is while the AW is bonded, the epoxy also acts as a bedding material enhancing the already flawless maching by perfectly mating the two. I believe AI goes one step beyound by making the the marriage permanent. With that said, should the action scrws ever become lose the bond will help maintain the accuracy.

The epoxy isnt a force multiplier so to speak in upping the durablity of teh AW series in comparison to the AE but just another of the subbtle features that distinguise one from the other.

If a permanent bond in an AE isnt something your are looking to do might I suggest a beding job, it will allow the same advantage as the epoxy of the AW without the permanent bond.