AI AE MKIII in 260 Rem

[afate45]

After a month of contemplating this purchase, I finally pulled the trigger on a new AI AE MKIII in 260 Remington. I have to give a HUGE shout-out to Mile High Shooting Accessories. I spent a solid 2 hours at the shop picking out parts, talking with the staff, and making the purchase. They gave me a SMOKIN' deal on the whole package. I'm not running top-end glass, but I'm working towards it. Next two items on my list are a Vortex Razor HD and SAS Suppressor...I should have the scope in a month or so, and I'll probably start the wait period on the suppressor around tax season (need something to lift my spirits around that time!). MHSA will be installing a brake on the rifle once my position in the queue pops up. Also worth noting, I was going to go with the less expensive AI mount, but ended up with a Spuhr thanks to the amazing deal they gave me. I can't speak highly enough about Mile High's customer service. Every single person in their shop was beyond pleasant to deal with. It's safe to say, I'm a customer for life.

I have big shoes to step in here...this rifle will run circles around me all day long. There is absolutely no doubt that when I don't perform well, it's not the rifle.

Specs:
AI AE MKIII, folder
24in Bartlein Barrel, chambered in 260 Remington by Dave Tooley
Spuhr Mount - 20.6moa
Vortex Viper PST 6-24 (take-off from my previous Savage 10 build)
Atlas bipod with QD mount
...in a few weeks I'll have the SAS T.O.M.B muzzle brake installed.

Sorry for the crappy lighting/iPhone pics. I'll make my contribution to the precision rifle thread once I get a chance to snap some better quality pictures of the rifle in action.

I took the rifle out this morning for a quick 100yd zero. Even without a brake, this thing barely has any recoil (my first time shooting a 260 - I used SW Ammo 139 Scenars). I bet this will feel like shooting a 223 after the brake is installed. Let's hope my 8lbs of 4350 and reloading dies come in some time next week. Fingers crossed...

 

[leadbullet]

You are gonna love the .260, built one a year ago and the .308 doesn't leave the safe anymore.
Congrats.

 

[Bradu]

Nice setup, can't go wrong with an AI!

 

[Dacam]

I also got my AIAE MKIII from Mile High Shooting and I feel the same as you, they are the most bestes people to do business with.

If I may ask, what made you go with the 260. Im thinking of getting a 6.5 creed or 260 from them, Im still debating which one.

Awesome rifle...now go shoot that thing!

 

[SFree]

I also got my AIAE MKIII from Mile High Shooting and I feel the same as you, they are the most bestes people to do business with.

If I may ask, what made you go with the 260. Im thinking of getting a 6.5 creed or 260 from them, Im still debating which one.

Awesome rifle...now go shoot that thing!

Won't hurt ya either way, but I can imagine a MKIII in 6.5 Creed!
If they weren't so stinkin heavy...

 

[308Shooter1911]

I also got my AIAE MKIII from Mile High Shooting and I feel the same as you, they are the most bestes people to do business with.

If I may ask, what made you go with the 260. Im thinking of getting a 6.5 creed or 260 from them, Im still debating which one.

Awesome rifle...now go shoot that thing!

I too am contemplating the the same. Either a 6.5 Creedmoor Barrel for my AE, or sending the old Rem 700 to a custom shop for some magic dust. I am leaning toward the 6.5 Creedmoor, because the recipes to replicate factory ammo are printed on the boxes, from what I understand. I am a lazy reloader,and hate load work ups, LOL. I also from my research 6.5 Creedmoor has better barrel life.

 

[afate45]

I also got my AIAE MKIII from Mile High Shooting and I feel the same as you, they are the most bestes people to do business with.

If I may ask, what made you go with the 260. Im thinking of getting a 6.5 creed or 260 from them, Im still debating which one.

Awesome rifle...now go shoot that thing!

I debated this as well and the best advice I was given was "pick one and shoot the hell out of it." So that's exactly what I did, and will do. There isn't much difference between the two and I think you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Dacam]

What is the recoil like? I know its very subjective but how does it compare to say a 155g 308.

 

[afate45]

It definitely feels lighter than a 155gr out of a 308, but not a ton. I originally wanted a brake so I could shoot it all day long and not feel a thing, but honestly a brake isn't needed. I'm still going to get one, but mainly because I'll be picking up an SAS suppressor in the near future. I should also note, I'm comparing the recoil with the AI to my Savage 10 in a McRees chassis with a Harris bipod...two very different setups.