AI AE Replacement Barrels

[bab029]

I'm sure this is one of those things I should have searched harder on, but I've not had much luck. It seems like there are really good deals to be had on AE MKIIIs and MKIIs , so I may try to pick one up next year. I'm not sure I can stomach peeling off nearly 5k for an AT, so:

What is the source for replacement AE barrels, and are they available headspaced like the AT so that all I'd need is an action wrench? I'd like a 6.5 of some flavor and a shorty 308.

 

[hollowoutadime]

Had three AE's. All you need is an action wrench and barrel vise (you do need a torque wrench). Barrels come headspaced, so screw them on. You can buy a go/nogo gauge just to test, but mine always headspaced fine.
Barrels are 550 -850 depending on muzzle threading, etc.

 

[scudzuki]

Hollow
Are you saying AE barrels are the same as AT and AX308 barrels?

 

[bab029]

Hollow
Are you saying AE barrels are the same as AT and AX308 barrels?

In my research, the AT and AW barrels are threaded to the shoulder, while the AE barrels have an unthreaded section where the recoil lug goes. I understood that this makes them backward compatible, but wonder it that is a compromise, or if the AE style is still available..

 

[jlficken]

Here is how it works -

AE barrels only work in the AE. They have a non-threaded shoulder on the tennon that the recoil lug slides on to.

AT/AW/AX308 barrels work in the aforementioned as well as the AE. The entire tennon is threaded.

AXMC uses a larger tennon and won't work on any of the short action rifles.

You will need an action wrench (I used the Adam's Custom Rifles one) and a barrel vise (I used the Brownell's vise as it is HUGE) for the AE/AW and the Pre-2014 AX rifles to change the barrels.

With the AT and 2014+ AX rifles you just need an allen wrench. Whatever you do get the folder if you can as it makes cleaning less of a PITA since you can just fold it to remove the bolt instead of removing the cheek rest.

The AE is a fine rifle especially in MKIII form and I really liked mine. The reason I sold it to get the AT was so that I could get the shorter 10rd double stack mags that can be top loaded and the quick change barrel. The magazines really are awesome in that you don't have to remove it to load them thru the ejection port. I also liked that I didn't have to remove the action from the chassis to swap barrels like you will have to do with the AE series.

With the prices of AE rifles today (especially the MKIII) I would look at getting a used AT. Otherwise, I would look at a used AE MKII as they can be had for around $2500 or less with the folder.


You can still find AE specific barrels around and generally they go cheap in 308 so that is an option. As far as compatibility goes though there is no reason not to use the AT/AW/AX308 barrel on the AE as they work just fine without any negatives that I am aware of.


AI really screwed up getting rid of the AE in my opinion since their cheapest rifle is now over $4K.

 

[bab029]

Thanks for the replies, good info. Makes an AT look more attractive.