AI or custom build

[m1a convert]

If you were building a .338 would what would you do between a custom build and an Accuracy Int. rifle and why?

It seems like the AI rifle costs more, is standard production and wouldn't be as easily converted to .375/408 later if you wanted to.

 

[Guest]

Re: AI or custom build

My question is this:

Have you had any experience with an AI rifle? If you haven't, I would be wary of spending that kind of coin on a rifle that so many shooters are either turned off/on by the feel.

Try to find someone with an AWSM, throw down a $20 and fire off a round or two.

 

[desertHK]

Re: AI or custom build

Love my AIAWSM.Yes, it costs more than a custom build. It's a matter of personal preference.

 

[nolo263]

Re: AI or custom build

AI AWSM !!

 

[RD3]

Re: AI or custom build

I've never had the pleasure of fondling an AI so I have no input on it. I would personally go with the custom though. With it you can get exactly what you want, and I think it would be more personal since it was made just for you. That being said if you could find exactly what you want with the AI go that way and you wouldn't have a long period to wait.

 

[Graham]

Re: AI or custom build

Two words: barrel; and twist.

 

[Alaskaman11]

Re: AI or custom build

TRG 42 will be even better for price, save the extra cash for a good scope and all the other exters you will need

 

[JRose]

Re: AI or custom build

I was really wanting an AI, but I went with a custom build off a Badger action. I'm happy with my decision, although I still want an AI....

 

[clmayfield]

Re: AI or custom build

Isn't the AI the exact opposite of a custom? I thought that was what was so great about it. Completely standardized with interchangeable drop-in parts. That makes it a great field weapon system. But maybe not a great target gun. I don't know cause I don't own one. What do you plan to do with it? And how would you spec it out if it were a custom?

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: AI or custom build

I'm not sure I'd agree with those saying that an AI is more expensive than a custom. I bought my AIAW a number of years ago. By the time I'd got the glass, mags, bipod etc. it cost me around £4,500.

I'm spending pretty much the same on a custom build from GAP if you include the USO........(more if you inclue shipping nad duties into the UK!)

Both have outstanding reputations and different strengths, maybe the GAP has the edge on accuracy going solely on published figures?

Fit and feel will be down to your personal choice/preferences - I'd say try both first and then you'll be in a position to make an informed decision based on your own criteria.

 

[JRose]

Re: AI or custom build

I had a tick over $3k in my GAP build on my Badger action, that's a far cry from $7k...

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: AI or custom build

Guess we need to check we are comparing apples with apples here.....

What does that $3K include?

I'm talking about a complete rifle from both AI and GAP including glass (AIAW .308 + SuB PMII, AI one piece mount, 2 x 10rnd Mags, Parker Hale Bipod, Arktis drag Bag and a GAP M40A1 with USO MST100/mounts, bells & whistles & Storm 3300)

 

[JRose]

Re: AI or custom build

Badger action in a AICS, Bartlein barrel (fluted with Badger brake), tuned 40x trigger barreled action Cerakoted.

 

[terrygood]

Re: AI or custom build

I have surgeon scalpel in 308 and a AIAW in 308. S&B glass on one and NF on the other. Both shoot great. My favorite is the robar sr60 with m14 mag conversion. High end wont shoot any better, but in the end if I could only have one rifle it would be a AIAW in 308 with S&B scope one pc mount. Do it right, do it once.
Good Luck for I am totaly insane, I could never get it down to one?

 

[GorbashUK]

Re: AI or custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: terryg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have surgeon scalpel in 308 and a AIAW in 308. S&B glass on one and NF on the other. Both shoot great. My favorite is the robar sr60 with m14 mag conversion. High end wont shoot any better, but in the end if I could only have one rifle it would be a AIAW in 308 with S&B scope one pc mount. Do it right, do it once.
Good Luck for I am totaly insane, I could never get it down to one? </div></div>

This man is right, spend the money and buy the best you can afford. Then at least you know if you are not getting those 1 hole groups it isnt the gun that is the problem.

 

[ronin16]

Re: AI or custom build

Was skeptacle about the AIAW due to cost but until I shot one first hand at RO. The AW the whole class took turns shooting was on it's 9th barrel(10k rounds each barrel) still shooting sub MOA in a class full
of newbies. The system is tried and true just start saving now until you can afford it. Best investment you will make!!!!!

 

[farmbo]

Re: AI or custom build

AI will be easier to dump when the wife decides its time for a minivan.

 

[beenjammin]

Re: AI or custom build

I went with the AI. I dont think it will shoot any better, but you can do self barrel changes, and every single year they go up higher and higher in price and demand like gold. It will always hold its value.

I tried to sell it and go with something else thinking I could save some money on an equally shooting rifle, but everytime I end right back up with the AI. Just cant get away, but what can I say.. Its the rifle I have always wanted ever since I saw them back in the early 90s.Got to get the one rifle you always wanted, unless its the WA 2000.

 

[farmbo]

Re: AI or custom build

What's a WA 2000?

 

[J.Boyette]

Re: AI or custom build

One more point re-sale?

I never buy a rifle for re-sale but some do.

a AI will sale faster than a custom build. due to a custom build was done how you like it, not the buyer.

If you like AI's, there is no hesitation.

John