Re: AI vs ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought the traditional stock was ugly and heavy. BUT, the AX looks pretty nice </div></div>
Sorry sir, you appear to be in the wrong department....jewellery and clutch bags are on the second floor. this is the hardware department!
No offence ScooterPIE, just joking. You make a good point - there are plenty of smiths out there who will take a serious pile of cash off you to make a very handsome "custom rifle", whether it is with AAA grade fancy stock wood, gold inlaid engraved action and blued/polished metal or as "tacticool" as you like but that can't hit a barn at 50 yards.
But I'm guessing the OP is in the market for a shooter, not a fashion statement.
But in the end, even if you select the best available components for a build, the end result will always be influenced by how good (or not) the smith that puts them together may be.
The AI rifles are a proven,functional tool with all the bugs ironed out already. You know what you are getting - no risk, no doubt.
Granted, on the AW finish was not always a strong point for some. Maybe the AX are better in that respect?
But as you say, you can't argue with the reliability or the performance of the AI's.
Don't get hung up on the "legacy chassis" issue - most of the comments I've ever heard about that were down to personal ergonomic preferences - specifically the thumbhole grip.
To me that's a redundant discussion now there are multiple choices on that - both from AI and OEM sources such as the Viperskins and Roedale offerings.
I have both a GAP and AW....both are great rifles and very, very accurate. However, if to came down to a choice (and no disrespect to George and his boys), I'd have the AW.
It's built to last with bullet proof reliability, made to soak up all the abuse you can give it and still do the job. It has a superb action and trigger (although I accept that some may disagree on the trigger, again personal preferences). Accuracy is guaranteed - to a level where it will deliver better performance and consistency than many of us are able to guarantee to get from ourselves.
The key to AI ownership for me is that the rifle will out-perform both myself and the conditions I use the rifle in - so it gives me one less critical factor to worry about - the rifle itself. So I can concentrate on the fundamentals and getting the shot where it needs to be.
Personally the money spent on the AW was the best I have ever spent on a rifle - I'm sure I'd feel exactly the same had it been an AE or an AX. I can't envisage any circumstances under which I would sell it, makes me smile every time I get behind it, keeps me honest and makes me work hard. Bit like the wife really!