Re: AIAW/AE vs. Custom Builds
For me, the decision depended on how dedicated I am to shooting. If you're only going to have 1 gun (to rule them all!), then I think you can't go wrong with the AE/AW. While custom guns have some advantages, the AE/AW is the Rolex of the precision rifle world.
Now, I decided that at some point, I'm going to have a number of different precision rifles in my gun safe. Instead of going with a AW in 308, I went the custom route because when the day comes that I get a 338, it will be an AI in a 2.0 chassis. So my 308 custom rig is what I use for every week, hitting the range and getting trigger time, the AI will be safe queen that I bring out on special occasion, or if all hell breaks loose. That was my thinking anyway.