MRAD vs Custom Build

[Bruce K]

I’m looking at purchasing a Barrett MRAD in 300 Norma Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor versus building a custom rifle selecting quick change action like a Terminus Zeus, Bartlein barrel, MPA chassis and trigger of choice.

Barrett, AI and others with multi-caliber rifles allow shooting calibers from short action (6.5 Creedmoor) to long action calibers (300 Norma Mag and others). I’m not sure if quick change actions from Terminus and others offer the ability to shoot both short and long actions. If not, this is a benefit to the Barrett and AI variants.

Precision. Is there a precision advantage to the custom builds (excluding custom cut chambers) over multi-caliber rifles from Barrett, AI and others? While I have several custom bolt guns, several with custom non-SAAMI spec chambers for specific bullets and optimized freebores, these rifles require the action to be removed from the stock, locked in a gun vise with barrel wrenches to remove the barrel. Also, they don’t come with adjustable bolt faces to accommodate short vs long action cartridges that I’m aware of.

I do handload and plan to work up loads for the calibers I purchase.

My question is how much precision if any should I anticipate losing with a multi-caliber rifle like an MRAD over a custom bolt gun using premium components and barrels from Bartlein. Most reviews of the MRAD and AI I’ve seen were done with factory cartridges and performance was said to be sub-moa. I’m really hoping to consistently be under .5 MOA with handloads which I’m able to achieve with my custom builds in 6mm variants using Impact Actions, Bartlein barrels, Foundation stocks, Spuhr mounts and Nightforce ATACR optics as a general description. Some with custom chambers for the Berger 105 grain Hybrid Target on a good day are in the .25 MOA range.

Has anyone been able to achieve consistent sub .5 MOA with any load, factor or handload with multi-caliber rifles from MRAD or AI? I’m buying the MRAD because I don’t own one and I just want one and hoping they can deliver better precision that sub-MOA which to me means just under one-inch groups. The ruggedness of the MRAD is a cool feature I’m likely not to need since I’m not an operator in a war zone, but cool, nonetheless.

If you were to build a custom multi-caliber rifle, what action would you use and why?

 

[TheOE800]

My question is how much precision if any should I anticipate losing with a multi-caliber rifle like an MRAD over a custom bolt gun using premium components and barrels from Bartlein.

My factory 300 PRC MRAD barrel regularly shoots half MOA. The custom 6.5 Creedmoor, a PVA Osprey, shot quarter inch groups during break in.

You are more than likely the limiting factor in any modern, high quality rifle system.

I wouldn’t build a multi-caliber rifle. Any “quick change” system out there simply doesn’t touch what AI or Barrett have done and they have the magazine ecosystem to support it. Otherwise if you’ve got a bench, a barrel vise, and an action wrench you’ve got a multi caliber rifle though you’re running crappy AICS mags.

 

[Maurygold]

I’ll never understand the appeal to these multi cal setups. MRAD and AI have dog shit triggers and changing calibers at home takes 4 minutes with the same repeatability.

The only advantage is some go from short action mags to long action better with feeding but no one is shooting these in PRS so I don’t really see why that’s so critical

 

[waveslayer]

You won't have an issue with accuracy, my MRAD and DT shoot better than I can. If you are going PRS, I think a custom build is the way to go.

 

[J McGriddle]

Barrett and AI rifles will shoot comparable to Custom builds. The 2nd tightest group of my life (.187 MOA) was shot with an MRAD in 6.5CM with hand loads.

To me, it comes down to convenience. If you want to swap barrels often and/or don't have access to a vise; the Barrett and AI make more sense.

 

[Bruce K]

I’ll never understand the appeal to these multi cal setups. MRAD and AI have dog shit triggers and changing calibers at home takes 4 minutes with the same repeatability.

The only advantage is some go from short action mags to long action better with feeding but no one is shooting these in PRS so I don’t really see why that’s so critical

I've never pulled the trigger on an AI or MRAD which comes with a two-stage trigger, but optional adjustable triggers are available from Timney and possibly others.

Barrett and AI quick change barrel kits allow the shooting of short and long action calibers, how is this possible with premium actions from Impact, Defiance and others? If this is exclusive to these multi-caliber rifles that's an advantage.

I would not use this rifle for PRS and have custom bolt guns suitable for those events. This is something I've been curious about adding to my collection of rifles.

 

[Bruce K]

Barrett and AI rifles will shoot comparable to Custom builds. The 2nd tightest group of my life (.187 MOA) was shot with an MRAD in 6.5CM with hand loads.

To me, it comes down to convenience. If you want to swap barrels often and/or don't have access to a vise; the Barrett and AI make more sense.

It seems sub .5 MOA is possible with handloads and the ability to shoot short and long action calibers with multi-caliber rifles from Barrett, AI and others is intriguing. At one of our clubs, we have a range with targets from 50 to 1,000 yards and being able to easily change barrels onsite is a worthwhile convenience since shooting a 300 Norma Mag is pricey.

I'm interested in the MRAD because it seems like a fun gun to have and I have a half dozen custom bolt guns in 6mm and 6.5mm with actions from Impact and barrels from Bartlein and Hawk Hill, some with custom spec chambers.

 

[Maurygold]

I've never pulled the trigger on an AI or MRAD which comes with a two-stage trigger, but optional adjustable triggers are available from Timney and possibly others.

Barrett and AI quick change barrel kits allow the shooting of short and long action calibers, how is this possible with premium actions from Impact, Defiance and others? If this is exclusive to these multi-caliber rifles that's an advantage.

I would not use this rifle for PRS and have custom bolt guns suitable for those events. This is something I've been curious about adding to my collection of rifles.

None of them are close to a Triggertech or bix. And for that kind of investment I’m adamant about the trigger being exceptional.

There are long action magazines that allow short action rounds to feed.

If you have other rifles and really want this then that’s one thing since you likely understand how easy it would be to change a barrel on an action.

 

[kthomas]

It seems sub .5 MOA is possible with handloads and the ability to shoot short and long action calibers with multi-caliber rifles from Barrett, AI and others is intriguing. At one of our clubs, we have a range with targets from 50 to 1,000 yards and being able to easily change barrels onsite is a worthwhile convenience since shooting a 300 Norma Mag is pricey.

I'm interested in the MRAD because it seems like a fun gun to have and I have a half dozen custom bolt guns in 6mm and 6.5mm with actions from Impact and barrels from Bartlein and Hawk Hill, some with custom spec chambers.

A .300NM is overkill for 1,000 yards.

Just get a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.

 

[Bruce K]

A .300NM is overkill for 1,000 yards.

Just get a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle.

First, I'm getting a 300 Norma Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor for the fun of it. I have several 6mm and 6.5mm bolt guns now, one with a custom chamber specifically for the Berger 105 grain Hybrid Target bullet (6mm).

We or many of us have more guns than we need or can shoot.

 

[TheOE800]

Buy my 300 PRC/6.5 combo instead. Still get magnum bragging rights but not quite as dumb as 300NM.

 

[kthomas]

First, I'm getting a 300 Norma Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor for the fun of it. I have several 6mm and 6.5mm bolt guns now, one with a custom chamber specifically for the Berger 105 grain Hybrid Target bullet (6mm).

We or many of us have more guns than we need or can shoot.

I would just build two dedicated rifles

 

[Long Range 338]

I love how a question is asked and OP is instructed beyond the scope of original questions…

If you want a 300 NM just because, knock yourself out. It’s one hell of a cartridge. If you want an AI or Barrett, I say go for it because…America!

The multi caliber rifles are amazing for what they are. Just understand they are a platform with an ecosystem-whether it’s good or not is another topic. The AI is exceptional in every way. The Barrett is a great platform in its own right. The triggers are both top notch and completely useable. The limitations to those systems are the ability to customize, and they are all limited in that regard. It is the cost of entry.

In a custom rifle you can specify and build each component to your preference. As a platform, the custom action gives you a more open foundation to build your way. Triggers, barrels, chambering, chassis, etc it’s all your way. The only place the advantage goes to the multi caliber platforms is with magazines and the ability to go from long to short action chamberings. Not that it can’t be done but it’s already built into the system.

 

[USMC8551]

I have the Barrett MRAD, and I have an MR-19 from JPE that I just got in June, which is obviously custom and a dedicated 6.5 Creed rifle, but also obviously not hand-built by me, so I guess take this for what it's worth...or not worth.

As another person commented, in most rifles I've owned or shot, the single most significant limiting factor in the equation is me and my abilities (or lack of, as the case may be).

I like the idea of a QD barrel, but here's the thing: I will never be in a situation where I'm lugging a rifle and kit around and need to swap out barrels. At least not in a deployment situation, anyway. So while the two-bolt-remove-twist-and-go is really nice at the range if I want to shoot 300 WM for a while instead of Creed that day, it's definitely not a necessity. (Or if I want to just shoot some groups of one caliber for load development and then shoot a different caliber the remainder of the day, for example.) So, the dude who commented about a four-minute barrel change at home isn't really answering your question. The barrel change in and of itself isn't the issue, necessarily; it's the convenience of it, which is also sold as purpose-driven for the masses of civilians who buy this shit because it's aligned with anything to do with the military. Make anything and label it "tactical," mark it up 30%, and let the revenue stream in. (Still do really love my Barrett, though, regardless.)

All things considered, most of my rifles shoot about the same as each other when I'm behind them. Put my dad behind them, they shoot tighter. Put my daughter behind them, who's learning to shoot, and the groups are what you might expect. So, we're back to the common denominator: Me.

My six cents: Chances are, you won't shoot any better or worse just because you picked one rifle over another, or bought one preassembled instead of building yourself, but this is a common concern. When we spend a shitload of money, we want to make sure we're making the right decision. The right decision is whichever rifle you prefer, unless you're looking to shoot different calibers and don't want to invest in multiple setups. Then it's a no-brainer. If you really want a Barrett and the QD (and folding stock) isn't important to you, consider the SMR instead and save some money.

S/F

 

[Zigjib]

I wouldn't buy the MRAD.

I own the MRAD. I don't like it. The minimum LOP of 14" makes it a pretty uncomfortable gun to shoot and I struggle to get people happy behind it the same way I can other guns.

If you're after the multi-cal setup, DTA/TRG m10/AXSR are the winners for both magnum and standard length cartridges.

There's 2 guns in the safe I own that I regret; The 6.5 PRC because it's just not that much better than 6.5 CM, and the MRAD because it's just so big and so uncomfortable.

 

[Huskydriver]

I think what you really need is an cadex kraken

 

[Maurygold]

I think what you really need is an cadex kraken

Minus not giving out the action print for barrels it’s the best system out and by and far the best chassis

 

[popeye089]

Your best bet is make a list of want and needs for the rifle to fill. It'll help your decision
here's some pro's and cons

Which caliber is the same.......Someone here is always trying to recruit people to their cult, shoot the caliber you want
A lot of shooters here jump on the latest fads. Pic a caliber the components are easily accessible for and master reloading and shooting it (i.e. calling wind for it and memorizing data)

Pros

AI or MRAD

1. have fan boys so it's very easy to sell.
2. Factory wise, very accurate, good base barrel selections out the box
3. . Both are great for factory guns, IMO MRAD has nicer magazines
4. Aftermarket barrels available and ease of swap

Custom

1. Barrel custom cut from length, chamber. & twist
2. Nicer trigger selection
3. Pic your bottom metal or magazine from AW, AICS, or AR types
4. Chassis or stock fit specifically to your area of discipline

---------------------------
Cons
AI or MRAD

1. depending on who you ask, triggers are hit or miss for likes (Won't be as nice a s a TT, Huber, Or Bix
2. MRAD mags are harder to come buy sometimes
3. Good "tactical rifles" but may not fit the discipline you are wanting
4. Aftermarket barrels may be needed for specialty caliber i.e. 6GT etc
5. important to some (go out of style)

Custom

1. Wait for some pieces i.e. stock, barrel, triggers out of stock
2. resale may be harder do to personalization (one persons 10 is another's 1)
3. aftermarket barrels and barrel swap may be harder without vises
4. if you get an obscure action (spare parts may be hard to replace or find)

 

[Bruce K]

I think what you really need is an cadex kraken

Great gun, barrel changes not nearly as convenient.

 

[R_A_W]

Minus not giving out the action print for barrels it’s the best system out and by and far the best chassis

that's really dumb. big David Tubb energy

 

[Bruce K]

I’ll never understand the appeal to these multi cal setups. MRAD and AI have dog shit triggers and changing calibers at home takes 4 minutes with the same repeatability.

The only advantage is some go from short action mags to long action better with feeding but no one is shooting these in PRS so I don’t really see why that’s so critical

i'm buying it for the fun of it and

None of them are close to a Triggertech or bix. And for that kind of investment I’m adamant about the trigger being exceptional.

There are long action magazines that allow short action rounds to feed.

If you have other rifles and really want this then that’s one thing since you likely understand how easy it would be to change a barrel on an action.

Yes, but by way of example using a Definance action I would have to purchase a long action and to shoot a short action cartridge purchase another complete bolt. Then there is the issue of magzine feeding which Defiance says they would only recommend a single feed and don't recommend such a build with their action where a magazine feed is desired.

 

[Maurygold]

i'm buying it for the fun of it and

Yes, but by way of example using a Definance action I would have to purchase a long action and to shoot a short action cartridge purchase another complete bolt. Then there is the issue of magzine feeding which Defiance says they would only recommend a single feed and don't recommend such a build with their action where a magazine feed is desired.

I’d buy an Zermatt where you can swap bolt faces for $125 plus they make a better action than defiance (they did pre-fits like 5 years before defiance) and have some of the best CS I’ve ever encountered.

If you have other guns you know what you’re getting into with these.

 

[Bruce K]

Thanks for everyone's comments.

I'm checking with Zermatt to see if their TL3 action will handle both short and long action cartridges and still have a reliable feed with a magazine.

I have custom builds using Impact 737r actions, custom cut non-SAAMI spec chambers, Bartlein barrels etc. with triggers froomTrigger Tech which perform exceptionally well with handloads.

After a call to Definace this morning they don't suggest trying to offer the same functionality as the AI or Barrett shooting both short and long action cartridges with magazine feed. A call to Bartlein barrels confirmed they have prefit barrels for the MRAD which I'll go with since they are my barrel of choice for my single caliber builds.

The MRAD and AI type rifles are not for everyone nor am I looking to replace my custom bolt guns, rather the concept of their design intrigued me and they seemed like a fun gun to own and shoot. I'm leaning towards the MRAD in 300 Norma Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor, a Nightforce 7x35 X 56 F1 option in a Spuhr mount, Vortex Impact 4000 laser rangefinder, MDT digital level with a spare Atlas bipod I have on the shelf.

Likely to start with Vihtavuori N570, Berger 245 grain Long Range Hybrid Target and Lapua brass. There are several other interesting bullets including some solid copper ones I'd like to try in the future. Going to have to get a new press, I understand my Forster Co-Ax will not fit dies for the 300 Norma Mag.

 

[R_A_W]

A call to Bartlein barrels confirmed they have prefit barrels for the MRAD which I'll go with since they are my barrel of choice for my single caliber builds.

Pretty sure Mile High keeps a pretty regular stock of Bartlein AI barrels

Accuracy International Barrels - Win Tactical, Proof Research

Accuracy International Barrels by Proof Research and Win Tactical for the AXSR/AXMC, AX/AT, and ASR AI Rifles. Shop our Selection at Mile High Shooting!

www.milehighshooting.com

 

[hafejd30]

If you want a switch barrel then get one. I have 2 AI’s and just picked up a DT. I’m personally an AI fan but never handled a MRAD. I think double stack AI mags are best in the business from what I’ve used though

If I decide to go back to a long action setup like AI again I’d get another AXMC

I personally love my AI triggers. I have a few two stage trigger techs on other guns as well which are nice to

 

[Long Range 338]

Great gun, barrel changes not nearly as convenient.

As easy as anything else but requires that you buy the tool kit. On the plus side repeatability is excellent because you are using a torque wrench to snug up the barrels.

 

[Long Range 338]

If you want a switch barrel then get one. I have 2 AI’s and just picked up a DT. I’m personally an AI fan but never handled a MRAD. I think double stack AI mags are best in the business from what I’ve used though

If I decide to go back to a long action setup like AI again I’d get another AXMC

I personally love my AI triggers. I have a few two stage trigger techs on other guns as well which are nice to

Agree on all points with the exception of AI mags being the best. The Barrett mags are excellent, the AI mags have all required minor adjustment of the feed lips.

 

[carbonbased]

I’d wager you’d have less futzing if you go AI vs. custom. AI’s tend to just work straight out of the box, from what I’ve both experienced with two and read about.

I’d include the Cadex/Mrad/etc but I have no experience with them nor have I read up on them either.

Maybe you like futzing and playing around. Some people enjoy that…not me.

AI bolt lift is not light, however.

 

[Roadrace33]

If you have the money, get an AI.

For what it’s worth, I’ve heard of many more issues with the MRAD system than the AI. Maybe the stuff was Bs, but still I have heard of more. Mainly with barrels.

AI prefits are almost always available at MH or Euro. Their prefits are fucking hammers. AI’s system just flat out works.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Thanks for everyone's comments.

I'm checking with Zermatt to see if their TL3 action will handle both short and long action cartridges and still have a reliable feed with a magazine.

I have custom builds using Impact 737r actions, custom cut non-SAAMI spec chambers, Bartlein barrels etc. with triggers froomTrigger Tech which perform exceptionally well with handloads.

After a call to Definace this morning they don't suggest trying to offer the same functionality as the AI or Barrett shooting both short and long action cartridges with magazine feed. A call to Bartlein barrels confirmed they have prefit barrels for the MRAD which I'll go with since they are my barrel of choice for my single caliber builds.

The MRAD and AI type rifles are not for everyone nor am I looking to replace my custom bolt guns, rather the concept of their design intrigued me and they seemed like a fun gun to own and shoot. I'm leaning towards the MRAD in 300 Norma Mag and 6.5 Creedmoor, a Nightforce 7x35 X 56 F1 option in a Spuhr mount, Vortex Impact 4000 laser rangefinder, MDT digital level with a spare Atlas bipod I have on the shelf.

Likely to start with Vihtavuori N570, Berger 245 grain Long Range Hybrid Target and Lapua brass. There are several other interesting bullets including some solid copper ones I'd like to try in the future. Going to have to get a new press, I understand my Forster Co-Ax will not fit dies for the 300 Norma Mag.

Buy two seperate guns. Its retarded to try and compromise on both. Action should be sized on the cartridge. A magnum action (And yes 300NM should be a magnum action, not a LA with a Lapua bolt face) is going to feel like shit trying to run 6.5cm.

But people are going to do whatever they want and learn the hardway. Like how N570 will torch the piss out of your barrel and you will be lucky to get 800 rounds with it.

You are going to shoot a couple rounds with the norma and the novelty will wear off. Now you have a bunch of wasted parts and components without a purpose. Unless you compete at ELR or have access to ranges out past 2k, the Norma is like lighting money on fire.

 

[hafejd30]

If you have the money, get an AI.

For what it’s worth, I’ve heard of many more issues with the MRAD system than the AI. Maybe the stuff was Bs, but still I have heard of more. Mainly with barrels.

AI prefits are almost always available at MH or Euro. Their prefits are fucking hammers. AI’s system just flat out works.

Tons of options for prefits even on the used market here for AI

 

[Maurygold]

Buy two seperate guns. Its retarded to try and compromise on both. Action should be sized on the cartridge. A magnum action (And yes 300NM should be a magnum action, not a LA with a Lapua bolt face) is going to feel like shit trying to run 6.5cm.

But people are going to do whatever they want and learn the hardway. Like how N570 will torch the piss out of your barrel and you will be lucky to get 800 rounds with it.

You are going to shoot a couple rounds with the norma and the novelty will wear off. Now you have a bunch of wasted parts and components without a purpose. Unless you compete at ELR or have access to ranges out past 2k, the Norma is like lighting money on fire.

Pretty much agree. Unless I was regularly shooting past a mile I wouldn’t even consider the Norma. At which point I’d rather shoot a 33xc

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

300 PRC will get you 95% of the performance with 245 bergers out of a Long action using less powder, less recoil, cheaper brass and longer barrel life. Even factory ammo is like half the price.

 

[Zigjib]

300 PRC will get you 95% of the performance with 245 bergers out of a Long action using less powder, less recoil, cheaper brass and longer barrel life. Even factory ammo is like half the price.

Not to hijack the thread, but I had this EXACT discussion with some dudes regarding why I wanted a 22ARC bolt gun and I cited these exact points.

I can equal the ballistics from a 26" 223 using 75gr ELD-M, with an 18" ARC and the same 75gr bullets.

Less recoil, less blast, less powder than 6mm options or SA carts, and 8" less length, less weight than my 223, making it lighter, more manoeuvrable and easier to carry. It's a no brainer to me.

I'll tell you another story where i'm the flog, but it was a good lesson (especially for me which is why I keep telling it and prefacing it with i'm the bad guy of this story).... I was at an international arms meet over a decade ago. I ended up talking to a US Army dude and a UK Army dude. Both Snipers. One running the L115 and the other running the M2010. I made a bit of a comment regarding the M2010 and going win mag over the 338 LM like the UK (and cad and aus and NZ and probably most of the rest of the western world) and I said it from a position of assumed knowledge and honestly, I was being an arrogant flog and talking down to the US Army dudes weapon and ammo from a position I hadn't earned and didn't fully understand like a right fuckwit. I can't stress this enough. The way I spoke to these 2 dudes is just an embarrassment and it's one of those core memories that pops up at 3am.... and the UK guy just absolutely rolled me with his response..... I was put in my place so fast you'd swear this dude was a Quartermaster doing a stocktake and he had a shelf dedicated to arrogant flogs.

Basically, there was nothing wrong with 300WM and what Mk248 Mod 1 provided was more than sufficient, even compared to 338LM. He then proceeded to talk about training vs equipment vs engagement range etc etc and what it came down to was that 1 MOA was the standard which means anything beyond 1200y is more ass than class so they aim for those requirements.

So if you hyper optimise what you have, whilst it might not be the best, it might be good enough, and if you try really hard, you might equal the competition or close the gap so much that it's negligible.

There are a MILLION carts out there, don't pick the IT cartridge, pick the one that works for you

 

[Bruce K]

I have a safe full of custom guns with non-SAAMI spec chambers, custom loading dies and several rooms dedicated to reloading and working on my rifles.

I have enjoyed building rifles with modern high ballistic coefficient bullets, but also enjoy old cartridges like my 243 Ackley improved.

I'm buying the MRAD because I want to own a multi-caliber rifle and a 300 Norma Mag because I don't already own one and it will be fun to shoot it

 

[Maurygold]

I’d much rather shoot a 300 prc under a mile or a 33xc over

 

[Long Range 338]

300 PRC will get you 95% of the performance with 245 bergers out of a Long action using less powder, less recoil, cheaper brass and longer barrel life. Even factory ammo is like half the price.

I’d much rather shoot a 300 prc under a mile or a 33xc over

Perfectly valid points however the 300 NM allows you to magazine feed AND take advantage of the case capacity. But the 300 PRC and 33XC are going to require single feeding if seating bullets to optimize case capacity.

That is why it remains so popular.

 

[JB.IC]

I have the AXSR and MRAD. The idea of a multical rifle is cool, but I got tired of rezeroing after barrel changes. The only thing I dislike about the MRAD is the cost to rebarrel. I like my MRAD over my AXSR, but at the end of the day, the price per feature does go to a custom rifle. If I could do it over again, I would just buy 3 or 4 of my favorite custom actions and stick with them. Trying new things is part of the experience though; it actually makes the sport a little more interesting.

 

[Maurygold]

Perfectly valid points however the 300 NM allows you to magazine feed AND take advantage of the case capacity. But the 300 PRC and 33XC are going to require single feeding if seating bullets to optimize case capacity.

That is why it remains so popular.

300 prc feeds out of cip?

 

[Long Range 338]

300 prc feeds out of cip?

With factory loads, not with custom loads and if guys are running the 230s or heavier, it’s either seat to mag length and drop your powder charge or seat long to accommodate more powder.

 

[Maurygold]

With factory loads, not with custom loads and if guys are running the 230s or heavier, it’s either seat to mag length and drop your powder charge or seat long to accommodate more powder.

Have zero issues with 215 hybrids out of lapua brass.

 

[Long Range 338]

Have zero issues with 215 hybrids out of lapua brass.

Correct. I stated with the 230s and heavier it becomes an issue. For competition use, guys want the high bc bullets, max powder charge, and ability to feed from magazines.

 

[Bruce K]

I have the AXSR and MRAD. The idea of a multical rifle is cool, but I got tired of rezeroing after barrel changes. The only thing I dislike about the MRAD is the cost to rebarrel. I like my MRAD over my AXSR, but at the end of the day, the price per feature does go to a custom rifle. If I could do it over again, I would just buy 3 or 4 of my favorite custom actions and stick with them. Trying new things is part of the experience though; it actually makes the sport a little more interesting.

In testing when attaching the same caliber barrel back on, it hold near .5 moa. So when shooting a different caliber/barrel you can record the shift in your Kestrel other other ballistic calculator. I'm going to use my Vortex Impact 4000 laser rangefinder on the MRAD, my only grip is it uses GeoBallistics and not the Applied Ballistic solver (AB Quantum).

 

[JB.IC]

In testing when attaching the same caliber barrel back on, it hold near .5 moa. So when shooting a different caliber/barrel you can record the shift in your Kestrel other other ballistic calculator. I'm going to use my Vortex Impact 4000 laser rangefinder on the MRAD, my only grip is it uses GeoBallistics and not the Applied Ballistic solver (AB Quantum).

Yea Chase Stroud taught me that several years ago but I never cared to use it. I gotten pretty lazy a would rather buy a new rifle hence both the MRAD and AXSR and all the other rifles collecting dust lol. But it’s definitely the right thing to do. It would have saved some money.

 

[carbonbased]

I like my AI barrel change feature for finding and settling on a caliber. Not to actively swap between calibers.

For $1000 (for my AIAT, at least) I can get different high quality prefits/blanks and try out 308, 6br, or 22-250. I settled in the latter; it’s awesome for pdogs (I don’t reload). I save space in the safe and don’t have to futz with all of the other parts of 3 individual guns because stuff just snaps together and works. My scope stays level vs setting it up on each gun, etc etc.

However, I don’t think I’d like the system in order to constantly swap calibers every weekend. For me the AI system was an aid for caliber exploration versus an end unto itself.

 

[Long Range 338]

I like my AI barrel change feature for finding and settling on a caliber. Not to actively swap between calibers.

For $1000 (for my AIAT, at least) I can get different high quality prefits/blanks and try out 308, 6br, or 22-250. I settled in the latter; it’s awesome for pdogs (I don’t reload). I save space in the safe and don’t have to futz with all of the other parts of 3 individual guns because stuff just snaps together and works. My scope stays level vs setting it up on each gun, etc etc.

However, I don’t think I’d like the system in order to constantly swap calibers every weekend. For me the AI system was an aid for caliber exploration versus an end unto itself.

I think most guys tend to do something along those lines. I tend to only swap barrels occasionally and only if I plan to leave it on for a substantial amount of time - something like prepping for a match but using a cheaper cartridge so I can focus on shooting fundamentals and setting up behind the rifle. Typically I’m more of an issue than the ballistics.

 

[carbonbased]

I think most guys tend to do something along those lines. I tend to only swap barrels occasionally and only if I plan to leave it on for a substantial amount of time - something like prepping for a match but using a cheaper cartridge so I can focus on shooting fundamentals and setting up behind the rifle. Typically I’m more of an issue than the ballistics.

Right on.

Also, I can hear the dude that whispers, “Just buy a barrel vise and do the same thing with any old action, it’s cheaper.”

I did and am still doing that too. It’s a different and new set of skills. I messed up once pretty badly, but even factoring that mistake in I’d be money ahead vs buying an AI. But the AI is just fun, well made, and just works with no fuss. It’s a joy.

 

[dscl]

I was just in this same boat and bought a MRAD. I purchased it used and the price was right so I went that route over a custom. I have plenty of those and this is something new and if the novelty fades away I'll just build another rifle

 

[Long Range 338]

Right on.

Also, I can hear the dude that whispers, “Just buy a barrel vise and do the same thing with any old action, it’s cheaper.”

I did and am still doing that too. It’s a different and new set of skills. I messed up once pretty badly, but even factoring that mistake in I’d be money ahead vs buying an AI. But the AI is just fun, well made, and just works with no fuss. It’s a joy.

I think we all must have too many voices in our heads! I've got some very nice rifles I've put together and they are great rifles and fun to shoot but there is just something about the multi caliber systems that keep sucking me back in..... AI, Cadex, Barrett, they all have the cool factor that keeps calling.