need help on first bolt gun purchase

[hkfan45]

I am looking to make my first bolt gun purchase. I have used precision AR rifles for some time and quite comfortable with them, but want the accuracy and range a bolt gun would offer. I need help on deciding what type of bolt gun I should purchase.
Most important to me is being able to adjust the rifle to fit me perfectly and of course accuracy. This rifle will be used in tactical comps, paper punching and "field work". Therefore, durability is important as well.

From my limited research, it seems chassis systems would be a good fit for my goals. I have narrowed it down to the AICS ax, XLR evolution, and the Eliseo tube gun RTS/rtm. l have narrowed caliber choice to either 260 rem or 308. Id like to keep cost under $3k for rifle only. I am not opposed to lightly used.

Can someone describe the pros and cons of these systems and give some recommendations as well.

Thank

 

[bodywerks]

I don't have personal experience with those chassis systems, but i don't think you could go wrong with any of them, although my vote goes to the XLR. American made and custom made, not mass produced and shipped to distributors. It also looks better.
Remington 260, hands down. Flatter flying and superior ballistics. Nuff said.
The bigger question you need to have is what action and barrel. Although your $3k budget limits you so i say find the cheapest Dicks sporting goods-type special Remington 700 to sacrifice the action, then send it off to a gunsmith for truing, bolt handle, and rebarrel. Any quality, known name match barrel is gtg. Just make sure its a blank, at least 8.5 twist (8 preferred) heavy enough contour for accuracy but not to heavy to carry, and 26" seems to be the choice barrel length for 260.
$750 for the chassis
$500 sacrificial remmy
$325 barrel
$125 action truing
$100 bolt handle
$225 rebarrel(indicate, thread, chamber, cut crown)
$150 misc(recoil lug, aftermarket trigger.
Total $2275ish, leaving tom for maybe a muzzle brake and install ($200-250) and scope hardware, magazines, bipod...

 

[strike33]

The XLR gives quite a bit of adjust-ability and will be lighter to haul around in comps. It is also very well priced. i also like dealing direct with the company/ man producing high components and you certaily get that with the XLR
The AICS is "bomb proof" and can take an absolute beating, but may be more uncomfortable for positional shooting sue to the square forend.
The Tube gun chassis are very interesting, but bear in mind that its not a drop in setup. I would strongly recommend getting behind and Eliseo first as the ergonomics are different that most bolt guns.
I agree with Bodywerks above, in buying a Rem 700, either used or a cheap SA and going from there.
The XLR and soon the AICS will be offered for the Savage actions.

 

[hkfan45]

Can anyone comment on the advantages (if any) of the tube gun (eliseo) over drop in chassis systems?
Also, if I decided to go the xlr route, can anyone recommend a top quality gunsmith who could piece everything together for me? My skill set really is limited to building ARs (I.e. not much).

 

[ssatt68]

The tube gun chassis is light but the scope base does not directly attach to the action so over time and hard use it will losen up. I have had a tube gun and ran it hard in matches for the last few years and it served me well. I like it and Gary E is awesome in every way, but I have gone to a different chassis system. I went with the JP AMCS chassis because the butt stock is a folding version of the PRS which is exaclty like my Large frame AR. The AMCS is expensive but very durable and JP makes it in the Rem 700 footprint or Savage footprint and it takes AI/AW mags. My 2 cents is the tube gun is awesome for high power, palma and other matches where durablility is not as important. If you are going to run it in practical/tactical matches look at the JP, AX, LRX chassis that give you the AR feel but are more durable.

 

[*greenhorn*]

well the good guys your going to be waiting a long time. especially now with the way im sure their work load has really jumped (1 year or so). drop in systems are made for the novice person to set their own stock, I have owned a bedded system and a high sped drop-in system. i like them both but im now running a McRees folder under my 308 now and i live it. mostly because of the reduced weight from where i was. its a preferance thing. well put together they become what feels better for you. I personaly dont like ACIS because it doesn't fit me. where a buddy loves them. i like the McRees but i know ppl who think their a cheep gun. the KRG is a fine fine mount as well as the XLR. but the wait times are HUGE. it would be best for you building your 1st to see if their a shoot comming up near you, and go their and check out the systems that pop up. most shooters will be happy to let you sit behind their rigs, JUST DON'T EVER DRY FIRE SOME ONES RIG!!! if they tell you to then that's on them.

 

[strike33]

There a plenty of smiths that are very active on the board. Phoenix custom rifles, Gradous, GAP of course, Southwest precision, RWS.
I would recommend getting the parts together yourself then shipping everything off to the smith.
Check out Bugholes.com (southwest precision for barrels)
go direct to get the chassis.
the more parts you can provide the faster the smith can get the build completed.
I gave my business to PCR, but when/if I start another complete build Mr. Gradous may get a phone call as his work ethic/ and work quality is top teir

 

[JB02]

If you're not willing to buy an AI AEIII, which sounds to me like what you're looking for, then I would consider the following:
- Get a GAP Rock rifle with Badger M5 bottom metal, unless you have have to have a Chassis ... cost is ~ $3.3K
- Get a Rem7005R and drop it into an AI or some other chassis of your choice ... cost is b/n $2K-$2.5K; you will be limited to 223, 308, and 300 WM
- Get a precision barreled action from RW Gunsmithing, or some other builder of your choice, and drop it into an AI, he might even do that for you. Cost ~ $2.5K

 

[RugerSlinger]

If you can find a custom action with a .473 Bolt face and get a 6.5 barrel and send them to Chad at LongRifles I believe he is giving a week turn around time for a rebarrel, His work is top notch. Then just get the chassis and bolt it in yourself.

 

[hkfan45]

If I were to go the AICS AX route chambered in 308, I am now wondering what the advantages would be over a similarly priced gas gun like the OBR 7.62. Accuracy? Better adjustments?

What am I missing?

 

[strike33]

Now you're broadening things too much. Decide first whether you want a gas gun or semi then move on.
The bolt action will be inherently more accurate.
I personally don't like the AX, I got my hands on it and it wasn't quite comfortable for me
My first chassis was a Cadex and for the price I'm sure i won't but another...although it is awesome.
I would recommend the bolt action, but that's just me
we've given you recommendation based on what your described and your budget. Things can go in many different directions. Custom actions, barrels, chassis/stocks.
Determine first if you want a bolt or semi
Determine your chambering
then action
then barrel
and then chassis/stock

 

[Rlbol]

For the price I think it is pretty hard to beat a 700 AAC-sd. I have seen them in the 600 range.it has an ok adjustable trigger is threaded for a suppressor or just a brake. The 308 ammo is available if you aren't reloading. If you want something similar to at controls there are a few nice chassis systems out there.the ai are nice. The jp seem nice. I have an AAC that was in a mcCree chassis that was very nice, and I highly recommended them even though mine will be going up for sale at some point. I just recently acquired an APO chassis system.so far I am very happy with it but haven't gotten a lot of range time with it.