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XLR vs. AICS

batman292

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Minuteman
Jul 31, 2011
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i intend to build a rifle soon. im looking into a chassis for a 300win mag. i was just looking for some opinions on the AICS and the XLR and the differences if any besides the obvious
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

I too prefer the feel of the XLR. But like McLarenRoss said, different strokes for different folks. I agree that they are both well made and I really don't see and advantage of one system vs the other. IMHO it really comes down to which feels better to the person using it.

I don't see any XLR chassis at my local range so it's kinda cool having something unique.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

They are so totally different in feel that you really need to try them out.

Generally the recommendation I make is that if you want your bolt gun to feel like an AR, then the XLR is perfect. If you like thumb holes, then get the AICS. If you wait until April/May time frame, then the new AICS with the thumb hole/pistol grip will be available.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zacg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i intend to build a rifle soon. im looking into a chassis for a 300win mag. i was just looking for some opinions on the AICS and the XLR and the differences if any besides the obvious </div></div>

I have tried the AICS and just can't get comfortable with the thumbhole stock, so the ergonomics of my XLR win in that regard.

The only real bitch I have with the XLR is the barrel shroud forcing me to get higher rings for my scope. I had wanted to put my SWFA SS 5-20 on it but even with high rings, the objective only allowed for a few thousandths clearance...thread Here

Otherwise, Kyle makes an excellent product and provides outstanding customer support.

One other thing to consider would be the AICS AX chassis once it becomes more readily available.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sumpter Steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had a AICS and hated it. It felt like I was using a 2x4 for a stock. I now have an XLR on order for my 300WM build. I really suggest that you try them both as everyone is different. </div></div>

I love both
laugh.gif
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

I'm not limiting myself to only those. i guess its just cause the are the only two i have seen that i find pleasing to the eye while doing their job and not costing me my left leg
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

I have a Mac-A5, an AICS, and pistol grip type chassis and can work with any of them. I think my preference has to be the thumbhole.

Whatever you chose, you will be satisfied. Even if you do not like it at first because it feels foreign, you will get use to it. I think most guys that hate something, it's because they do not own it, and it just feels different than what they are use to.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

I haven't tried the two you are referring to, but I have a manners T5 which is a thumbhole stock. I really like this a lot, it has quickly become my favorite stock. It really seemed to reduce felt recoil in my 300 wsm. I got it with their mini chassis because I didn't want to have to mess with bedding the action.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Recoil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The xlr must be broken down into pieces to access the trigger. That is a deal breaker for me. I have learned to love the aics. </div></div>

Not sure exactly what you are talking about.

With the AICS or the XLR the action has to be removed from the chassis to get to the adjustments on a factory trigger.

Due to the way the XLR Evolution trigger guard is skeletonized you can actually access some aftermarket trigger adjustments with greater ease without removing anything.

Now with the AICS it's just two bolts to drop the action. The XLR Evolution requires you to remove the two action screws and the six handguard clamp screws before you can pull the action.

Since both the AICS and the XLR are polymer and alloy you don't have to worry about damaging bedding material. You can flush the trigger with the action in the stock. I know that on my rifles, generally I set the trigger pull when I am dialing in the rifle, then leave it alone until it's time for an armorers inspection. Then I usually only have to check and record the pull. I don't have to re-adjust it.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

Just had a trigger screw loosen on me with the xlr and it was not easy to fix in the middle of nowhere. The aics is nice because I can take the action out quickly and fix any issues. Probably not a real issue for most, just makes me feel better knowing I can fix just about anything on my rifle while in the field.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

I own an AI AW and six rifles in AICS chassis. Guess you could say I like them.
The AW has some things I don't think are available to the AICS, like the quick adjust cheek piece, spike and LOP. It really makes it a perfect stock for bench, prone or field positions.
I also have an XLR. The one thing the XLR has is an infinite amount of adjustability. LOP, Cheek height, grip, butt cant, pad placement, etc. It would be perfect if not for the problem mentioned above about scope mounting. I have found that a Farrell base (taller than many brands) works well in getting the proper scope height.
Bottom line though is you still have to take time to get down behind some potential candidates before you know what works for you.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wolf22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone at SHOT know when those new AI AICS skins with the flush cups et al are going to be avail and whom has them??
</div></div>

March/April for release. Don't know who will have them first.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

my vote is for the AICS. if you plan to hunt or shoot when it is cold the aics will alot nicer to touch with out gloves on. when you price out the xlr with all the options you want its not much cheaper. also you can call someone like mile high shooting and have a stock in hand in a few days. once i make my mind up i dont want to think about it (or wait ) anymore. i tried to buy a xlr last year to try out, i was told the wait would be 6 weeks after 13 weeks and no stock i pulled the plug and ordered an aics, i couldnt be happier.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

LoneWolf nailed it, if you want your bolt gun to feel like an AR then the XLR is the way to go and it feels very vice I had my hands on Kazikamie's ( its in the photography section) and I liked it except I did not like not being able to pull the bolt as easily if I chose to compared to my AICS. I bought AICS and was told by a friend if I did not like it he would buy it for what I paid for it so I bought one. I liked it then I put a set of Viper Skins on it and now I love it. I think as stated above it would be personal prefernce, cost, weight, options for the stock, after the sale customer service for any issues ect.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THEBEARRRRRRJEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have smaller hands and a short LOP, ACIS. If not, XLR. Top notch service if you're into that kinda thing. </div></div>


Im not sure I understand on this one? I have a 14 1/2" LOP am 6'5" and some good sized hands. I have spacers on my AICS and it fits just fine. The thumb hole is / was ok I would have liked to have had it a little longer becasue my pinky finger just fit. But with changing out to Viper Skins as I did which solved any problems or waiting until AI starts allowing one to order with thier verson of the pistol grip I dont see an issue. Again getting behind the XLR was just like getting behind my old DPMS LR-308 with the PRS Stock and it felt nice. I just know that the AICS has the proven reputation of being a solid chassis system with minimal bells and whistles to screw anything up and allows me to get to remove the bolt if I need to for whatever reason with ease, and I can remove the action with 2 screws then tighten down, shoot 5 rounds and then tork em down and its good to go. In all fairness I have not googled or researched the XLR chassis to see if there have been any issues. But when both the Brits and the U.S. Military has or is using a Mk13 Mod 5 I believe the designator is, which is a Rem. 700 in .300 Win. Mag dropped in a AICS with a Night Force Optic, whats that tell, ya lol. www.americanspecialops.com
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zebra308</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THEBEARRRRRRJEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have smaller hands and a short LOP, ACIS. If not, XLR. Top notch service if you're into that kinda thing. </div></div>


Im not sure I understand on this one? I have a 14 1/2" LOP am 6'5" and some good sized hands. I have spacers on my AICS and it fits just fine. The thumb hole is / was ok I would have liked to have had it a little longer becasue my pinky finger just fit. But with changing out to Viper Skins as I did which solved any problems or waiting until AI starts allowing one to order with thier verson of the pistol grip I dont see an issue. Again getting behind the XLR was just like getting behind my old DPMS LR-308 with the PRS Stock and it felt nice. I just know that the AICS has the proven reputation of being a solid chassis system with minimal bells and whistles to screw anything up and allows me to get to remove the bolt if I need to for whatever reason with ease, and I can remove the action with 2 screws then tighten down, shoot 5 rounds and then tork em down and its good to go. In all fairness I have not googled or researched the XLR chassis to see if there have been any issues. But when both the Brits and the U.S. Military has or is using a Mk13 Mod 5 I believe the designator is, which is a Rem. 700 in .300 Win. Mag dropped in a AICS with a Night Force Optic, whats that tell, ya lol. www.americanspecialops.com </div></div>

You can say the same about many chassis options nowadays; XLR, McRee, Whiskey-3, even the Manners mini chassis allows me to have a simple bolt-in and go setup in a traditional stock. Not taking anything away from the AICS, it's still a proven system but I'm more enamored by the AI action.

I can't speak to the Viperskins as I've never handled em but I've had both AICS chassis and an XLR and while the LOP could be fixed, I wear size XL gloves and the thumbhole/grip was just too small. I used it with a KRG bolt lift and I couldn't get my trigger finger into proper position because of the knob. The palm swell also felt very small and unnatural. YMMV but it wasn't for me.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">also the MDT TAC 21 is very well built </div></div>

If I'm not mistaken, the Tac 21 is a more permanent option. Also, they're only offered in Rem SAs at the moment which won't fly for the OP's WM.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">they make a longaction and Savage now and not permanent at all in ten minutes I could have it out and in my HS stock </div></div>

He mentioned AICS so I was assuming he had a 700 footprint in mind.
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THEBEARRRRRRJEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">they make a longaction and Savage now and not permanent at all in ten minutes I could have it out and in my HS stock </div></div>

He mentioned AICS so I was assuming he had a 700 footprint in mind. </div></div> This is true im looking more toward the 700 action, and again thank you for all info and advice
 
Re: XLR vs. AICS

I was running my Savage in an XLR. I enjoyed the ergo's of it, but found I like a traditional or thumbhole-type stock more. It is completely a personal preference issue. However, azimutha turned me onto this KMW Sentinel. Holy shit, that thing looks sick, it probably handles really well too.

ETA: Kyle at XLR kicks all types of ass. That dude's CS skills are great.