Can anyone tell me what the company changed on the rifle when they went from the AI AE mkI vs the mkII vs todays mkIII.
Is one version better than the others?
Thanks!
Is one version better than the others?
Thanks!
AI AE Differences
- Thread starter Rustybroadhead
- Start date
Re: AI AE Differences
This was covered not long ago but here it goes.
AE MKI uses 5rnd single stack mags and has a lothar walther barrel
AE MKII uses 5 and 10 round staggered feed AICS mags and I believe they all use broughton barrels
AE MKIII is the same as a MKIII but with the AW bolt assembly with 3 pos. safety.
I believe the MKII and MKIII also have a change in the trigger that allows it to be removed without full taking the barreled action from the chassis.
I personally like the MKI's, the only barrel I've had shoot as good as the LW in mine is Mike rock's. My MKI would one hole almost any match ammo, wasn't finnicky about bullets or loads, and would even shoot crap M80 ball 3/4-1MOA. The velocity was also unheard of with that 4 groove, I was getting over 3000FPS with a 155 scenar with 46gr of varget at mag length with the can on. The 5 round single stack also feeds reliably every time, I've had some feeding problems with AICS mags in the passed.
I bought a leftover MKI after shooting a MKI and MKII, the MKI shot better hands down. However there are a lot of people out there that are happy with their MKII's. I doubt you will be unhappy regardless of which you get. If I was buying a new one it would be a MKIII though. A bolt locking safety is the only thing I wished mine had, it has extremely easy to accidently bump the bolt up while on safe since the safety design holds the firing pin back. With the MKIII's AW safety you have fire, safe where you can still manipulate the bolt, and a third safe position where it locks the bolt. I bought a "bolt lock" from a place thats now out of business that uses some elastic cord you attach to your scope tube, run it under the rifle and hook it on the bolt handle. It worked but that 3rd position on the safe would have been awesome.
This was covered not long ago but here it goes.
AE MKI uses 5rnd single stack mags and has a lothar walther barrel
AE MKII uses 5 and 10 round staggered feed AICS mags and I believe they all use broughton barrels
AE MKIII is the same as a MKIII but with the AW bolt assembly with 3 pos. safety.
I believe the MKII and MKIII also have a change in the trigger that allows it to be removed without full taking the barreled action from the chassis.
I personally like the MKI's, the only barrel I've had shoot as good as the LW in mine is Mike rock's. My MKI would one hole almost any match ammo, wasn't finnicky about bullets or loads, and would even shoot crap M80 ball 3/4-1MOA. The velocity was also unheard of with that 4 groove, I was getting over 3000FPS with a 155 scenar with 46gr of varget at mag length with the can on. The 5 round single stack also feeds reliably every time, I've had some feeding problems with AICS mags in the passed.
I bought a leftover MKI after shooting a MKI and MKII, the MKI shot better hands down. However there are a lot of people out there that are happy with their MKII's. I doubt you will be unhappy regardless of which you get. If I was buying a new one it would be a MKIII though. A bolt locking safety is the only thing I wished mine had, it has extremely easy to accidently bump the bolt up while on safe since the safety design holds the firing pin back. With the MKIII's AW safety you have fire, safe where you can still manipulate the bolt, and a third safe position where it locks the bolt. I bought a "bolt lock" from a place thats now out of business that uses some elastic cord you attach to your scope tube, run it under the rifle and hook it on the bolt handle. It worked but that 3rd position on the safe would have been awesome.
Re: AI AE Differences
I figured it had been covered before but i wasn't sure how to look it up. Your info is exactly what I was looking for. I found a MKI that seems like a pretty good deal but I wasn't sure about the upgrades AI had done to them through the years. Now I just have to make up my mind to go this route or build something from scratch.
Thank you!
I figured it had been covered before but i wasn't sure how to look it up. Your info is exactly what I was looking for. I found a MKI that seems like a pretty good deal but I wasn't sure about the upgrades AI had done to them through the years. Now I just have to make up my mind to go this route or build something from scratch.
Thank you!
Re: AI AE Differences
AI all the way. They will shoot just as well as any custom build rifle and there is no action out there that matches the reliability of the AI.
AI all the way. They will shoot just as well as any custom build rifle and there is no action out there that matches the reliability of the AI.
Re: AI AE Differences
I will check out Mile High. I haven't dealt with them before but from what I read here, they are good people. I appreciate the info there. Thanks Mirnyx
I will check out Mile High. I haven't dealt with them before but from what I read here, they are good people. I appreciate the info there. Thanks Mirnyx
Re: AI AE Differences
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redneckbmxer24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This was covered not long ago but here it goes.
AE MKI uses 5rnd single stack mags and has a lothar walther barrel
AE MKII uses 5 and 10 round staggered feed AICS mags and I believe they all use broughton barrels
AE MKIII is the same as a MKIII but with the AW bolt assembly with 3 pos. safety.
I believe the MKII and MKIII also have a change in the trigger that allows it to be removed without full taking the barreled action from the chassis.
I personally like the MKI's, the only barrel I've had shoot as good as the LW in mine is Mike rock's. My MKI would one hole almost any match ammo, wasn't finnicky about bullets or loads, and would even shoot crap M80 ball 3/4-1MOA. The velocity was also unheard of with that 4 groove, I was getting over 3000FPS with a 155 scenar with 46gr of varget at mag length with the can on. The 5 round single stack also feeds reliably every time, I've had some feeding problems with AICS mags in the passed.
I bought a leftover MKI after shooting a MKI and MKII, the MKI shot better hands down. However there are a lot of people out there that are happy with their MKII's. I doubt you will be unhappy regardless of which you get. If I was buying a new one it would be a MKIII though. A bolt locking safety is the only thing I wished mine had, it has extremely easy to accidently bump the bolt up while on safe since the safety design holds the firing pin back. With the MKIII's AW safety you have fire, safe where you can still manipulate the bolt, and a third safe position where it locks the bolt. I bought a "bolt lock" from a place thats now out of business that uses some elastic cord you attach to your scope tube, run it under the rifle and hook it on the bolt handle. It worked but that 3rd position on the safe would have been awesome. </div></div>
I have also found that my MK1 shoots insanely well. Its the reason I sold my AWs. I could shoot my AE better. lol.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redneckbmxer24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This was covered not long ago but here it goes.
AE MKI uses 5rnd single stack mags and has a lothar walther barrel
AE MKII uses 5 and 10 round staggered feed AICS mags and I believe they all use broughton barrels
AE MKIII is the same as a MKIII but with the AW bolt assembly with 3 pos. safety.
I believe the MKII and MKIII also have a change in the trigger that allows it to be removed without full taking the barreled action from the chassis.
I personally like the MKI's, the only barrel I've had shoot as good as the LW in mine is Mike rock's. My MKI would one hole almost any match ammo, wasn't finnicky about bullets or loads, and would even shoot crap M80 ball 3/4-1MOA. The velocity was also unheard of with that 4 groove, I was getting over 3000FPS with a 155 scenar with 46gr of varget at mag length with the can on. The 5 round single stack also feeds reliably every time, I've had some feeding problems with AICS mags in the passed.
I bought a leftover MKI after shooting a MKI and MKII, the MKI shot better hands down. However there are a lot of people out there that are happy with their MKII's. I doubt you will be unhappy regardless of which you get. If I was buying a new one it would be a MKIII though. A bolt locking safety is the only thing I wished mine had, it has extremely easy to accidently bump the bolt up while on safe since the safety design holds the firing pin back. With the MKIII's AW safety you have fire, safe where you can still manipulate the bolt, and a third safe position where it locks the bolt. I bought a "bolt lock" from a place thats now out of business that uses some elastic cord you attach to your scope tube, run it under the rifle and hook it on the bolt handle. It worked but that 3rd position on the safe would have been awesome. </div></div>
I have also found that my MK1 shoots insanely well. Its the reason I sold my AWs. I could shoot my AE better. lol.
Re: AI AE Differences
beenjammin, I have seen a lot of your posts on here and know you shoot quite a bit. If it were you, would you build from scratch or buy an AE. I keep leaning toward the build because I am not a huge fan of the 308. If they chambered the AE for 6.5cm.... this wouldn't be a discussion!
Do you think it is because of the different barrel manufacturer or something else? You are actually the second person that has told me they like their AE better. I got the same thing from a guy at the range last weekend.
beenjammin, I have seen a lot of your posts on here and know you shoot quite a bit. If it were you, would you build from scratch or buy an AE. I keep leaning toward the build because I am not a huge fan of the 308. If they chambered the AE for 6.5cm.... this wouldn't be a discussion!
Do you think it is because of the different barrel manufacturer or something else? You are actually the second person that has told me they like their AE better. I got the same thing from a guy at the range last weekend.
Re: AI AE Differences
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rustybroadhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">beenjammin, I have seen a lot of your posts on here and know you shoot quite a bit. If it were you, would you build from scratch or buy an AE. I keep leaning toward the build because I am not a huge fan of the 308. If they chambered the AE for 6.5cm.... this wouldn't be a discussion!</div></div>
Buy an AI!
You can call Mile High, they will ship you an AE in 6.5 or 260 no problem.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rustybroadhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">beenjammin, I have seen a lot of your posts on here and know you shoot quite a bit. If it were you, would you build from scratch or buy an AE. I keep leaning toward the build because I am not a huge fan of the 308. If they chambered the AE for 6.5cm.... this wouldn't be a discussion!</div></div>
Buy an AI!
You can call Mile High, they will ship you an AE in 6.5 or 260 no problem.
Re: AI AE Differences
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rustybroadhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">beenjammin, I have seen a lot of your posts on here and know you shoot quite a bit. If it were you, would you build from scratch or buy an AE. I keep leaning toward the build because I am not a huge fan of the 308. If they chambered the AE for 6.5cm.... this wouldn't be a discussion!
Do you think it is because of the different barrel manufacturer or something else? You are actually the second person that has told me they like their AE better. I got the same thing from a guy at the range last weekend. </div></div>
I've talked to Ben a few times on the phone. I would bet $100 he says go with the AIAE.
Now if you want a AIAE MKIII in 6.5CM it's really easy. Call Mile High Shooting and order a AIAE MKIII in 6.5CM. Really that's all there is to it. Need a certain brake put on it? Send them the brake, they'll install it. There's really not anything that Mile High Shooting can't accommodate you with.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rustybroadhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">beenjammin, I have seen a lot of your posts on here and know you shoot quite a bit. If it were you, would you build from scratch or buy an AE. I keep leaning toward the build because I am not a huge fan of the 308. If they chambered the AE for 6.5cm.... this wouldn't be a discussion!
Do you think it is because of the different barrel manufacturer or something else? You are actually the second person that has told me they like their AE better. I got the same thing from a guy at the range last weekend. </div></div>
I've talked to Ben a few times on the phone. I would bet $100 he says go with the AIAE.
Now if you want a AIAE MKIII in 6.5CM it's really easy. Call Mile High Shooting and order a AIAE MKIII in 6.5CM. Really that's all there is to it. Need a certain brake put on it? Send them the brake, they'll install it. There's really not anything that Mile High Shooting can't accommodate you with.
Re: AI AE Differences
Boone, is that an after market barrel? I didn't think they chambered 6.5cm from the factory..... and probably expensive
I need to call Mile High.....
Boone, is that an after market barrel? I didn't think they chambered 6.5cm from the factory..... and probably expensive
I need to call Mile High.....
Re: AI AE Differences
It's a Bartlein barrel. Chambered by Dave Tooley.
Brandon just bought a .260 MKIII from MHS. It hammers btw.
It's a Bartlein barrel. Chambered by Dave Tooley.
Brandon just bought a .260 MKIII from MHS. It hammers btw.
Re: AI AE Differences
Good barrel, I bet it does shoot...
I need to get to know they guys at Mile High, sounds like they really know how to make things happen. I really appreciate the info.
Good barrel, I bet it does shoot...
I need to get to know they guys at Mile High, sounds like they really know how to make things happen. I really appreciate the info.
Re: AI AE Differences
There still open right now.
Mile High Shooting.
1-303-255-9999
Remember to tell them your a Sniper's Hide member and you'll get a 5% discount.
There still open right now.
Mile High Shooting.
1-303-255-9999
Remember to tell them your a Sniper's Hide member and you'll get a 5% discount.
Re: AI AE Differences
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rustybroadhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good barrel, I bet it does shoot...
I need to get to know they guys at Mile High, sounds like they really know how to make things happen. I really appreciate the info. </div></div>
The girls. Jamie, Melissa, Stephanie, Dianne, Mandy.
Tell me that isn't awesome! They are quite possibly the most knowledgable women about firearms I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Call them, you'll be glad you did.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rustybroadhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good barrel, I bet it does shoot...
I need to get to know they guys at Mile High, sounds like they really know how to make things happen. I really appreciate the info. </div></div>
The girls. Jamie, Melissa, Stephanie, Dianne, Mandy.
Re: AI AE Differences
Good deal... Thanks guys, I really appreciate the info and the phone number. I will get in touch with them and see what we can work out.
Good deal... Thanks guys, I really appreciate the info and the phone number. I will get in touch with them and see what we can work out.
Re: AI AE Differences
I was thinking that this would be fun place to go visit... Too bad it is on the other side of the county from me.
Don't worry, your secret is safe here!
I was thinking that this would be fun place to go visit... Too bad it is on the other side of the county from me.
Don't worry, your secret is safe here!
Re: AI AE Differences
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rustybroadhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was thinking that this would be fun place to go visit... Too bad it is on the other side of the county from me.
Don't worry, your secret is safe here! </div></div>
It might be safe with you, but it wasn't with me....bahahahahhahaha
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rustybroadhead</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was thinking that this would be fun place to go visit... Too bad it is on the other side of the county from me.
Don't worry, your secret is safe here! </div></div>
It might be safe with you, but it wasn't with me....bahahahahhahaha
Re: AI AE Differences
I've only dealt with Melissa. Maybe I need to branch out, but would Melissa feel I was cheating on her?
lol
Needless to say, but I will, everyone at Mile High is first class.
I've only dealt with Melissa. Maybe I need to branch out, but would Melissa feel I was cheating on her?
Needless to say, but I will, everyone at Mile High is first class.
I have an AIAE Mk 3 in .260 Rem from Mile High. I couldn't be happier--both with the rifle and the service.
I have an AI AE MK11 and an AI AT. The original 20 " .308 bbl on the AE was a Lothar Walther which from what I understand came on all the AE models. It had over 4000 rds through it before I put a 6.5 CM bbl on it. That .308 bbL that came off my AEl shoots better than my AT does now and once the 6.5 CM bbl is done, that bbl is going back on. That thing was stupid accurate and shot everything well. Its my favourite rifle by far.
AI AE Differences
Hey- I was there Wednesday! There's a lot of nice hardware crammed into a small space for sure.Originally Posted By: RustybroadheadI was thinking that this would be fun place to go visit... Too bad it is on the other side of the county from me.
Don't worry, your secret is safe here!
It might be safe with you, but it wasn't with me....bahahahahhahaha
Last edited:
Similar threads
