A little guidance SPR A1 vs AI AT

bnanaphone

bnanaphone

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Jul 15, 2010
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#1
I am not use to asking others for advice on firearms but I am at a crossroads and debating my next move.

First, a little background on me. I enjoy shooting and have free access to a range that extends to 1150 yards, but I am only able to get there 7-10 times per year (family obligations, work, etc). I currently have an FN SPR A1 in .308 that has been bedded in a McMillan A4 stock, has an oversized bolt knob, the FN DBM and shoots very well. I have had the rifle for about 6 years and had it listed for sale here but am second-guessing my decision. I have participated in one long-range team competition, so far, and plan to attend one per year (as funds allow).

I am thinking about upgrading to an AI AT with folding stock and chambered in 6.5 CM. My choice to upgrade is purely based on the knowledge that the AI is a proven platform and when my shooting goes to shit, it is my fault or the ammo and not the rifle. Essentially, eliminating variables. On the flip side, I could buy a Proof barrel in 6.5 CM (installed by Midwest Gun Works) for my SPR and save myself time and a couple thousand. I don't NEED an AI. My SPR can easily hold .75 MOA or smaller with the right conditions and ammo.

I don't need the quick-change barrel capability the AI affords because I currently have an LMT MWS with 16" barrel in .308 and will be purchasing a new 24" LMT barrel in 6.5 CM soon. The AI will remain a 6.5 CM rifle.

Pros to the AI:
Proven and accurate platform that has been refined to its current state
Folding stock
No upgrades are necessary, unless you want that fancy new "target" trigger....

Cons to the AI:
It is on the pricey side
I will have to sell my SPR to afford it

Fortunately, a friend is coming into town in a couple weeks and he has the exact rifle I would be purchasing, and in 6.5CM. I will have the opportunity to run both rifles side by side and get a better idea on the AI then.

Have many of you gone from the SPR to an AI? Do you still own both? Any regrets?

Your replies are appreciated.
 
#3
I have owned an SPR, numerous 700’s (factory and custom actions), and a couple of Tikkas. The AI AT was on my radar and I finally got one; I wish I had done it sooner.

With the other rifles, I always wanted to change up the configurations, constantly. The AT does what I need it to do. Trigger is good, easy maintenance, easy barrel change.
 
#4
I would hang on the FN. These just something about that action that I really like. You can always save up for an AI. I’m going to start an AI fund soon.

The an SPR A1 was the first precision rifle I ever shot. My father bought one when I was in college and that’s what got me into this hobby. I still enjoy shooting that gun when I get to visit my family.

I’ve been tempted to get one for myself. The funny thing is I ended up getting a TRG a few years ago and my dad liked it so much that he got one for himself. Now I’m considering doing the same with the FN.
 
#5
I haven't experienced an SPR A1 but since you have it in a good stock I would think a barrel change would give you something you could count on.

I have an AI AT and you're right about having some confidence in their reputation. I bought it last year in .308 and recently proved out a 260 Rem barrel I had made. I'm going to be selling my original 260 Rem that worked great. It was made on a Stiller action and a Brux barrel.
 
#6
Keep the FN, those are special action that are every bit as reliable as an AI. Since you said you don’t need QC barrels, the FN realistically gives up nothing to an AI. I seriously regret selling my SPR A1, and am planning on buying an AIAT later this year.

I would spin on whatever caliber barrel you want and a MCS folding stock if you wish. If you are still drooling over the AI, save for it. FN SPRs are not the hottest or sexiest, but they work every time. Mine was very smooth and never stopped feeding or ejecting properly, even running it fast with steel casings. STUPID decision to sell that rifle.

You will regret selling the FN rifle, trust me.
 
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#7
Apples to oranges comparison, one has a very good traditional stock, the other a chassis system, two different performing calibers. Best be sure you will enjoy being behind that AI but I'm sure 6.5 creedmoor will put a big smile on your face.
 
#8
Well I haven't used an FN but I do have a couple custom rifles and just put the first half of payment on an AIAX yesterday so I may be biased. That said, I would just get the AIAT. I got tired of thinking about changing things up on my rifles and switching parts out, only to never quite end up happy with the system as a whole. I decided to stop messing around and just went with an AI.
 
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#11
I have an AT and like it, but there are a few things about an AI rifle that are different than most bolt action designs.

The bolt throw is 60 degrees. I view this as a plus.

With a 60 degree throw it takes more force to operate the bolt. Most people aren't going to lift the bolt with their index finger.

The factory trigger doesn't adjust down as low as I would like. And the new "competition" design is pricey.
 
#12
Save for the AI. This coming from a guy who owns an AT and absolutely loves it, so much so that I'm selling a LOT of other personal items across multiple hobbies in order to justify what I spent to acquire it, haha. The AT is a killer rifle for the price, especially if you can find one used here on the forums. At least on my example, the action is buttery smooth, the 60º bolt lift is amazing (it does require a bit more force, but it's so fast once you're used to it), and while the trigger isn't measured in ounces (at least with the stock factory trigger), it's plenty light and crisp. The competition trigger can only make things better, but right now, that $400 would be better spent elsewhere in my case.

As awesome as the AT is, I don't know that I could manage with it being my only rifle. The chassis is very good, but it's a heavy rifle for sure. Off-hand positional shooting wears you out fast! Carrying it on a hunt would be entirely doable, but it's probably not something I'd WANT to do regularly (at least not in my current condition).

And yes, they're expensive (oh so worth it, IMO, but put that aside for a sec). For what you'd have to pay to acquire a used AT (figure $3500 or so for a one in good shape with a lightly used barrel in your chosen caliber, but without any other goodies), you could rebarrel your FN, upgrade your scope, and buy several cases of ammo to get some practice in with it. Or heck, buy TWO barrels for it so you're ready to go when you burn the first one out.

If I were in your shoes, and I could only have one rifle, I'd keep the FN. You know it, you're comfortable with it, and it would be a more versatile rifle, all things considered. But absolutely start saving for an AT, or sell other things that you're not using so you can swing one sooner. They're absolutely worth the price of admission. Can less expensive rifles keep up with them in terms of accuracy? Sure. But it's hard to beat that AI reliability, not to mention the feel and prestige of owning one. I won't part with mine unless I'm left with no other choice!
 
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#13
I have not owned a AI. I do own a FN SPR A1. I have shot a older AI. I dont know if they have changed since 2015, but they are nice. I dont know if its worth it since you could make your fn just as accurate and have most of the same features. You could have it barreled like you said, have stock dock do a cheek piece, you have the 10 round mag, dont know what you would gain that you cant have.
All that said I would never sell my fn. They aint making them any more.
 
#14
Keep it and save for an AI. As someone mentioned above I also sold several rifles and scopes to fund my AI. Was it worth it, heck yeah! but I am probably going to regret selling the other ones and should of saved and not sold them.
 
#16
I have not used a FN SPR A1 so I cannot help in a comparison. However I do own a AIAT that I purchased here on the SH lefty forum. It is a LH folding stock tan rifle that had never been used. I got it for a good price and never looked back. I am just beginning in this sport and wanted to be sure that I was the issue not the rifle. The AIAT is awesome.
 
#17
I appreciate all of your replies and suggestions. There were even more comments to keep the FN than I had initially imagined. Truth is, I could keep the FN and still get the AI but the FN would just take up space in my safe. I am not one to hold on to things I don't use, I am not a collector of guns. Pieces mean more to me when I use them regularly.

I do know the AI will be worth it, especially since my current firearm progression is to focus on quality pieces that I enjoy shooting, even if that means owning fewer guns. I can only, accurately, shoot one at a time anyway.

My hunting rifle is my LMT MWS with 16" CL barrel in .308 and Nightforce SHV 4-14x50, and it has not failed me. I am getting a 6.5CM barrel for that to gain additional range and functionality too. Hunting and barrel-swapping handled in one package there.

My rifle scope is not the new hotness but quality, Gen II Razor 4.5-27x56, so no need to upgrade there.

Ultimately, I will shoot my buddy's AI in 2 weeks and bring my rifle to compare side by side. After that session, I think my decision will be much easier.

I think you all are pointing me in the direction I was already leaning. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something foolish.
 
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#20
bnanaphone said:
I appreciate all of your replies and suggestions. There were even more comments to keep the FN than I had initially imagined. Truth is, I could keep the FN and still get the AI but the FN would just take up space in my safe. I am not one to hold on to things I don't use, I am not a collector of guns. Pieces mean more to me when I use them regularly.

I do know the AI will be worth it, especially since my current firearm progression is to focus on quality pieces that I enjoy shooting, even if that means owning fewer guns. I can only, accurately, shoot one at a time anyway.

My hunting rifle is my LMT MWS with 16" CL barrel in .308 and Nightforce SHV 4-14x50, and it has not failed me. I am getting a 6.5CM barrel for that to gain additional range and functionality too. Hunting and barrel-swapping handled in one package there.

My rifle scope is not the new hotness but quality, Gen II Razor 4.5-27x56, so no need to upgrade there.

Ultimately, I will shoot my buddy's AI in 2 weeks and bring my rifle to compare side by side. After that session, I think my decision will be much easier.

I think you all are pointing me in the direction I was already leaning. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something foolish.
Click to expand...
Sometimes it’s good to just talk it out. I think you always knew what to do. You’ll enjoy the AT!
 
#21
For me a rifle usually means a S&B scope, Spuhr mount, and a suppressor. So it's not just a 4K purchase.

Nice thing about the AT or AX 308 (have both) is that you can screw on a barrel of a different caliber, rezero in a few rounds. So if you want to try 6BR, it's about $800 for a new barrel (nice used about half), keeping the rest of the setup. Honestly, add another $400+ for dies and brass,, so know those costs up front.
 
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#22
hollowoutadime said:
For me a rifle usually means a S&B scope, Spuhr mount, and a suppressor. So it's not just a 4K purchase.

Nice thing about the AT or AX 308 (have both) is that you can screw on a barrel of a different caliber, rezero in a few rounds. So if you want to try 6BR, it's about $800 for a new barrel (nice used about half), keeping the rest of the setup. Honestly, add another $400+ for dies and brass,, so know those costs up front.
Click to expand...

there it is...the rifle is the "cheap" part once your committed to this shit.
 
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#24
Own an FN SPR A1 in 300WSM and a R700 AICS in 30.06. Haven’t had enough appreciable time behind both platforms to walk away with a favor for one over the other. I’m stoked to be able to try though.
 
#25
You can read all you want about AI rifles on the internet if you want, but once you handle one, run the bolt a few times, and shoot a few rounds.......the epiphany occurs and you say to yourself, "okay...yup...not fanboy balogna." They are awesome.
 
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#26
As a followup to my earlier reply to you in this thread, I actually changed my order from a pre-2014 AIAX to an AIAT. I've messed around with customs long enough and I'm tired of being underwhelmed with the end result. I'm just getting an AI and not looking back.
 
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#27
FN’s are nice. I’d put them up against damn near any custom or factory action out there.

Except AI. AI is truly on another level. It’s not all fanboy hype.

These guys are saying keep your FN. I’m saying make up your own mind.

You’ll want an AT after you shoot it.

(What’s really cool is taking the barrel out, reinstalling it by hand, tightening the nut by hand, and seeing your next shot land within .5moa of the last.)
 
#28
Do not sell the FN before you have shot both for scoring side by side.
I've done that. The AIAT handles like a 2by4 compared to the FN at off hand shooting and if you need a doubletap the layout on the FN is much better unless you shoot with a cramped thumbs up on the AT.

Jbell: you don't get cheap dropin factory Blaser matchbarrels with factory test target to the AI like you do to the SSG3000 /STR :) I bet Blaser could have killed the market for 6.5cm AI barrels if they wanted to.
 
#29
An update to my predicament. The FN has been sold and I purchased an AI AT in 6.5 CM with folding stock. I am very happy with the decision. I never realized just how damn heavy the barrel was on the FN. The AI feels light by comparison. Everything about the AI is....right. There was never an issue with the FN, but I needed to scratch the itch and it feels so good.

I appreciate all of the advice.


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#33
I’m glad you are enjoying the AI!

I completely forgot about this thread! I didn’t realize it was your FN that I just bought. We both win.

I was able to zero and gather some data this past weekend. It shoots great. I got excited and pulled the last shot. Not bad for the first 5 rounds after zeroing.

Prime 175gr OTM
DEF16293-35AF-4539-A57C-B288FF8DE061.jpeg
 
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#35
Mute said:
Just be honest with yourself. Can you live happily with the FN? If you can, buying the 6.5 barrel is a solid idea. If not, start saving money.
Click to expand...

LOL, dude he already bought the AI, sold the FN.

OP, enjoy the new rifle. I have a few customs I just don't shoot because I always just end up grabbing my AI. Barely shoot my AR's either. The exception of course is for walking or hunting. The AT is not ideal for that. If you're a military sniper then you justify the weight. If not then there are lighter tools for chasing elk.
 
#36
skatz11 said:
I’m glad you are enjoying the AI!

I completely forgot about this thread! I didn’t realize it was your FN that I just bought. We both win.

I was able to zero and gather some data this past weekend. It shoots great. I got excited and pulled the last shot. Not bad for the first 5 rounds after zeroing.

Prime 175gr OTM
View attachment 6963759
Click to expand...
Nice shooting! That rifle shot great for me too. Enjoy it and thanks for helping to make my AI a reality.
 
#37
verdugo60 said:
LOL, dude he already bought the AI, sold the FN.

OP, enjoy the new rifle. I have a few customs I just don't shoot because I always just end up grabbing my AI. Barely shoot my AR's either. The exception of course is for walking or hunting. The AT is not ideal for that. If you're a military sniper then you justify the weight. If not then there are lighter tools for chasing elk.
Click to expand...

Ha! That's my problem. Always skipping to the end of a thread after reading the first post. Enjoy the AI.
 
#39
I’m glad this thread came up. I’ve been kicking myself over all the new budget actions, and I’ve always wanted both an SPR and an AI. For me, it seems either the SPR or a build on one of their actions would hold me over plenty until I have the cash up for an AT. Kinda the best of the both worlds or so.
 
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