If I were you I’d keep researching. There’s some good threads here where we compare the AI models. Search those and it will help decide what you want.
My preference is the AW/AT line. I like the old school AI’s. Thumbholes of course.
I have owned AT, ATX and AXMC. AXMC is the predate version of the AXSR and the long action version of the AXSA.
You’re shopping used for AT or AX as they are not made available to civilians as far as I know currently. Down to the ATXC (short action) and AXSR (long action)
I personally didn’t care for the height of my AXMC. So I sold it. It was just not as naturally comfortable as my AT to shoot. If I wanted a long action I would buy another AXMC in a heartbeat though
The AXMC like the AW and AT is bonded.
I didn’t care for the ATX. The bolt lift was stupid heavy. The ATX is a 4 screw action like the AT/AW (same action) but is 35 lbs torque and unbonded vs 55 lbs torque and bonded on the AW/AT
The AE series rifles can be found here for much cheaper than $4000. I’ve seen them for $2000-$3000. Not having the AW mags and quickloc barrel feature is enough for me to spend another $1000-$1500 on an AT. The AT also keeps climbing in value. I picked my first one up a few years ago here for $3000. You aren’t touching one for under $4000 it seems currently
The AT are both in folding and non folding versions. Hands down get the folder. The thumbhole is an added option. They can be almost impossible to find sometimes but maybe you can order from sporting services if needed. Both of mine had thumbholes when I bought them here.
That NV bridge is another probably $300+ add on when considering the prices.
Between the two you listed it be the AT hands down. If the AE was around $2500-$3000 it be a harder choice but after having several AT’s I think I’d still spend the $$ on the AT.
Bottom is my $3000 AT. 20” 308 LW barrel. She’s a hammer. This is a setup for crop damage and spends most of the year covering farm fields for damage control
Top is a 260 Rem. Custom barrel from Manzella. Soon to have a bolt mod and custom 300 WSM barrel from Fritz. This is more set up for switching barrels between target and long range hunting. Or at least that’s the plan. This gun was purchased for more than the first AT and had no barrel. I considered it a deal when comparing it to current prices
It doesn’t take long for accessories to add up when looking at these used. Mine are both folders and vs a factory AT have
Arca rail (RRS on bottom and Sawtooth on top)
Spigots
Thumbholes
I bought a NV rail and side rails for the top one which aren’t shown in this pic. But let’s say that ones approaching $800 just in accessories
If you’re shopping used the AT or AX market is where I’d be looking currently depending on what you want and want to spend. Probably $4000 vs $5500 in current market pricing
www.ar15.com
