So i scraped up the money for either a AI MKIII or a GAP crusader and i have decision anxiety any views would be extremely helpful it will be for 100 to 1000 yard shooting.
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Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
- Thread starter Irish Bacon
- Start date
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
I'd do the AI, but that's bc I already have a Crusader. Just get both bc after getting one you'll want the other.
I'd do the AI, but that's bc I already have a Crusader. Just get both bc after getting one you'll want the other.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
gap are nice but with no hesitation i say aiae and have gap spin you up a barrel for it later. the aiae is an incredible platform that odds are will out live you.
gap are nice but with no hesitation i say aiae and have gap spin you up a barrel for it later. the aiae is an incredible platform that odds are will out live you.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
Had / have both.
Recommend a gently used AI from a trusted member out of the For Sale section.
Good luck
Had / have both.
Recommend a gently used AI from a trusted member out of the For Sale section.
Good luck
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
Another vote for the AIAE Mk III. I'd be VERY hard pressed to part with mine.
Another vote for the AIAE Mk III. I'd be VERY hard pressed to part with mine.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
Both are great rifles, as stated. I would also look to obtain both at some point.........
Both are great rifles, as stated. I would also look to obtain both at some point.........
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
I have an AI AX and I am going to recommend the AI as well. I sold my Crusader to fund it. The crusader is a great rifle and very accurate but the AI it a true work horse. Parts on the AI are user replaceable and the barrels can be changed by the user. If you have the money for a new AIAE I would recommend getting an AIAW used because the action is permanently bonded to the stock and the receiver is a heck of a lot larger and heavier which makes for a stronger longer lasting rifle. Good luck with your AI purchase
I have an AI AX and I am going to recommend the AI as well. I sold my Crusader to fund it. The crusader is a great rifle and very accurate but the AI it a true work horse. Parts on the AI are user replaceable and the barrels can be changed by the user. If you have the money for a new AIAE I would recommend getting an AIAW used because the action is permanently bonded to the stock and the receiver is a heck of a lot larger and heavier which makes for a stronger longer lasting rifle. Good luck with your AI purchase
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
What about those replacement parts? Are they readily available? Barrels, yes, but what about triggers and bolts? I know of bolt lug deformation and am seeing bolt face pitting...
What about those replacement parts? Are they readily available? Barrels, yes, but what about triggers and bolts? I know of bolt lug deformation and am seeing bolt face pitting...
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
I will say this about AI, I had and AW that was a 1995 model and I was no where near the original owner. The chasis cracked and they more than took care of me. They make a great product and stand behind it 100%
I will say this about AI, I had and AW that was a 1995 model and I was no where near the original owner. The chasis cracked and they more than took care of me. They make a great product and stand behind it 100%
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
Had a Surgeon built by a well known builder on here. Sold it and bought an AI AE MKIII in .260 and couldn't be happier.
Unless you absolutely can't stand the AI stock, I'd get the AI.
Had a Surgeon built by a well known builder on here. Sold it and bought an AI AE MKIII in .260 and couldn't be happier.
Unless you absolutely can't stand the AI stock, I'd get the AI.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Brandon05_88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Unless you absolutely can't stand the AI stock, I'd get the AI. </div></div>
I didn't like the stock at first, but got used to it. Then I switched to Viperskins and it really improved the feel for me.
Another vote for AI
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Brandon05_88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Unless you absolutely can't stand the AI stock, I'd get the AI. </div></div>
I didn't like the stock at first, but got used to it. Then I switched to Viperskins and it really improved the feel for me.
Another vote for AI
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
I have both and I can say without hesitation that if I could only keep one it would be the AIAE MKIII...Not saying the Crusader is not a good piece I just think the AE is more rifle...If you end up with the GAP you won't be dissapointed...
I have both and I can say without hesitation that if I could only keep one it would be the AIAE MKIII...Not saying the Crusader is not a good piece I just think the AE is more rifle...If you end up with the GAP you won't be dissapointed...
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
It would probably be helpful if you could try one out from someone at your gun club.
The aesthetics of the AI chassis are unappealing to me, which is why I would go with the Crusader and it's 3/8 MOA accuracy guarantee.
It would probably be helpful if you could try one out from someone at your gun club.
The aesthetics of the AI chassis are unappealing to me, which is why I would go with the Crusader and it's 3/8 MOA accuracy guarantee.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will say this about AI, I had and AW that was a 1995 model and I was no where near the original owner. The chasis cracked and they more than took care of me. They make a great product and stand behind it 100% </div></div>
I remember when that happened. Classic pics.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Adam B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will say this about AI, I had and AW that was a 1995 model and I was no where near the original owner. The chasis cracked and they more than took care of me. They make a great product and stand behind it 100% </div></div>
I remember when that happened. Classic pics.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TeamSendIt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">gap are nice but with no hesitation i say aiae and have gap spin you up a barrel for it later. the aiae is an incredible platform that odds are will out live you. </div></div>
Thats exactly the route I would go if you are considering a AI. I piched up a AW and a AE a few years back and had GAP put a new barrel on the AE, perfect combo and I was able to sell the AE barrel for nearly the cost of the new Rock barrel and smithing. If you are considering having GAP build a rifle and want a AE as well, you could have them build a custom rig on a Badger M2008 action, just a thought.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TeamSendIt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">gap are nice but with no hesitation i say aiae and have gap spin you up a barrel for it later. the aiae is an incredible platform that odds are will out live you. </div></div>
Thats exactly the route I would go if you are considering a AI. I piched up a AW and a AE a few years back and had GAP put a new barrel on the AE, perfect combo and I was able to sell the AE barrel for nearly the cost of the new Rock barrel and smithing. If you are considering having GAP build a rifle and want a AE as well, you could have them build a custom rig on a Badger M2008 action, just a thought.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kirk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are considering having GAP build a rifle and want a AE as well, you could have them build a custom rig on a Badger M2008 action, just a thought.</div></div>
Here's an example of that:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...793#Post3723793
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Kirk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are considering having GAP build a rifle and want a AE as well, you could have them build a custom rig on a Badger M2008 action, just a thought.</div></div>
Here's an example of that:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...793#Post3723793
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
had a GA HRT and currently have an AI. the HRT was a solid rifle, but the AI just exuberates reliability. I think the only difference between the two is personal preference. which ever you choose, you would've made the right one.
had a GA HRT and currently have an AI. the HRT was a solid rifle, but the AI just exuberates reliability. I think the only difference between the two is personal preference. which ever you choose, you would've made the right one.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
I have both but really don't have enough experience with them to offer an opinion but will anyways! The GAP Rem700 308 AICS gun was improved greatly with Viperskins. The Jewell trigger is a little skinny and it is a single stage. The AI is a MK1 converted to an MKII but still with the single stack mags. Changed to Viperskins. Love the AI 2-stage trigger. Really like the idea of the being able to change my barrel. If you go AI get a Bartlien barrel on it. It is an option from the AI distributors. No need to buy it without it.
My vote.....AI.
I have both but really don't have enough experience with them to offer an opinion but will anyways! The GAP Rem700 308 AICS gun was improved greatly with Viperskins. The Jewell trigger is a little skinny and it is a single stage. The AI is a MK1 converted to an MKII but still with the single stack mags. Changed to Viperskins. Love the AI 2-stage trigger. Really like the idea of the being able to change my barrel. If you go AI get a Bartlien barrel on it. It is an option from the AI distributors. No need to buy it without it.
My vote.....AI.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
I sold a GAP on a 700 to buy an AI. I'm very impressed with my AI.
I sold a GAP on a 700 to buy an AI. I'm very impressed with my AI.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
Nobody mentioned $$$$$$$. I have a Crusader myself. Got lucky and bought it w/ 350 rounds down the tube for 3300$. What's the going rate for an AI??
Nobody mentioned $$$$$$$. I have a Crusader myself. Got lucky and bought it w/ 350 rounds down the tube for 3300$. What's the going rate for an AI??
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
A non folder ae mkiii goes for 3400 new, and you get your choice of chambering from 308, 6.5 creedmoor, and 243. Not bad considering the 6.5 and 243 are using bartlein barrels. If only they made a lefty ae.
A non folder ae mkiii goes for 3400 new, and you get your choice of chambering from 308, 6.5 creedmoor, and 243. Not bad considering the 6.5 and 243 are using bartlein barrels. If only they made a lefty ae.
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pdd614</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A non folder ae mkiii goes for 3400 new, and you get your choice of chambering from 308, 6.5 creedmoor, and 243. Not bad considering the 6.5 and 243 are using bartlein barrels. If only they made a lefty ae.</div></div>
Don't TEMPT me!!!! Sounds like a very reasonable price. What's the turn around time from order to delivery???
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pdd614</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A non folder ae mkiii goes for 3400 new, and you get your choice of chambering from 308, 6.5 creedmoor, and 243. Not bad considering the 6.5 and 243 are using bartlein barrels. If only they made a lefty ae.</div></div>
Don't TEMPT me!!!! Sounds like a very reasonable price. What's the turn around time from order to delivery???
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pdd614</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A non folder ae mkiii goes for 3400 new, and you get your choice of chambering from 308, 6.5 creedmoor, and 243. Not bad considering the 6.5 and 243 are using bartlein barrels. If only they made a lefty ae. </div></div>Where are you finding an ae mk iii chambered in 6.5 or .243 for $3400 new?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pdd614</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A non folder ae mkiii goes for 3400 new, and you get your choice of chambering from 308, 6.5 creedmoor, and 243. Not bad considering the 6.5 and 243 are using bartlein barrels. If only they made a lefty ae. </div></div>Where are you finding an ae mk iii chambered in 6.5 or .243 for $3400 new?
Re: Accuracy international AE MKIII or GAP Crusader
Sorry guys, looks like I have that pricing incorrect. Tacpro had a mkiii 308 on the wall for around 3400 this weekend. Looks like about 4k for the non folder 6.5's and 243 according to eurooptic's web site. Still not a bad deal. You righty's get all the good deals.
Sorry guys, looks like I have that pricing incorrect. Tacpro had a mkiii 308 on the wall for around 3400 this weekend. Looks like about 4k for the non folder 6.5's and 243 according to eurooptic's web site. Still not a bad deal. You righty's get all the good deals.
Well I have a GAP Templar 6.5CM in an AICS-AX stock, while it is a pretty awesome rifle I am hoping the action smooths out as it is shot. I have about 250 rounds or so through mine so far and it is not as smooth as an AI action. To me that is the biggest selling point. I plan on buying an AI next year and it will probably be an AI AE MKIII. But will see how I like the AI, if I love it then maybe I would consider selling the GAP, but the GAP is really bad ass!
I actually just saw a new gap crusader sale on gunbroker if you don't like to wait ......if i didn't order tacops xray i could buy it from the GAP. I don't have any experience with the AI,AE,AX or AW
different magazine (aw: double stack/double feed, ae mk1: single stack/single feed, ae mk2/3: double stack single feed) (mk2/3 uses AICS mags)
aw has action bonded to chassis.
mk1 and mk2 had different bolt safeties, mk3 has the same.
same trigger.
aw barrels fit in ae, not the other way around. (the aw barrel has some additional feature, i believe to help get rid of dirt of improve reliability in subzero temperature, but not sure about that.)
and I believe thats about it.
aw has action bonded to chassis.
mk1 and mk2 had different bolt safeties, mk3 has the same.
same trigger.
aw barrels fit in ae, not the other way around. (the aw barrel has some additional feature, i believe to help get rid of dirt of improve reliability in subzero temperature, but not sure about that.)
and I believe thats about it.
Now the only real difference is the AW receiver is permanently bonded to the chassis and it takes 10 round double stack magazines.
The AE has a rounded receiver bolted to the chassis and uses 5 or 10 round double stack magazines. The newer AE MkIII's now share the same bolt shroud design of the AW which is (I think) a huge benefit, due to the three position safety.
The AE will be a little easier on the wallet but it is still VERY Accurate and VERY well made/rugged.
Thank you, I was wondering if the accuracy would be the same. Remington Patriot answered my question.
10 shots at 520 yards with my GAP 6.5 creedmor. It doesn't get better then this!!!
What app is that?
Well i got the GAP Crusader with the templar v2 action and decided what the hell and now i'm in the process of getting an AE MKIII in either 260 or 6.5cm.
P.S. I could not be more happy with the gap just got back from a desert trip and it grouped under half MOA at 500 yards and i could consistently hit 3.5 inch steel targets at 800 yards.
P.S. I could not be more happy with the gap just got back from a desert trip and it grouped under half MOA at 500 yards and i could consistently hit 3.5 inch steel targets at 800 yards.
I am trying to decide the same thing myself. Only difference was I was also considering the TRG in the mix as well. So it was AIAE , GAP and TRG 22. I have a TacticalRifles.net build in an AICS 2.0 so I do like the AI stock. The more I look I am leaning toward the AIAE Mk III. However that leaves a used AIAW in the background as a possibility.
I have a line on an AI MKii in .260 with somewhere around 300-500 rounds through it. Guy says he will take 3100$ is this a good price? Seem pretty good to me but just wanted see if someone that deals with them would chime in. Thanks
I think you can buy a new 2.0 for about 3850.00, give or take a few $'s. MKIII's have the three position safety and the newer skins. Still $3100 sounds about right if the round count is accurate and the rifle is in superb condition.
I have a couple Gaps but wish I would have bought an AI just for the "ruggedness" factor.
The GAPs are super accurate though.
I'm buying a DTA next. It should be a lot handier than my AI stocked rifles and the ability to easily change barrels/ calibers will be nice.
The GAPs are super accurate though.
I'm buying a DTA next. It should be a lot handier than my AI stocked rifles and the ability to easily change barrels/ calibers will be nice.
