Accuracy International AT - Worth It?

[Defender3]

I know this is an old thread but I am glad I found it - you've convinced me to get an AI. I am currently looking at an AT in 308 with the 20" barrel and folding stock. I know 6.5 is popular but I don't reload and the farthest I will shoot is likely 500. I would like one of the thumbhole stocks but those seem to be unobtanium. Should I look for a used gun with the thumbhole stock or just get whatever I can and hope that the conversions become available in the future?

FWIW - Have you had the chance to get behind an AT and an AX? There are some different ergonomics and depending on your body type, one may be better (AX) than the other (AT).

Check Euro as they have demos at some decent prices. You can always trade the barrel for what you want. Oh, and welcome to the club.

AT

AX

 

[918v]

Dude! Mine too!

Not mine. Have several. The stock stays put if you leave the screws in place.

 

[deersniper]

It’s a buyers marker. A post 14 ax just sold for around $4k

 

[jsriolo]

FWIW - Have you had the chance to get behind an AT and an AX? There are some different ergonomics and depending on your body type, one may be better (AX) than the other (AT).

Check Euro as they have demos at some decent prices on demo units. You can always trade the barrel for what you want. Oh, and welcome to the club.

AT

AX

I typically like more traditional stocks which is why I think I would like a thumbhole but I live near Euro so I will check out the various options they have.

 

[ShtrRdy]

The AT rifle had a thumb hole conversion available for a few years after introduction but they don't seem to be available any longer.
If you wanted a factory produced AI with a thumb hole stock then you'll have to look for an AW or AE model.

 

[jsriolo]

As I said before my preference is for an AT308 20" folder. Is the threaded barrel worth it? This seems like an extra cost option and while I may get a supressor in the future I don't have one now. Also, if buying new, mile high appears to include the low mount while euro charges extra? Is that right? Is the low or high mount a better choice? I don't necessarily have plans to get NV, at least not until well after a supressor.

 

[jlficken]

As I said before my preference is for an AT308 20" folder. Is the threaded barrel worth it? This seems like an extra cost option and while I may get a supressor in the future I don't have one now. Also, if buying new, mile high appears to include the low mount while euro charges extra? Is that right? Is the low or high mount a better choice? I don't necessarily have plans to get NV, at least not until well after a supressor.

If you don't plan on getting NV then get the low mount. With the low mount and a 50mm objective any set of ~1.1" rings will work just fine.

As far as threading goes the factory barrels are metric threaded so I'd skip that and just have it threaded somewhere in 5/8-24 if you get a suppressor in the future.

 

[jsriolo]

If you don't plan on getting NV then get the low mount. With the low mount and a 50mm objective any set of ~1.1" rings will work just fine.

As far as threading goes the factory barrels are metric threaded so I'd skip that and just have it threaded somewhere in 5/8-24 if you get a suppressor in the future.

Thank you for the info. It sounds like I should go with the low rail. Am I missing something on the threading though? Mile high and euro say 5/8-24 thread.

 

[beenjammin]

The AT rifle had a thumb hole conversion available for a few years after introduction but they don't seem to be available any longer.
If you wanted a factory produced AI with a thumb hole stock then you'll have to look for an AW or AE model.

I brought this up in the pic thread. I think they are short on production due to materials thanks do COVID overseas at the moment. Many of us looking for the same thumb hole kit. i dont think they are gone for good yet.

 

[Huskydriver]

Thank you for the info. It sounds like I should go with the low rail. Am I missing something on the threading though? Mile high and euro say 5/8-24 thread.

If you got a better deal on a high rail I Guarantee you someone would swap you in a heartbeat in the px fyi

 

[SRPowah]

I brought this up in the pic thread. I think they are short on production due to materials thanks do COVID overseas at the moment. Many of us looking for the same thumb hole kit. i dont think they are gone for good yet.

I got one of the last ones available in the UK, but USPS lost it. lol Everyone has them on order, so I am sure they will be doing a few more runs even if they intend on discontinuing them.

 

[jlficken]

Thank you for the info. It sounds like I should go with the low rail. Am I missing something on the threading though? Mile high and euro say 5/8-24 thread.

Maybe AI started threading the Lothar Walther barrels 5/8-24 now then? You may want to verify with MHS as that didn't used to be the case.

 

[RS14]

Thank you for the info. It sounds like I should go with the low rail. Am I missing something on the threading though? Mile high and euro say 5/8-24 thread.

Maybe AI started threading the Lothar Walther barrels 5/8-24 now then? You may want to verify with MHS as that didn't used to be the case.

Some are metric and some are 5/8x24. Just confirm with seller before purchasing if you do go threaded.

 

[Forrest84]

A used AT is pretty hard to beat. I wish I never sold mine

 

[tomirwin]

I brought this up in the pic thread. I think they are short on production due to materials thanks do COVID overseas at the moment. Many of us looking for the same thumb hole kit. i dont think they are gone for good yet.

We are not “short on production due to materials thanks to Covid overseas at the moment”. Production at AI has not stopped through the pandemic and material supply is good. The price of material has risen significantly.
Tom Irwin
Accuracy International

 

[Winny94]

It’s a buyers marker. A post 14 ax just sold for around $4k

Why, in a market where its terrible to be a buyer, are AIs not commanding a premium?

 

[deersniper]

Why, in a market where its terrible to be a buyer, are AIs not commanding a premium?

Supply v demand? New atx ans axsr out now?

I dont remember bolt guns being hot in this or previous markets.
Semi autos mags and nv/thermal have been fast sellers tho

 

[E. Bryant]

Why, in a market where its terrible to be a buyer, are AIs not commanding a premium?

Because bolt guns and other precision shooting accessories (day optics, mags, etc.) have not commanded a premium in previous panic-buying sprees.

 

[ACK]

Apologies for the long answer. I do not compete, however in my line of work I deal with precision, accuracy, Cpk... I enjoy target shooting and try to eliminate as many variables as possible, I want to be limiting factor not the equipment, at same time there are diminishing returns on investments when I become the limiting factor.
I started eons ago with a Remington BDL Varmint in 308. Following discussions with several members it was trued and a heavy Broughton barrel installed, knob modified, trigger adjusted (pre-nanny state trigger), VAIS muzzle brake. Installed an AICS and I found it surprisingly comfortable. Then again thanks to this website I acquired an AI/AE (there was no MKI, II, III) really wanted an AW just could not pull it off.
The Remington outshot the AE with some loads, the AE is more consistent and reliable. On the Remington over the years I had an extractor failure, and due to cold weather a sluggish firing pin. AE remains a hammer. After 3500 rounds it remained sub moa. It now sports a 6.5 CR barrel.
Then I acquired a TRG 22 on a deal that was hard to pass pass (NXS scope, factory bipod, brake, scope mount, hard case). Lighter, better trigger, accurate, 26" barrel, can't get over the plastic (ok, "composite" components) This was developed from a competition rifle; does not feel as robust as an AI
Three years ago I acquired an AT, I was intrigued by the barrel modularity, folding stock and renown accuracy. Not disappointed. I recently sent it to AINA for a headspace check as I noticed that on the AE the 308 gage felt more snug than on the AT. Communication with Scott Seigmund and Tim Trend was prompt, polite. (Great folks Mr. Irvin) At their recommendation the rifle was sent and it was returned in a reasonable time.
Is the AT worth it? it is too me. I still have the AE, the Remington and the TRG. Most frequent rifles that I pack to the range: AT, AE, it is a toss up between the Rem and the TRG
Why? inherent accuracy, robustness, repeatability, ergonomics (fits me), value, customer support from AI, when I first purchased the AICS stock one of the screws was missing. I posted my question and Tom Irwin offered to send it to me (check his position at AI)
CDI (chicks dig it or bling factor) I was at the range with the AE, Remington and the TRG. A couple of guys stopped by and were admiring the rifles, I let them shoot the TRG and the AE (no interest on the Rem) The overall comment was the AI was preferred, why? They used in video games! FWIW they did better with the TRG. LOL

 

[tomirwin]

Apologies for the long answer. I do not compete, however in my line of work I deal with precision, accuracy, Cpk... I enjoy target shooting and try to eliminate as many variables as possible, I want to be limiting factor not the equipment, at same time there are diminishing returns on investments when I become the limiting factor.
I started eons ago with a Remington BDL Varmint in 308. Following discussions with several members it was trued and a heavy Broughton barrel installed, knob modified, trigger adjusted (pre-nanny state trigger), VAIS muzzle brake. Installed an AICS and I found it surprisingly comfortable. Then again thanks to this website I acquired an AI/AE (there was no MKI, II, III) really wanted an AW just could not pull it off.
The Remington outshot the AE with some loads, the AE is more consistent and reliable. On the Remington over the years I had an extractor failure, and due to cold weather a sluggish firing pin. AE remains a hammer. After 3500 rounds it remained sub moa. It now sports a 6.5 CR barrel.
Then I acquired a TRG 22 on a deal that was hard to pass pass (NXS scope, factory bipod, brake, scope mount, hard case). Lighter, better trigger, accurate, 26" barrel, can't get over the plastic (ok, "composite" components) This was developed from a competition rifle; does not feel as robust as an AI
Three years ago I acquired an AT, I was intrigued by the barrel modularity, folding stock and renown accuracy. Not disappointed. I recently sent it to AINA for a headspace check as I noticed that on the AE the 308 gage felt more snug than on the AT. Communication with Scott Seigmund and Tim Trend was prompt, polite. (Great folks Mr. Irvin) At their recommendation the rifle was sent and it was returned in a reasonable time.
Is the AT worth it? it is too me. I still have the AE, the Remington and the TRG. Most frequent rifles that I pack to the range: AT, AE, it is a toss up between the Rem and the TRG
Why? inherent accuracy, robustness, repeatability, ergonomics (fits me), value, customer support from AI, when I first purchased the AICS stock one of the screws was missing. I posted my question and Tom Irvin offered to send it to me (check his position at AI)
CDI (chicks dig it or bling factor) I was at the range with the AE, Remington and the TRG. A couple of guys stopped by and were admiring the rifles, I let them shoot the TRG and the AE (no interest on the Rem) The overall comment was the AI was preferred, why? They used in video games! FWIW they did better with the TRG. LOL

TRG
Thank you for that and I agree the AT is very good value. Wait until you see the AT-X. By the way it is not Irvin
Tom Irwin
Accuracy International

 

[ACK]

LOL, oops, my apologies. Correction made. The AT-X looks interesting.

AT-X at MH

 

[jsriolo]

Thank you for the input - I have an AI AT waiting at my FFL and a case of .308 on the way. Somewhat unrelated but also applicable (since i got a threaded barrel) is the DA Nomad I impulse bought that is currently in jail... Anyways, I am mostly a hunting/AR/rimfire kind of guy but I wanted a nice bolt action rife that I liked out of the box so I got the AI AT. Shooting will be mostly target (<500 yds) with some hunting. As someone uninitiated to this community I will let you know if its worth it to me.

I do not have any experience long range shooting and when i looked through several scopes (Theta, SB, NF, Vortex) I did not really appreciate the difference vs cost. Call me a luddite but I am considering a Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50. Will this compliment my rifle for my application? If so, any ring recommendation?

In preparation for the rifle, and to make sure I get the most out of it, is there anything else I need to know? Are there any must have tools/accessories/etc?

 

[spife7980]

I do not have any experience long range shooting and when i looked through several scopes (Theta, SB, NF, Vortex) I did not really appreciate the difference vs cost. Call me a luddite but I am considering a Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50. Will this compliment my rifle for my application? If so, any ring recommendation?

Get the 5-25, it’s basically the same weight as the smaller is so why not get the extra mag?

 

[jsriolo]

Get the 5-25, it’s basically the same weight as the smaller is so why not get the extra mag?

I would think that for my use (short-mid range target and hunting) the minimum 5x would be more of and issue than a max 18x. I am open to input but I find myself using lower mag on other rifles.

 

[The Durk]

Generally speaking (since you’re new to this) the reasoning for the 5-25 is due to the fact that you never want to be maxed out on magnification. Even on the best of the best scopes, image degradation of some form happens at max power. Most of us run our scopes at 10-15x that use 5-25 scopes, unless we’re shooting at 1000+ yards.

Just an FYI. I hope you enjoy your purchase! I’ve had well over 7,000 rounds through my action in the last 3 years with not a single hiccup besides making sure to pull the bolt back ALL the way to the bolt stop. My only complaint is sometimes it feeds so smooth, I can’t feel a round being picked up off the magazine.

 

[Defender3]

Thank you for the input - I have an AI AT waiting at my FFL and a case of .308 on the way. Somewhat unrelated but also applicable (since i got a threaded barrel) is the DA Nomad I impulse bought that is currently in jail... Anyways, I am mostly a hunting/AR/rimfire kind of guy but I wanted a nice bolt action rife that I liked out of the box so I got the AI AT. Shooting will be mostly target (<500 yds) with some hunting. As someone uninitiated to this community I will let you know if its worth it to me.

I do not have any experience long range shooting and when i looked through several scopes (Theta, SB, NF, Vortex) I did not really appreciate the difference vs cost. Call me a luddite but I am considering a Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50. Will this compliment my rifle for my application? If so, any ring recommendation?

In preparation for the rifle, and to make sure I get the most out of it, is there anything else I need to know? Are there any must have tools/accessories/etc?

Get the Vortex 4-27. The subtensions and the crosshair width are much smaller than the 3-18 and make a difference with precision shooting. If you can, get behind each and you'll see what I mean.

 

[spife7980]

Get the Vortex 4-27. The subtensions and the crosshair width are much smaller than the 3-18 and make a difference with precision shooting. If you can, get behind each and you'll see what I mean.

They are the same…

 

[Defender3]

They are the same…
View attachment 7667801
View attachment 7667802

Hummm, I guess they made changes from the version of the 3-18s I had. Thanks for the update.

 

[Luvman]

Thank you for the input - I have an AI AT waiting at my FFL and a case of .308 on the way. Somewhat unrelated but also applicable (since i got a threaded barrel) is the DA Nomad I impulse bought that is currently in jail... Anyways, I am mostly a hunting/AR/rimfire kind of guy but I wanted a nice bolt action rife that I liked out of the box so I got the AI AT. Shooting will be mostly target (<500 yds) with some hunting. As someone uninitiated to this community I will let you know if its worth it to me.

I do not have any experience long range shooting and when i looked through several scopes (Theta, SB, NF, Vortex) I did not really appreciate the difference vs cost. Call me a luddite but I am considering a Vortex Razor Gen II 3-18x50. Will this compliment my rifle for my application? If so, any ring recommendation?

In preparation for the rifle, and to make sure I get the most out of it, is there anything else I need to know? Are there any must have tools/accessories/etc?

The first scope I had on my AT was a Razor 3-18. If you like field of view you’ll love it. I did upgrade and now have a S&B PM2 3-20.

the only complaint I had of the razor was it’s weight.

 

[GoferDog]

Like I've said before. There is only 1 thing a custom can do better than an AI, and it is lighter bolt lift. With that said, I've got my AT bolt running like a freshly fucked fox found in a forest fire. So it's not anything to worry about. I'm never being pulled off target from bolt manipulation.

None feed better than an AI, are any more accurate than an AI, hold their value better than an AI, are as 100% dependable than an AI, get gun bunnies nips harder and clits wetter than an AI ( ? ), are as bomb proof as an AI, get you more tacticool points than an AI, and keep you from catching the Poors virus better than an AI.

On the flipside, there are some really really good custom actions on the market. I'm really digging what Joel is doing with the terminus Zeus. It's all going to depend on what YOU want.

“No ooonnnnnneee fights like Gaston, no one bites like Gaston...”

 

[AK74U]

Been debating on joining the AI Club for YEARS. I know I'm ready to join. Only question is AT vs. AT-X.

 

[The Durk]

If you're just doing field shooting/long range shooting, the AT is perfect. If you're thinking of doing some type of NRL/PRS competitions, go with the AT-X.

There's usually one or two stages where my extreme HOB between optic and bottom of my chassis always hit me hard with the AT.