Re: accuracy international chassis benefits??
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hidesertcowboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
the last mcmillan I ordered last fall cost me under $450.</div></div>
My guess would be that your McMillan did not have an adjustable length of pull, adjustable cheek, four sling mounting points, accessory rail, magazine system or aluminum bedding block. If you add all those options to a McMillan they are much more expensive than an AICS.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hidesertcowboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> a quick search on the internet and I found AI 2.0 units for around $1100.</div></div>
And I would bet if you looked closer you would also see that those are AICS 2.0, which are the folding version. This is yet another option that you cannot get on a McMillan.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hidesertcowboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">to some peoples credit they pointed out that the stock comes ready to accept mags and there is a savings there, if detachable mags float your boat.</div></div>
If you don't need a detachable mag system, that is another reason NOT to get an AICS.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hidesertcowboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">anyways a couple more questions, to those that are nice enough to comment. the chassis stocks I have handled are HS type and most guys including me feel to get the best out of them they still need to be bedded. is this the case with the AI stock?? and if it doesn't need to be bedded why would the AI stock need not need it and an HS type need it??</div></div>
Quality.
Now you are trying to compare a $200 H&S to a $800-1100 AICS. Doesn't make sense does it. However "needing" to be bedded is a matter of opinion. I have seen guys pay to have an action bedded into an AICS in search of that last 1/4 MOA of accuracy. If you are a benchrest shooter, then I can tell you off the bat an AICS is probably not going to make you happy. If you are not a benchrest shooter and actually shoot your rifle at more than 100 yards you probably wont notice any difference at all. My AI AE MkII is not bedded into it's chassis and it shoots amazingly. It's not an AICS, but it's the same principal (round receiver in a v-block chassis).
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hidesertcowboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">also someone mentioned replaceable skins, what is this and how are they replacable, </div></div>
The "skins" are the plastic that bolts onto the aluminum skeleton of the chassis. Some see this as an advantage. I just see it as extra parts. If the skins were bonded onto the skeleton in a manner that still allowed the same level of field maintenance, then I would be all for it.
However the replaceable skins makes it easy for you to have a set of the rifle while another is off getting painted, etc.
To come back around to your original question, the AICS is more functional than the McMillan because it comes already setup to drop an action in and roll out to accomplish the mission. It was built with the military in mind. If all you do is hunt in the day, then it probably isn't the best choice.
I have a wide variety in the safe (including traditional wood). If I was just hunting or having a leisurely day on the range, then I don't need most of the features of the AI. If I am responding to bad things a happening, then I prefer the features of the AI. If I am shooting a tactical match, I also prefer the AI.
I know of other guys who just don't like the AICS and prefer to run McMillans with adjustable cheeks and removable magazines. They just aren't paying $450 for them. They spend the extra over the AICS because they feel it works better for them.