As an old 700 shooter and current AE shooter. There's no comparison. I sold two 700's to fund my AE and thought that was extreme. Totally worth it. And to gunenthusiast who said the AE and AW are completely different rifles. They really aren't.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
To enter, all you need to do is add an image of yourself at the range below! Subscribers get more entries, check out the plans below for a better chance of winning!
Join the contest SubscribeHey now, I think it's pretty obvious that the M24A1/2/3 just aren't as good as the AI...You know, considering a decorated history on the Rem 700 action...They're just total shit compared to that AI AT.
I think that's the real question - neither one would likely fail, and you'd be sitting there for years shooting under normal range conditions. If you need that last .1% reliability, or ability to shoot under sandy/frozen/whatever conditions, the AI makes sense. For others (line me), it's more fun to construct a rifle that ends up being more "mine" than an off-the-shelf AI.
Hey now, I think it's pretty obvious that the M24A1/2/3 just aren't as good as the AI...You know, considering a decorated history on the Rem 700 action...They're just total shit compared to that AI AT.
Different platforms for different needs. Next question?
Well said!This is the real info here!
I have a AE in 6.5 Creedmoor, it is without a doubt, the rifle I reach for most often. It has a Bartlein tube on it, a surefire brake and usually the surefire can too. It is however, one heavy SOB! Most of the time, I am driving the Mule somewhere close to where I plan to spend the afternoon or morning, so the pounds aren't that big a deal. I like the AI stuff, I have several, including a 308 Covert, these things are bullet proof rock solid. Don't have an AW, all AX and AE, except for the Mk13......great rifles. Probably should get an AW to complete the rack, but hey, you can't have it all.
Having said that, the present non BR rifle project on the bench, is a Surgeon short action in, yes, you guessed it, 6.5 Creedmoor, in a Mchunter stock, with a fairly light Bartlien barrel. Target weight without scope is going to be 6.5 pounds, and thinking a 2x10 USO that is sitting around will end up being the glass on it.
And.... I have a little Ruger Scout rifle that I really like, but suppressed, it doesn't shoot as well as I would like. Thinking to redo THAT also..... maybe as a 6.5, although the 308 is a better plinking choice, mayeb spin up a barrel for each caliber? I said I wouldn't "fix" that rifle... but the temptation is strong, to.... tinker.
So, to get back to the OP's ORIGINAL question - IMHO, the choice is really depending on what your needs are. If weight is not an issue for you, you like the ruggedness and 60 degree bolt, the AI stuff is hard to beat. If on the other hand, every ounce counts, and you want the "perfect, just how I like it" feel, then the custom is the one for you. Neither is better/worse, just different.
And that's OK.
Not really wantin to join the pissin contest but here is some info. While at Rifles Only a few years ago they had an AI that had over 110k rounds on the action. I believe Frank said it was on it's 12-13 barrel or better. This may be an exceptional example for them but then again it may not.
There may be some rem 700 or clones out there with this many rounds but haven't seen them yet.
R
Until AI starts sponsoring shooters you probably aren't going to see a whole lot, there are a few people shooting AI's though.
They do take some time. Another reason I am doing the AT. Hate the wait!
The most important factor with any gun is the smith.
If AI employs a bad smith, you get a bad rifle.
If I employ a bad smith, I get a bad rifle.
The reliability of an AI blows a custom out of the water. I've had both and my only regret is not buying my first AI sooner than I did, it would have saved me a lot of money and headaches.
I personally wouldn't buy an AE though, especially at that price. For the same price you can get the new AT with folding stock, double stack mags and quick change barrel. Then order your 6.5 barrel and sell the 308 barrel.