AI 338 CIP Magazine Differences

[CaseFinder]

I searched through as many threads as possible before posting this question, but could not find a definitive answer:

Could someone tell me what the forward tab difference on the single stack 338-CIP 5 round magazine (see below) is for, which I believe, presumably, is for a newer AI AX 338 chassis?

I post pics of three 338-CIP versions: one at top is the SAAMI 3.745" non-CIP version with the two at the bottom side by side both being the 3.850" 338-CIP versions (all are factory AI, not aftermarket Accurate, MDT, etc.):

One can notice the rear long edge of the 338 CIP versions look the same with appropriate factory caliber markings:

The front edge is where the difference is with what seems to be a newer version with a tab at the top edge:

The above is the side the bullets would point towards you stacked in the magazine.

Closer inspection shows upper tab clearly. Long story short, bought used and out of a group I received as a whole, this front tabbed version was among the ones I received. All but the one with the front tab insert into a 338-CIP magwell, with no issue, into a legacy AICS 338-CIP chassis. I found the tab one identified on the AI website as:

So I am guessing those smarter than me can chime in and let me know the difference and for what chassis these are used for when I thought all new AI AT/AX versions used these:

I am not entirely sure if the newer AI AT/AX versions have both single and/or double stack magazine well chassis options. I would imagine that one would prefer the double stack 10 round version that does not stick down as much for prone shooting. Assuming those in know with these rifles can chime in, as it seems there are three (3) distinct versions of these 5-round 338-CIP magazine chassis wells out in the wild that are mutually exclusive. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

[AI338LM]

I searched through as many threads as possible before posting this question, but could not find a definitive answer:

Could someone tell me what the forward tab difference on the single stack 338-CIP 5 round magazine (see below) is for, which I believe, presumably, is for a newer AI AX 338 chassis?

I post pics of three 338-CIP versions: one at top is the SAAMI 3.745" non-CIP version with the two at the bottom side by side both being the 3.850" 338-CIP versions (all are factory AI, not aftermarket Accurate, MDT, etc.):

View attachment 8213629

One can notice the rear long edge of the 338 CIP versions look the same with appropriate factory caliber markings:


View attachment 8213631

The front edge is where the difference is with what seems to be a newer version with a tab at the top edge:


View attachment 8213632

The above is the side the bullets would point towards you stacked in the magazine.

View attachment 8213633

Closer inspection shows upper tab clearly. Long story short, bought used and out of a group I received as a whole, this front tabbed version was among the ones I received. All but the one with the front tab insert into a 338-CIP magwell, with no issue, into a legacy AICS 338-CIP chassis. I found the tab one identified on the AI website as:

View attachment 8213634

So I am guessing those smarter than me can chime in and let me know the difference and for what chassis these are used for when I thought all new AI AT/AX versions used these:

View attachment 8213635

I am not entirely sure if the newer AI AT/AX versions have both single and/or double stack magazine well chassis options. I would imagine that one would prefer the double stack 10 round version that does not stick down as much for prone shooting. Assuming those in know with these rifles can chime in, as it seems there are three (3) distinct versions of these 5-round 338-CIP magazine chassis wells out in the wild that are mutually exclusive. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

I have four of the AI 338 CIP magazines without the tab on the narrow side and unfortunately 3 of the magazines with the tab. The ones with the tab do not fit my XLR chassis and Defiance Deviant action. I did not expect a difference in their single stack CIP magazines. Anyone need the ones with the tab?

 

[CaseFinder]

I have four of the AI 338 CIP magazines without the tab on the narrow side and unfortunately 3 of the magazines with the tab. The ones with the tab do not fit my XLR chassis and Defiance Deviant action. I did not expect a difference in their single stack CIP magazines. Anyone need the ones with the tab?

I know the feeling. Almost a year later and no response as to which chassis the CIP mags with the front tab are used for. Assuming factory AI chassis options that someone can chime in on to confirm?

 

[B'N'F]

The factory mags with the tab lock at the front (sort of like an AK mag, G36 mag etc.) after being captured by the magazine catch. It stops the mags from dipping down at the front when inserted into the chassis. Fairly certain they are for use in the AX AICS line of chassis.

 

[jabonra]

I believe I have read in other threads that if you are feeling adventurous you can bubba away the lip on the ax mags and it will go into an at aics

 

[CaseFinder]

The factory mags with the tab lock at the front (sort of like an AK mag, G36 mag etc.) after being captured by the magazine catch. It stops the mags from dipping down at the front when inserted into the chassis. Fairly certain they are for use in the AX AICS line of chassis.

WIsh that were so....I have that chassis and, nope, the front tabbed magazines do not fit in these AX AICS models:

In fairness, mine is this 2014 model made for Surgeon flat bottom actions like the 1581XL which may be different than newer models which accommodate round R700-type receivers like the Defiance Deviant:

AICS AX 2014 (New Model)

AICS AX 2014 (New Model)

www.eurooptic.com

 

[CaseFinder]

I believe I have read in other threads that if you are feeling adventurous you can bubba away the lip on the ax mags and it will go into an at aics

Yea, I have enough of the regular non-front tabbed/lipped ones around to not need to have to mess with these variants. Will just keep these until I figure out what they really go into as I run into people at the range, hunts, etc.

Point to all this talk is because when people post these for sale, and people like me buy them, there is no mention of these tabs. Most either post CIP or non-CIP, and that is about it; which, honestly, is all I would have thought to post too. So no foul on them. Just realize how many variants AI puts out over the years to not even be compatible across the board with their own stuff! I have come to know why people like @Huskydriver scoff and laugh at stuff like this.

 

[Huskydriver]

WIsh that were so....I have that chassis and, nope, the front tabbed magazines do not fit in these AX AICS models:

View attachment 8472816

In fairness, mine is this 2014 model made for Surgeon flat bottom actions like the 1581XL which may be different than newer models which accommodate round R700-type receivers like the Defiance Deviant:

AICS AX 2014 (New Model)

AICS AX 2014 (New Model)

www.eurooptic.com

View attachment 8472818

Yep pretty sure those are for post 2014 chassis. Even the ai 2014 and up ax chassis all used front tabbed mags these days. To be fair I'm not scoffing laughing for sure tho