AI AX 308 or Area 419 6.5 Creedmoor

[drcrk0525]

Trying to decided between a demo AX 308 that mile high has and a new build Area 419 in 6.5 Creedmoor. I have a Remington 700 308 gen 2 now in a Jae 700 stock. I would be putting it back in the HS stock and moving it and putting the Area action in the Jae. Anybody have any suggestions. Price on both complete rifles would be pretty close. Thanks for any input.

 

[molzarella]

419 6.5 creedmoor. Ballistically will be better

 

[drcrk0525]

That’s what I was leaning to. Thanks

 

[HoustonB77]

Buy the AX and get Mile High to put the barrel of tour choice on it. That's what I would do of I had the cash.

 

[molzarella]

plus less recoil

 

[drcrk0525]

I’ve always had Remington’s and never shot an upgraded 700 clone or an AI. Is the AI really that much better? The 60 degree throw seems appealing

 

[IanHusaberg]

Ask Mile high if you can demo the demo AX? I'd put a 6.5 barrel on it if want to compete or shoot past 750Y with ease.

 

[Mormegil87]

Buy the AX. They are in a whole different league from custom rigs.

 

[jbell]

Buy the AX. They are in a whole different league from custom rigs.

this...

 

[DetroitRearView]

^^^

 

[morganlamprecht]

The AI

 

[Supersubes]

AI

 

[RyanM]

I have an AX with with 308, 6.5x47 and 6XC barrels. The quality of AIs is undeniable, however, if you plan on shooting matches a custom may be easier to shoot. The AI trigger is amazing but a CG 22 trigger at 1 pound is easier to shoot than a 3.5 pound trigger. I also admit that my MPA chassis is easier off of barricades than my AI.

I am running a deviant in 6br this year over my AI.

If I had to go jump out of a helicopter I would bring my AI as I know it will work 100% of the time. If I am just shooting a match I think I will go custom as they can be more tailored to that.

 

[IanHusaberg]

To the OP. Whats your intended use for the rifle?

 

[drcrk0525]

Mainly shooting 1000 yards and in but also for the sheriff’s office. Only been called out a few times in 10 years

 

[drcrk0525]

I have a 6.5 gas gun and also recently purchased a 338 lap for shootin our to a mile.

 

[IanHusaberg]

Do they require you to shoot factory department ammo 308 only?

 

[drcrk0525]

No

 

[man32ahan]

Area 419 makes some sweet looking rifles. If I had a choice on either I would go that route.

 

[drcrk0525]

Longest shot up to last year was 450 yards. Found a place to shoot a mile last year and hit 1350 yards with my 6.5 gas gun and now I’m hooked. Never even seen a AI in person and just wondered if they were that nice

 

[drcrk0525]

Area 419 makes some sweet looking rifles. If I had a choice on either I would go that route.

Who are you going have build your Hancock?

 

[IanHusaberg]

If $ isn't a problem than AI all the way. Thats hard to say being a Barrett MRAD owner. AI is the best factory rifle bar none.

 

[drcrk0525]

That’s what I keep hearing. Thanks guys for all the input

 

[man32ahan]

Who are you going have build your Hancock?

I ordered it complete from Josh at PVA , but I use lots of 419 stuff.

419 stuff I use include the hellfire brake, Remington 700 improved scope rail, and the 419 bolt knob.

All appear to be high quality and well machined

 

[Dave62677]

AI ,

 

[Gilly]

Do you shoot a lot? Can you live without your rifle for 3-6 months maybe more to get a new barrel spun up?

I had 3 custom rifles from gap and sac that all shot phenomenal and setup more or less exactly how I thought I wanted them. Then I sent my primary rifle of to get a new barrel. It sucked! Got it back days before a match no time for load development and I decided no more would I have a system that required sending off to a smith for a barrel, rather get a rifle so I can order a barrel ahead of time and put on myself.

I had almost bought a tl3 and started in on a project then I shot an AI for the first time. Wow! I was hooked. I no longer own any custom rifles I’ve consolidated down optics and bipods and have a rifle with 4 barrels all of which are under half inch and I can swap in 2.5 minutes. Latest is a 6x47 barrel from sac and none of my customs shot that well ever! After a few times shooting the two stage trigger I realized I liked it more than my 1-1.5 pound Calvin elites were. It may say 3.5# but it’s not a 3.5# that you envision such as an out of the box Remington 3.5 believe me!

So with the AI as a 308 the way it sits your options are wide open! Try getting behind one before going with a custom it’ll save you down the road!

 

[man32ahan]

Mainly shooting 1000 yards and in but also for the sheriff’s office. Only been called out a few times in 10 years

Also, what department allows you to shoot 6.5? Our department is very strict and won’t let us branch out from 556/308

 

[drcrk0525]

Do you shoot a lot? Can you live without your rifle for 3-6 months maybe more to get a new barrel spun up?

I had 3 custom rifles from gap and sac that all shot phenomenal and setup more or less exactly how I thought I wanted them. Then I sent my primary rifle of to get a new barrel. It sucked! Got it back days before a match no time for load development and I decided no more would I have a system that required sending off to a smith for a barrel, rather get a rifle so I can order a barrel ahead of time and put on myself.

I had almost bought a tl3 and started in on a project then I shot an AI for the first time. Wow! I was hooked. I no longer own any custom rifles I’ve consolidated down optics and bipods and have a rifle with 4 barrels all of which are under half inch and I can swap in 2.5 minutes. Latest is a 6x47 barrel from sac and none of my customs shot that well ever! After a few times shooting the two stage trigger I realized I liked it more than my 1-1.5 pound Calvin elites were. It may say 3.5# but it’s not a 3.5# that you envision such as an out of the box Remington 3.5 believe me!

So with the AI as a 308 the way it sits your options are wide open! Try getting behind one before going with a custom it’ll save you down the road!

Good info, thanks

 

[drcrk0525]

Also, what department allows you to shoot 6.5? Our department is very strict and won’t let us branch out from 556/308

Rural southern illinois

 

[man32ahan]

Rural southern illinois

What county?

I’m rural southern illinois as well.

 

[M77]

AX

 

[BullzeyeNJ]

I have many , many custom rifles and I have held off getting into an AI rifle for years. Recently picked up an AX308 last month and I love it. It’s so well built and ingeniously designed plus shoots very well. The quick barrel feature is worth the price of admission. I can practice all day with a 308 barrel and not worry about shooting out a barrel then in less then two minutes switch to 6.5 Creedmoor if I so desire. One scope and mount saves a lot of money. Folds up small to fit into a small size drag bag so not too bulky to trek around. I’m not running out to sell my custom bolt rifles but for now they sit in the safe and gather dust.

 

[drcrk0525]

Ended up going with the AI. Amazed at the craftsmanship and quality. Dave from Mile High Shooting gave me a great deal. Couldn’t be happier. Thanks everybody for your input.

 

[man32ahan]

When we gonna go shoot it? Lol Didn't think you were gonna get one haha

 

[drcrk0525]

I know. Only live once! anytime you want

 

[jbell]

Good call, you will not be disappointed!

 

[Mormegil87]

Good call. I love both of mine. Have your chosen smith take measurements for replacement barrels right away and you'll have a great source to just call and get barrels done up.

 

[Mute]

If you may be using this in a work setting, get the AI. I'd place the AI's reliability and durability above all else especially based on the information you've provided.

 

[Dave62677]

i took the AI out to the high wind desert area for ELR, it works flawless with sands and dusts environment