AI AX must-haves?

[NukeMMC]

So I am not-so-patiently awaiting the used 308 AX package I got from MHSA. It's a 2014, so QuickLoc barrel change but lg firing pin. Coming with 3 mags, Mav41 bag, Pelican, Harris SBRM w/PodLoc, Tab mat, Tab sling and S-B 5-25 P4F. Also getting a new 24" 260 barrel with it. This is my first AI. Last one I laid my hands on was at Malcolm Cooper's shop in Portsmouth UK in 1985, so I am sure it's a wee bit different.
I intend to use it as a range toy and at some point, like when I change jobs to something that doesn't have me working weekends, shoot some matches again.
What are your must-haves for the AX?

 

[mojavejim]

Comp. trigger, Arca rails, RRS hand guard & lots of ammo

 

[kRcu]

Hoptic cheek pad.

Nice score. I was eyeing that ad on GB for the AX package.

 

[Backspace]

Comp trigger and extra mags. Everything else is going to be up to user preference.

 

[NukeMMC]

Hoptic cheek pad.

Nice score. I was eyeing that ad on GB for the AX package.

Cheek pad is on the way.
I figured that with all the other stuff, basically I was getting the scope for close to nothing on the deal. They gave me a great deal on the 260 barrel (Tooley-spun Bartlein with 5/8-24 threads) and replaced the (broken) mag catch. Mixed serial# bolt from receiver has no affect on warranty or headspace so no issue to me, so the whole deal seemed a no-brainer.

 

[NukeMMC]

Comp. trigger, Arca rails, RRS hand guard & lots of ammo

Have to try std trigger 1st. Is the comp trigger THAT much better? I run a 40x in both my R700 260 and R721 300wm and other than them being single stage (old-school, went Distinguished with the M14) they feel nice at 2.5-2.75 lbs.
Have to get a tripod first, but Arca stuff makes sense to me. I look at it as infinitely adjustable Picatinny rail just with a wider attaching point (more stable).
Have a bunch of M852, FGMM and equivalent loads. Need to find a "go-to" load for 260.

 

[Bugholes]

if youre shooting with a rear bag you might look at the AIAX rear bag rider we just released
http://www.bugholes.com/searchresults.asp?Search=bag+rider&Submit=Submit

 

[beenjammin]

Have to try std trigger 1st. Is the comp trigger THAT much better? I run a 40x in both my R700 260 and R721 300wm and other than them being single stage (old-school, went Distinguished with the M14) they feel nice at 2.5-2.75 lbs.
Have to get a tripod first, but Arca stuff makes sense to me. I look at it as infinitely adjustable Picatinny rail just with a wider attaching point (more stable).
Have a bunch of M852, FGMM and equivalent loads. Need to find a "go-to" load for 260.

Definitely try the std trigger first. You may like and and save $400 for more ammo supplies. I have seen more then one of these comp trigger be sold because the owner preferred the std. It has done pretty dang good for the last 25 years or so

 

[blbennett1288]

I'd say Sawtooth ARCA rail, Hoptic Cheek piece, and RRS BAX15

@Bugholes those look really nice

 

[kRcu]

I prefer the STD trigger vs the Comp as well. Just my preference.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Well you need an AI ball cap, everything else (except a suppressor which you probably have) is pretty well covered. I love the field trigger so as mentioned, shoot it before you purchase a comp trigger. It never happened without pics!

 

[Luvman]

Well you need an AI ball cap, everything else (except a suppressor which you probably have) is pretty well covered. I love the field trigger so as mentioned, shoot it before you purchase a comp trigger. It never happened without pics!

Where does one find these ball caps? Google only finds a dealer in AUS.

 

[NoLegs24]

All you need is the AI Logo on your Avatar...

 

[NukeMMC]

Well you need an AI ball cap, everything else (except a suppressor which you probably have) is pretty well covered. I love the field trigger so as mentioned, shoot it before you purchase a comp trigger. It never happened without pics!

Can (Tbac U7) is in ATF jail for another couple months. Other .30 can is Ops Inc 3rd, so would need a profiled ring on the barrels and 11/16-24 muzzle. Just have to run it with the A419 brake.
Ballcap? Hmmmm. They should put out an AI crap hat .... piss off a bunch of folks in UK.

 

[NukeMMC]

All you need is the AI Logo on your Avatar...

Nope. Worked too hard for the avatar I have. Just had to spend a bunch of money for the AI .... shit ... had to spend a bunch to Leg out too.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Where does one find these ball caps? Google only finds a dealer in AUS.

Just buy an AI rifle from Mike at Mile High, he'll fix you up!

 

[Luvman]

Just buy an AI rifle from Mike at Mile High, he'll fix you up!

Well chit I bought mine from eurooptic.

 

[trob_205]

RRS BAX15 would be a big one for me. Maybe having the firing pin bushed if you think you’ll run anything that might need it. That being said I have a LFP 14 AX as well. It does crater primers in the 6.5cm Lapua SRP brass. It hasnt pierced or popped any primers so I’m not worried about it and I’ll just keep shooting it.

 

[dimar1492]

Torque limiter or Borka adjustable type kit for the barrel retention bolt.

 

[NukeMMC]

RRS BAX15 would be a big one for me. Maybe having the firing pin bushed if you think you’ll run anything that might need it. That being said I have a LFP 14 AX as well. It does crater primers in the 6.5cm Lapua SRP brass. It hasnt pierced or popped any primers so I’m not worried about it and I’ll just keep shooting it.

Thought about bushing to a SFP but I am doing 260 on my bolt guns instead of 6.5CM. I have 6.5CM on the gasser. I'll see how the 260 fares before I make a firm decision though.

Torque limiter or Borka adjustable type kit for the barrel retention bolt.

Have the Borka ATD kit in the hard case. Best investment in the way of tools I have done, I believe.

Guys, Lots of great suggestions. Y'all want to help me spend more money, for sure, but everything seems pretty functional. Now have to figure out what tripod to work with without sending my butt to divorce court. RRS is nice and purpose-built, but I cannot justify $1500[-2000 in tripod expense when I am not using it yet. May be a while before I go that route.

 

[NukeMMC]

It never happened without pics!

From the auction, don't have it in hand, yet. Hopefully tomorrow.

 

[trob_205]

Thought about bushing to a SFP but I am doing 260 on my bolt guns instead of 6.5CM. I have 6.5CM on the gasser. I'll see how the 260 fares before I make a firm decision though.


Have the Borka ATD kit in the hard case. Best investment in the way of tools I have done, I believe.

Guys, Lots of great suggestions. Y'all want to help me spend more money, for sure, but everything seems pretty functional. Now have to figure out what tripod to work with without sending my butt to divorce court. RRS is nice and purpose-built, but I cannot justify $1500[-2000 in tripod expense when I am not using it yet. May be a while before I go that route.

Yea I’m using 41.5 grain H4350 under a 140 ELD so I’m not worried about it being hot on top of the cratering.

I’d love RRS setup as well and that’s hopefully a further on down the road. For now I’m using a hog tripod and sunwayfoto leveling base that I use for hunting with it. It actually is pretty rock solid when you use the RRS BAX15 dovetail. Just gets that balance point perfect compared to running it off the handguard.

Ive had a handful of rifles and the post-14 AX takes the cake. The stock and its adjustments are top notch on top of the shouldered quick loc system. I don’t have or make a ton a money but Im so glad I made an AX happen when the opportunity came by

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

From the auction, don't have it in hand, yet. Hopefully tomorrow.
View attachment 7023831

Very nice! Now of course.................range report!

 

[NukeMMC]

First rounds and zero the scope for me today. MHSA says about 2-300rds thru it when sold. Carbon in brake and brass marks behind the ejection port back that up.
FGMM175 at 100 looks about 1/2moa:

First ever rds thru the 260 barrel. 130Prime. Should wear in nicely :

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Wow, first trip out and right there! After you settle in on that AX chassis they'll even tighten up (or did for me anyway!) Congrats!

 

[Brandon05_88]

I ran a Bartlein/Tooley .260 barrel on an AE Mk3 with the large firing pin.
I currently run a Bartlein/Tooley .260 barrel on an AT with the small firing pin.
I run Lapua brass, CCI BR-2, and 43.0-44.0 H4350 behind a 142 SMK or 140 RDF.
Those loads are warm, but not exactly hot either.
I've never had an issue with large primers.
Stick to moderate to warm loads, and it's a non-issue.

 

[Luvman]

That rocks! Seems to be typical AI groups.

I picked up a take off 24” .308 barrel with 1K rds through it. Figured I would cut it to 16” and call good. This is until I finally shot it. Pics are a 3rd and 10rd group.

 

[NukeMMC]

What I ended up getting for this thing so far:
- Hoptic saddle for the cheekpiece - sure beats cutting 1/8" adhesive-backed foam!! Good call y'all.
- Hoptic flag for receiver insert - Only issue I see is the field for the stars is top right, not top left
- Switchview folding throwlever
- Vortex Defender flip caps - I like them better than the BCs
- S-B sunshade
- ADM Harris swivel Bipod mount - prefer mounting to a pic rail than a stud - may change if I go ARCA
- no need for a comp trigger. This one breaks very cleanly. Weight is mostly on 1st stage, so the 2nd stage is not heavy
- Area 419 Hellfire 6.5 brake on the 260 barrel - I have the M18-1.5 adapter for the 308 barrel, but no need for it until the Ultra 7 is free (probably another 3 months - chack cashed 9/4/18)

Surprised the 175s did as well as they did, considering the twist. Going to try some 155TMKs and 155.5 Fullbores in it next. With a 1:12" twist, they should do well. Experience?

 

[Luvman]

Are you sure your .308 barrel is a 1:12? AX’s usually come with 1:10 Bartlein’s.

My 1:12 20” AT barrel shoots 178gr under 1/2 MOA at 340yds.

 

[NukeMMC]

No, not sure. I didn't measure it, yet, but I will. Thanks! I was just going off the manual. I know R700 Varmint barrels were 1:12 and once you set them back and put a good chamber/throat in them, they would shoot 175s well.

 

[trob_205]

I called MHSA on mine and they told me if it’s a 14-present AX it should be 1:10 for factory 308 barrels.

 

[NukeMMC]

I called MHSA on mine and they told me if it’s a 14-present AX it should be 1:10 for factory 308 barrels.

Did the tight patch & Dewey cleaning rod measurement and lo and behold, it's 1:10"!

 

[Luvman]

Did the tight patch & Dewey cleaning rod measurement and lo and behold, it's 1:10"!

And most likely a Bartlein cut blank as well.

 

[Darkside-Six]

RRS arca hand mount. also the little thumb rests that Sambo makes are really awesome. other than that, load that sucker up and enjoy.

 

[Mute]

Definitely an Arca rail. I'm never going back to any kind of picatinny rail on the bottom. Ever.