AI AXMC vs Desert Tech HTI vs Custom Build

[kenzup]

I am trying to decide between the AXMC, HTI or just to build a custom. I am really looking for a quality rifle to dabble with ELR. I have not decided on a caliber yet but leaning towards 338 Lapua since I have everything to reload for it. If I went true big bore it would probably be 416 Barrett. I am looking for pro's and cons from experience of the different options. I will say one thing that attracts me to the AI and DT are that I have just wanted one them for awhile but that doesn't mean its the best bang for the buck or the right way to go.

 

[Kickin45]

If your wanting to shoot 338 Lapua, you don’t need an HTI. Regular SRS A1 or A2 will shoot 338L.

 

[hafejd30]

AXMC

Mainly because I don’t like the bullpup style rifles. More movement required for operating the bolt for me. But I am a bigger guy.

The AI would probably retain more resale value as well over a custom build

 

[Steel head]

AI or custom.

 

[kenzup]

If your wanting to shoot 338 Lapua, you don’t need an HTI. Regular SRS A1 or A2 will shoot 338L.

I agree the the A1 or A2 will shoot 338L but the HTI does give me the option to go bigger.

 

[kenzup]

AXMC

Mainly because I don’t like the bullpup style rifles. More movement required for operating the bolt for me. But I am a bigger guy.

The AI would probably retain more resale value as well over a custom build

I have shot a desert tech I can see that. I didn't think of resale value though. Thanks.

 

[hafejd30]

I agree the the A1 or A2 will shoot 338L but the HTI does give me the option to go bigger.

If you go DT go HTI. Your already considering a bigger caliber than the 338. If your spending that kind of coin get what you want and what you may want at the same time

 

[kenzup]

If you go DT go HTI. Your already considering a bigger caliber than the 338. If your spending that kind of coin get what you want and what you may want at the same time

I don't know if I want to invest in everything to go bigger. Like I said I have everything to reload 338L.

 

[MCHOG]

I love my AXMC. I got it with your thought process in mind, and also wanted to use it for PRS. But, what folks consider "ELR" is evolving into something that 338 is barely sufficient for. I think there was only one guy with a 338 at the last KO2M. If that's where you are headed, you will have to go custom eventually. But since it will be easier to sell an AXMC than a custom, I'd get the AXMC first and upgrade to custom if your dabbling turns into more than that.

 

[kenzup]

I love my AXMC. I got it with your thought process in mind, and also wanted to use it for PRS. But, what folks consider "ELR" is evolving into something that 338 is barely sufficient for. I think there was only one guy with a 338 at the last KO2M. If that's where you are headed, you will have to go custom eventually. But since it will be easier to sell an AXMC than a custom, I'd get the AXMC first and upgrade to custom if your dabbling turns into more than that.

I have thought about that as well. I can go down with the AXMC and run it in PRS/NRL if I don't want to run my other match guns. I don't think I will be investing at this time to go to the KO2M. It is just up the road from me and wouldn't mind going to watch and learn. I would only do some local comps or just go out and play past a mile (right now).

 

[R.Walters]

AXMC!

You can always get the short action conversion kit as well and shoot 6mm in competitions

 

[Hondo1]

I have an SRS, AI, and a few customs. If I could only keep one it would be the DT. The AI becomes very unwieldy while skidding to a stop to bust a coyote running up a hill a couple hundred yards away. If you are shooting of your belly 90% of the time the AI is the Cadillac. Customs are what you make them but you tend to throw yourself in a box with them.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

What are the resale of the AXMC? I know I have a lot into mine and If I were to sell I would take a dump. But I bought mine new and that’s even more true for my AX308 (pre-14). I had a Desert Tech SRS and I bought used here on the hide used it for 2 years then sold it here on the hide pretty much what I paid for it. So my advice is that I would buy used if you are interested in saving some money. The Desert Tech and the AI both shoot great. If you compete, you will probably have some issues with the Desert Tech. The only disadvantage for me (novice shooter) was that I couldn’t cycle the bolt without lifting my head and magazine changes were harder because I had to lift the butt of the rifle. Saying all of that i have the AI and I want to get back into the Desert Tech SRS because I miss how compact the rifle is, especially with a suppressor. Don’t know much about custom rifles but I doubt you can go wrong with any of them.