AIAT worth it just changed burned up barrels?

[RickyRodney]

I am looking to buy my first precision rifle and have been pondering the DTA, AIAT and custom platform for about a year, I have just bought everything I need to start reloading as well. I know I want a 6.5mm creedmoor. My next will be a .223 trainer, a friends custom .223 has been my favorite rifle for years. I have always liked thumbhole stocks like the AI, but I really want to try a KMW. The ability to change barrels and calibers has been a huge draw to the AI, however can a custom be set-up with spare barrels? I just don't want to have to send in my action and have down time when a barrel is shot out. Do I have to send my action in to have the barrels made? Does the same smith that builds my rifle able to save the specs on my action per say and make me barrels if I call? I'm willing to buy tools, so if I can have my KWM and change my own tubes that might make my decision easier.

 

[MATADOR]

Short answer...yes. Most all of the big names on this site, LRI, SAC, PVA, and others can make you multiple barrels for your action. Send them your action and a blank check. You will just need to get a barrel vise and an action wrench.

Or you can go the remage route.

The AIAT was designed for changing barrels with one allen wrench in the field, and yes, to many that is worth it. The appeal is not so much changing burned up barrels, but switching calibers and/or barrel lengths in the field.

 

[RickyRodney]

Short answer...yes. Most all of the big names on this site, LRI, SAC, PVA, and others can make you multiple barrels for your action. Send them your action and a blank check.

Or you can go the remage route.

Remage route as in a bugnut? And learn how to set the headspace myself? or a DGR or Bighorn action?

 

[MATADOR]

Remage route as in a bugnut? And learn how to set the headspace myself? or a DGR or Bighorn action?

Yes, If you remage (bugnut, CBI, and others) you will also have to get a set of go/no go gauges and headspace yourself. The AIAT and/or a smith making multiple barrels will set the headspace for you.

 

[MuleyTime]

I found myself in your same position 4 months ago, so I purchased an AI/AT. They are awesome rifles for sure. However, I'm not the type of shooter that will take advantage of the cool AI features and that is why I just posted my AI/AT folder for sale. I'm going back to the traditional style, but I may regret it when it comes time to re-barrel

Let me know if you're interested in a lightly used AI/AT Green folder.

 

[Covertnoob5]

I think it's worth it that's why I've sold most of my other rifles since getting my DTA. I've got a 6.5 and .308 barrel. Had a 300WM. And getting the .223 conversion soon. It's great when you do need to replace a barrel, but it comes in handy if you're at the range or just messing around in the hills to be able to swap to something cheaper to shoot. There's been a couple times we've gone hunting, don't see anything so on the last day before going home I'd swap from my 300WM to the .308 and shoot some targets or something.
Being able to swap barrels with just the torque wrench has been great for me. Easy, quick, and can be done anywhere.


Covert is as Covert does.

Plenty of good feedback on the scout site.

 

[cjgemm]

Go with a Bighorn TL3 and Savage prefits. It's the least expensive route. Can do .223 to 6.5 SAUM and everything in between.

 

[morganlamprecht]

Go with a Bighorn TL3 and Savage prefits. It's the least expensive route. Can do .223 to 6.5 SAUM and everything in between.

be easier to go with shouldered barrels with wrench flats if going that route...other wise you have to carry a nut wrench, some type of vise, and go gauges to swap barrels in the field...doesnt compare to an AT swap

 

[mercracing]

I picked up an AT a few months ago and love it. It's a very rugged rifle so I'm not super worried about breaking it. I like the quick change barrel system not so much for burned out barrels, but to change to a different/cheaper caliber to shoot. I highly recommend the AI's to anyone.


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[jim10801]

Being able to swap barrels with just the torque wrench has been great for me. Easy, quick, and can be done anywhere.

Could be that I'm anal, but I loosen the set screw with a plain allen wrench and tighten the set screw with a torque wrench.
Some people will say that a torque wrench can be damaged if used to loosen a fastener. I suppose it depends on the wrench and the circumstances.
I say why risk it.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Short answer...yes. Most all of the big names on this site, LRI, SAC, PVA, and others can make you multiple barrels for your action. Send them your action and a blank check. You will just need to get a barrel vise and an action wrench.

Or you can go the remage route.

The AIAT was designed for changing barrels with one allen wrench in the field, and yes, to many that is worth it. The appeal is not so much changing burned up barrels, but switching calibers and/or barrel lengths in the field.

I just picked up a Tooley Bartlein barrel in .308Win for my AT, which I bought in .260 Remington. I took both barrels to the range last week...I changed barrels in roughly 1 minute. I can carry the rifle and second barrel, both well secured in my Eberlestock E-2b drag bag and my Allen torque wrench in one of the pockets. If this type of set-up fits your needs, I can recommend it unhesitatingly. Mile High Shooting Accessories set me up with their usual exemplary service.

Good luck, and good shooting

Harry (Rifleman01 on Scout)

PS-I wanted a 1:10 barrel of 24". MHSA had just what I wanted and color-matched in light tan as well.

 

[cjgemm]

be easier to go with shouldered barrels with wrench flats if going that route...other wise you have to carry a nut wrench, some type of vise, and go gauges to swap barrels in the field...doesnt compare to an AT swap

Well if changing barrels in the field is a requirement, I'd agree. He mentioned a .223 trainer (try that with an AT) and swapping barrels when they are toast. I stand by what I said. Besides I'm not sure of the attraction to the AT Barrel changes anyway. Are guys changing from 6.5 Creedmoor to 6 Creedmoor in the field? Now having a DTA SRS or AI PSR being able to go to magnum calibers in the field makes sense, the DTA will even do .223. They cost a whole lot more though

Only gotcha OP is if you go a route like the Bighorn, I would want a chassis type stock as you will be pulling the action in and out to swap barrels.

 

[morganlamprecht]

Well if changing barrels in the field is a requirement, I'd agree. He mentioned a .223 trainer (try that with an AT) and swapping barrels when they are toast. I stand by what I said. Besides I'm not sure of the attraction to the AT Barrel changes anyway. Are guys changing from 6.5 Creedmoor to 6 Creedmoor in the field? Now having a DTA SRS or AI PSR being able to go to magnum calibers in the field makes sense, the DTA will even do .223. They cost a whole lot more though

Only gotcha OP is if you go a route like the Bighorn, I would want a chassis type stock as you will be pulling the action in and out to swap barrels.

i swap barrels all the time in the field, irrelevant though...still easier to have barrels shouldered for the TL3 and put a wrench flat on them, lose the nut...then you dont need to pull the action out...you missed the entire point of my post.....the TL3 is a great option if you ditch the nut

 

[cjgemm]

The TL3 and Mausingfield are great options because of the nut (I highly doubt Ted or AJ picked 20TPI on a whim), If shouldered barrels are your thing there is no shortage of options... but they require gunsmiths and actions being sent out. Its all in what you want, you missed the entire point of the OP's post...

PS, I go from 6.5 Creedmoor to .300 WM on my SRS in the field as well. One time during collecting zeros for its data book I even put on the .308 barrel.

 

[mercracing]

I stand by what I said. Besides I'm not sure of the attraction to the AT Barrel changes anyway. Are guys changing from 6.5 Creedmoor to 6 Creedmoor in the field?

I switch from 308 to 260. 308 is an easy one to throw on when friends want to shoot cheaper ammo. Or i'll leave it on if I want cheaper ammo when I'm working on fundamentals.



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[morganlamprecht]

The TL3 and Mausingfield are great options because of the nut (I highly doubt Ted or AJ picked 20TPI on a whim), If shouldered barrels are your thing there is no shortage of options... but they require gunsmiths and actions being sent out. Its all in what you want, you missed the entire point of the OP's post...

PS, I go from 6.5 Creedmoor to .300 WM on my SRS in the field as well. One time during collecting zeros for its data book I even put on the .308 barrel.

http://patriotvalleyarms.com/replacement-match-barrel-bighorn-mausingfield-ai-etc/

dont have to send off anything.....the more you know...

 

[cjgemm]

6.5 Creed match ammo is around $20 a box... what kind of 308 are you shooting?

Is every 3rd barrel free, or should I be happy to pay for a barrel and a half when I could just pay for one?

http://bugholes.com/index.php?route=...y&path=106_107

 

[morganlamprecht]

6.5 Creed match ammo is around $20 a box... what kind of 308 are you shooting?

Is every 3rd barrel free, or should I be happy to pay for a barrel and a half when I could just pay for one?

http://bugholes.com/index.php?route=...y&path=106_107

can get one from Northland on a CBI for $300...you arent teaching me anything new here...done yet?

 

[cjgemm]

apparently you had to relearn what you already knew?

So now that we are back to the beginning...

A TL3 running Savage prefit's will tick all of his boxes and be his least expensive route. If you can get a hold of Terry you can ask him if a Bighorn will work in his I.M.B. If not a Devcon /pillar bedding job would more than handle pulling the action for swapping toasted barrels or to put on your .223 trainer barrel.

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

What about a normal action and a switch lug? Many of the "famous" smiths on here can take your action dimensions down and have you a barrel within a month.


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[RickyRodney]

Well I just committed to a DTA SRS from the marketplace so I guess we can let it go. I just wanted to be able to do my own barrel changes at home, to save on labor and downtime. I'm not that worried about being able to do it in the field. I have no interest in the remage type actions at this time. I should have just rephrased the question to read "Can I order replacement "shouldered" barrels from the same smith that did my initial gunsmithing WITHOUT sending in my action?" Looks like the answer is no. After fondling my friends GA templar action last night, wow was it smooth and his DTA, I can say I need both. Very different rifles and its almost not fair to compare them. I suppose I'll use this as an excuse to justify buying more rifles.

 

[Covertnoob5]

I think you'll be very happy with the DTA. You can get one good scope and have the same trigger, bolt manipulation, and manual of arms while training with a .223 conversion then hunting or competing if you so choose.


Covert is as Covert does.

Plenty of good feedback on the scout site.

 

[morganlamprecht]

Well I just committed to a DTA SRS from the marketplace so I guess we can let it go. I just wanted to be able to do my own barrel changes at home, to save on labor and downtime. I'm not that worried about being able to do it in the field. I have no interest in the remage type actions at this time. I should have just rephrased the question to read "Can I order replacement "shouldered" barrels from the same smith that did my initial gunsmithing WITHOUT sending in my action?" Looks like the answer is no. After fondling my friends GA templar action last night, wow was it smooth and his DTA, I can say I need both. Very different rifles and its almost not fair to compare them. I suppose I'll use this as an excuse to justify buying more rifles.

the answer to that is Yes, with most decent gunsmiths...i mentioned it up above but might have gotten lost in the replies with cjgemm not stfu about his barrel nut

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

question to read "Can I order replacement "shouldered" barrels from the same smith that did my initial gunsmithing WITHOUT sending in my action?"

To confirm - Josh @ Patriot Valley Arms will do this, I can't speak for other smiths. Congratulations on the DTA as well ! We sell them, and have some of the .223 conversion kits ready to go as well once you decide on that route. .223 80gr Amax's shoot phenomenally well in mine.

 

[cjgemm]

Well I just committed to a DTA SRS from the marketplace so I guess we can let it go. I just wanted to be able to do my own barrel changes at home, to save on labor and downtime. I'm not that worried about being able to do it in the field. I have no interest in the remage type actions at this time. I should have just rephrased the question to read "Can I order replacement "shouldered" barrels from the same smith that did my initial gunsmithing WITHOUT sending in my action?" Looks like the answer is no. After fondling my friends GA templar action last night, wow was it smooth and his DTA, I can say I need both. Very different rifles and its almost not fair to compare them. I suppose I'll use this as an excuse to justify buying more rifles.

The SRS will do everything you need, Fireguyty is/was a good resource for barrels if he made the move over.

 

[RickyRodney]

the answer to that is Yes, with most decent gunsmiths...i mentioned it up above but might have gotten lost in the replies with cjgemm not stfu about his barrel nut

Well then PVA or Bugholes will get my business after I fiscally recover from the DTA investment, and find someone to make a 26" 6.5 creedmor barrel profiled for my AE30. The smooth feeling of a custom action is pretty awesome, I want it. So if I would be able to give him a ring when my barrels are toast and he could make me one. I'd be sold, I like tools and would like to do the work myself.