Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

T

TonyAngel

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 22, 2010
973
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59
Metairie, Louisiana
#1
Hey guys,

I have a Remington 700 that I've put a bit of work (money) into that I have grown to really like. It's sitting in an HS Precision 700P pull off stock right now.

I recently acquired another SPS Tactical in .223 and was thinking about getting another pull off stock for it, but then I started thinking.

I've been wanting to go with a setup that will accept AICS mags for the .308. If I buy another pull off at around $250, then add the cost of the bottom metal of around $300 and then consider the cost of having the stock inletted for the bottom metal, I'm not too far off from the cost of an AICS.

I really like the looks of the AICS, but it looks like it is really geared more toward prone shooting. I do a good bit of prone shooting, but I also like to spend lazy afternoons shooting off of a bench, especially during load development. Does the AICS lend itself well to bench shooting?

My big question is as stated above. Does anyone not like the AICS chassis? If so, why?

Any feedback would be appreciated. I'd hate to get one to find that it just won't fit what I want to do with it or that it just doesn't fit small people very well.

Thanks.
 
#4
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

To me, being a self proclaimed profesional gun porn observer, They are just ugly. Function and all I'm sure is great as many, many people on here love them... just a looks deal for me.
 
#6
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I really like mine. It's a folder (2.0 version) on a 260 Remington built by American Precision Arms (The best!). Bearing a Broughton 7.1 contour it's mighty heavy, built mostly for prone shooting. Hoewever, shooting offhand is pleasantly surprising. The stock balances well. I believe the AICS stocks are a good value. I would not hesitate to buy another one.

If you can, try one out first. If you don't have a dealer nearby, put up a post requesting to see and handle one. I gurantee someone has one here who is within diving distance from you. Most of the guys here would be more than happy to invite you for a tryout with one. That's the best course.
 
#7
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey guys,

I have a Remington 700 that I've put a bit of work (money) into that I have grown to really like. It's sitting in an HS Precision 700P pull off stock right now.

I recently acquired another SPS Tactical in .223 and was thinking about getting another pull off stock for it, but then I started thinking.

I've been wanting to go with a setup that will accept AICS mags for the .308. If I buy another pull off at around $250, then add the cost of the bottom metal of around $300 and then consider the cost of having the stock inletted for the bottom metal, I'm not too far off from the cost of an AICS.

I really like the looks of the AICS, but it looks like it is really geared more toward prone shooting. I do a good bit of prone shooting, but I also like to spend lazy afternoons shooting off of a bench, especially during load development. Does the AICS lend itself well to bench shooting?

My big question is as stated above. Does anyone not like the AICS chassis? If so, why?

Any feedback would be appreciated. I'd hate to get one to find that it just won't fit what I want to do with it or that it just doesn't fit small people very well.

Thanks. </div></div>

Tony,

Contact William Roscoe of LA Precision Rifles here. He's a very good source of information, and being located in Louisiana could probably show you one.
 
#8
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I love the look, but every time i get behind them the more i like my McMillian A5

Much like a hand gun - either it fits & shoots well in you hand or not
 
#9
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I was aprensive also...but finally bought an AICS 2.0 folder. I love this stock! I finally have a stock that shoots the same tight groups from the bench and prone. My TRG-22 always shot good groups prone (easier to load the bipod) than it did from the bench.

Don't know if it's because I have the bipod out front (factory style bipod), but you really don't have to load it much..from the bench or the ground. I also like the fact that my first shot (cold bore) is only 1/2" out from the rest of the groups. I am keeping my groups at 1/2 -3/4" consistantly from my .308, and don't get any enexpected flyers.

Definitely worth the money! It shoots great from the bench and is as comfortable as any of my other guns.
 
#10
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I really hated the thumbhole on the stock. It looks nice and performs well, but my hands hated the thumb placement on the stock.
 
#11
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pat M</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I love the look, but every time i get behind them the more i like my McMillian A5

Much like a hand gun - either it fits & shoots well in you hand or not
</div></div>

Ditto Pat's ^^^ comments. I have owned a handful of AI rifles and AICS chassis rifles, I guess you could say I am "stock tolerant". With that said I would always recommend getting behind one before you purchase it, not a traditional feel at all.


Kirk R
 
#12
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

Well good question. I went from a McMillan HTG that I sold, to buy an AICS 2.0; which I then sold the 2.0 and bought another HTG.

So you can say I did not like it. But my problem with the AICS is more a function of what I do with rifles, than with any problem with it's design.

The AICS is perfectly designed for prone or static supported
shooting positions like off a bench, or barricade top, et al. Thats it's a tribute to it's design and it functions well in that environment.

But when held between the hands, or slung up it fails. First it's heavy, 5.9 lbs all by it's lonesome, which makes it 3.1 lbs heavier than the HTG that it replaced. Second the fore-end is very square. Your hand it not. When it has to held between the hands it gets uncomfortable quick.

I took mine hunting, and after a few hours in a tree stand, the last thing I wanted to do was hold the damn thing. It hurt.

Lastly, the comb too high, even in it's lowest position. I had a IOR 3-18x42mm mounted in TPS Extra Low rings on a Seekins 20 MOA base. The gap between scope and barrel was substantial. But with the comb on the AICS set at it's lowest position, the scope was still too low. I had to cram my face into the stock to get a proper cheek weld.

The only fixes were to get a higher set of rings, and have a scope to barrel gap that truck could drive under, or shoot the rifle with the comb removed. More square edges, on my face now.......

The AICS design attributes, and my shooting style and my anatomy were just a poor fit.

So I went back to an McMicky HTG. Yea, the comb is still too damn low, but some pipe insulation and a $10. buck Uncle Mikes elastic stock shell holder later, made it GTG.

But at least I'm comfortable with it for hours. And if I'm comfortable I just shoot better.

I don't regret trying it out. And if all I ever shot was prone, I'd still have it. But I don't just shoot prone, so it and me parted ways, but I don't regret the experience.

Bob
 
#13
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I tried one and decided it wasn't for me;

1. The thumbhole grip angle just doesn't feel as "wrist neutral" as a McMillan or Manners, which I seem to prefer after running an AICS stock.

2. The grip is a bit small, allowing the first knuckle of my trigger finger to hit the bottom of my bolt knob. Very distracting.

3. I guess my head is too big, but with low-height 34mm rings, I couldn't get my face down onto the stock far enough, even with the cheek-piece all the way down. I had to buy taller rings to accommodate the stock, not the barrel!

4. The bottom of the buttstock does not accommodate a rear bag when shooting prone. Under recoil, the short ledge at the rear of the buttstock kept falling off the bag, allowing the bag to slide down into the forward hook area of the stock and screw up my POA.


On the plus side however, I really liked how it positioned a spigot bipod far forward on the forend. It seemed to make the rifle more stable.

For the price of a version 1.5, I couldn't touch a comparably equipped fiberglass stock. All the "standard" options on the AICS made the fiberglass stock really expensive; detachable bottom metal, adjustable LOP, adjustable cheek piece, and four rock-solid sling attachments.

I commend you for posting this question before spending your hard-earned money. Now keep up the good work and follow this line of advice like I wish had;
<span style="font-size: 11pt">
<span style="font-style: italic">try before you buy!</span></span>

 
#14
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I like the general ergonomics of the AI stock but, as stated above, the grip is a little small and uncomfortable. Also, I cannot find new stock sides for it. That alone will keep me from purchasing another in the future. I don't plan on selling the one I currently own though. For future builds it will be McMillan all the way.
 
#15
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

Tony,

I have one in your AO and maybe we can arrange for you to put some time behind it at a local range. I like them, but they are not for everyone. Zip me a PM

Sean
 
#16
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

Thanks for the comments guys. All of the things mentioned here were what I was concerned about. I really like the functionality that the AICS platform appears to possess, but that thumbhole stock was something that I just couldn't feel comfortable about.

I've recently come over to bolt guns from the AR camp. The biggest reason for it was that I was more accurate and faster with a bolt gun. The whole pistol grip thing just didn't work well for me and the AICS looks to be almost the same thing in terms of position and feel.

I think I'm going to hold off, at least until I can get my hands on a rig and check it out.

I was also reconsidering a McMillan. I remembered that a friend of mine shoots a McMillan, so I called him. He's an older guy that has REALLY shaky hands and regularly shoots way under MOA with his rig. When I talked to him about the costs associated with going with a McM, he informed me that his rifle isn't even bedded. I think that in itself says a lot for the stock.

Now, not to get off on a tangent or anything, but what do you guys think of laminated stocks? I saw those Hart stocks at Stocky's. The ones with the aluminum bedding. I really don't know how they would shoot, but they sure do look nice.
 
#17
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

Save more $$$ get the AICS AX ; )
ax11b.jpg

ax12.jpg

ax10b.jpg
 
#18
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I asked the same question as you did when you lookig at the AICS stocks. I was told "your either going to love it, or hate it."
Best thing to do is find someone who has one, and shoot a hundred or so rounds through it.
Make sure you buy the ammo of course
smile.gif
 
#19
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I bought a 2.0 last week, and quickly traded it off to get a TRG22 (adding cash of course)

The problem for me was the stock is designed too high in relationship to the action, so even at the lowest cheek piece position, I have to bend my neck toward the stock to look through the scope, and I was using high rings. This felt very unnatural to me and not comfortable. In prone position,it felt much more nature, but not when I sit

It's also quite heavy, which I could have lived with
 
#21
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock24</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I tried one and decided it wasn't for me;

1. The thumbhole grip angle just doesn't feel as "wrist neutral" as a McMillan or Manners, which I seem to prefer after running an AICS stock.

2. The grip is a bit small, allowing the first knuckle of my trigger finger to hit the bottom of my bolt knob. Very distracting.

</div></div>
+1
I have had the 1.5 and 2.0 sold them both and now shoot a TRG.
I also didn't like the "thumb through" only, as I prefer to shoot "thumb up".
Another thing I didn't see listed yet,is that the skins don't exactly fit prefect. and they will scrape you up until you round them over (which I did with my little torch).
Try one, maybe you will like it, if you don't, someone here will always buy it.
SScott
 
#22
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Megahoser</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nope, too mother-fricking heavy...</div></div>
+1... and bulkier than I care for either.
 
#23
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I can't even say how glad it is that I posted this question. I came really close to pulling the trigger on one, because it made sense from a cost perspective.

Still, I think I'm going to try and see if I can get together with someone that has one and take it for a test drive.
 
#24
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I reccomend you give it a fair try..I wasnt head over heels at first being a die hard Mcmillan fan but after considerable time shooting and dry firing in multiple positions and even slung up, I now feel its a well designed stock with good ergonomics..
Its like a real tall skinny girl,awkward at first but after some time in the saddle......you know.
good luck
 
#25
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can't even say how glad it is that I posted this question. I came really close to pulling the trigger on one, because it made sense from a cost perspective.

Still, I think I'm going to try and see if I can get together with someone that has one and take it for a test drive. </div></div>

You definitely need to try it out.

I shoot AR's, standard stocks and my AI. It just depends on what the job is. They are all tools. I don't become married to one.

I will say that the AI has been good to me for what I do. I rarely ever have to sling up and shoot unsupported. I still practice it and I have to do it from time to time in competition, but that is not a deal breaker for me. I have medium to large hands and the thumbhole is not a problem. I was originally worried that it would slow my bolt manipulation compared to the standard stocks, but that has not been a problem at all.

You really do need to get some good trigger time on one before you decide.

HOWEVER, I still love the feel of the McMillan HTG. Its lines have always felt "just right" after taping some iso-mat to the comb.
 
#26
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

It took me a little getting use to, but it's not too bad now. I usually shoot with my thumb outside the stock. To me, I get a better position on the trigger with it that way.
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I still think the TRG non folder fits me the best though.
 
#27
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

The only thing i dont like is the weight.

But you know, its a tactical rifle not a mountain rifle.

I use a biathlon sling to solve this problem.
Use a TAB biathlon and you solve two problems... weight and also improves on form for shooting any positions other than prone due to the loop in the sling.
 
#28
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just filled my fuel tank, took $70 to get full........what was the question again? </div></div>

$70? What do you drive and how much is fuel by you? It takes every penny of $130 to fill up my F150.
 
#29
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I can't get past the short distance between the back of the pistol grip and the trigger. Too short IMHO, like an AR with the USGI grip.

Other than that I like 'em, but its enough of an "other than that" that I no longer have the three I had.
 
#30
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I love mine. It fits me perfect. The one thing I didn't like about it is that the cheek piece has me sitting a little high in the scope. I took mine off and put an eagle stock pack on it and it has worked great. I wouldn't trade mine out for anything and I just bought another one for a sugeon build I am going to have done. From a cost stand point, you can not beat it.
 
#32
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I put a few hundred rounds on my GAP in 1.5 My only complaint is like the rest. I didn't mind the weight, was a solid platform. What I couldn't do is find a consistent cheek weld and position with shooting hand from shot to shot. I like my glass as close to bore as possible, so I never needed to adjust the comb. In fact, I pulled the cheek riser off on a few occasions. It felt like I was always smashing my face down. IMHO, for my ergo's, the barreled action sits to low. The only compromise, in my case, was to go with higher rings and I didn't want to compromise.

So, I got into a McM A5 and found my niche.
 
#35
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">at the end of the day you need to get behind one. for some they work...for others, they don't. YMMV</div></div>

Exactly. Same as any other stock.
 
#36
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">at the end of the day you need to get behind one. for some they work...for others, they don't. YMMV </div></div>

I totally agree. I tried it about 2 years ago. And I liked it. I liked it so much that most all my bolt guns are in one.
Calibers have been 308, 7MM08, 6.5CM, 7WSM. I did just get a Scalpel in 300WM and their big chainsaw know ate the skin of the knuckle of my trigger finger first shot. My fault for having giant XXL glove size hands. No problem as they sent me a smaller replacement knob. They are great folks.
 
#37
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: THEBEARRRRRRJEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just filled my fuel tank, took $70 to get full........what was the question again? </div></div>

$70? What do you drive and how much is fuel by you? It takes every penny of $130 to fill up my F150. </div></div>


Holy crap...even if you meant F250/F350, I would say you are getting raped, but for a F150 and paying that much, they are not using KY on you.
Ive a 1 ton Diesel, and cost me @ $90-$110 to fill up, depending on how empty I get it.


OK, back to OP...I personally think its the ugliest stock out there, so i dont care how well it functions.

There are so many companies out there that make gun porn stocks AND function well, no sense in settling for fugly. My .02
 
#38
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

Rifles only has a great video in the training section with setting up behind and gripping the rifle using an AI stock ( thought it applies for any stock). Once I practiced some of the things he went over in the video I liked the AW stock much better. I was kung-fu gripping it before.
 
#39
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I've tried one and it's not for me. As Ratbert stated, buying a a stock without handling one first doesn't make sense. Try one out before you make a hard decision.
 
#41
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

The extra weight is great for handling recoil. I use mine off the bench, prone, and offhand. Works well for me. The only complaints are fit and finish aren't that great, and the trigger sits pretty close to the grip. My hands are small enough to work well with it and I have shot some very good and consistent groups with the AICS. I also will say the chances of you damaging or breaking one is pretty remote, they are built very strong.
 
#42
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I do still want to try one. I've got a PM out to a guy that lives near me. Maybe he'll let me rent his.

Right now, I'm going over to the McM site and check out a couple of stocks.
 
#43
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just filled my fuel tank, took $70 to get full........what was the question again? </div></div>
You ain't seen nothing yet, brother.

I love my AICS, but I confess haven't spent much time behind any others. I actually have the cheek piece on mine about 3/8" off the stock; I wear eyeglasses, plus my neck kills me if I try to do low prone, so I need a bit of "uprightness" when I shoot prone. With an AICS I am using a Harris BR-S and I'm not all the way up. Scope CL height is 1.5" above the bore CL.

I spent a LOT of time adjusting and trying stock settings and the shooting positions that resulted. My hands are medium - large sized so the thumbhole fits me fine. I have long arms for my height so I wound up adding a lot of LOP (50mm total spacers).

If I try to get too straight behind any stock I wind up banging my chin into the comb.
 
#44
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

Tried a stage 1.0 AICS hosting Rem700 today in my dealer's place. Despite my frustration with AICS 2.0, the 1.0 was very comfortable to me. It's lighter, and more importantly, the lack of cheek piece on 1.0 made the comb height perfect - no need to force bend my neck, push down my head on the stock to look through the scope. I would have kept AICS stock if it were 1.0!
 
#45
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I have a 2.0 and like it alot but the thumbhole could be farther back to fit me better but I have large hands. I have not had an issue with the cheekrest being too high on mine. I am running a USO 3-17 by 44 on it.
 
#46
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

I love mine, the fit is great. the extra weight isnt a problem. The only problem I have with the stock is its a little slower when cycling the bolt. For me atleast that is. My TRG is so much faster, but thats a whole different can of worms to open.
 
#50
Re: Anyone not like the AICS chassis? Why?

most of the complaints im reading here are a ringing sales pitch to me because i can never find a stock with a high enough comb and when i build it up enuf for me no one else can even get on the scope. still pricey as hell tho.
 
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