AW Reviews?

[JimT]

I had an opportunity on Friday to closely examine much of the AI product line (I was quite impressed). I have done my best to find reviews of the AW, but my Google-fu is not so hot, nor is my search-fu (didn't find much).

They are a bit on the spendy side but.......are they worth the money?

 

[Doc1911]

Re: AW Reviews?

Here is one I did just a few weeks ago.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...874#Post1767874

Here are some others using the search (http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o&hl=en):

http://www.google.com/cse?cx=010955...?cx=010955838166721108978%3Aqcbx5qqy10o&hl=en

 

[Chiller]

Re: AW Reviews?

They are quite arguable the pinnacle of the tactical bolt rifle. There are any of a number of manufacturers that make extraordinary bolt rifles (APA, GAP, AI, SAKO, Surgeon, Precision Shooting Sports, etc).


The question you need to ask yourself is what do you plan to do with it.

 

[JimT]

Re: AW Reviews?

Not to sound flippant, but the answer to that is simple....shoot it. Do I need it? No. If I did, I would probably work for an outfit with very deep pockets that would buy one for me. I want a Supercub, but I certainly don't need one (still actively looking though).

Price-wise the AW vs a custom 700 is like going from an NF to an S&B. Having done the latter, I can say yes, it was money well spent. Just looking for input if the AW is truly a cut above.

 

[Lindy]

Re: AW Reviews?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">are they worth the money?</div></div>

There are smiths who make custom rifles which will shoot a little tighter than AI does.

No one - <span style="font-weight: bold">no one</span> - makes a rifle which is as reliable <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">and</span></span> will shoot better than an AI.

If I were going to depend upon the performance of one rifle for my life, it would be an Accuracy International.

To me, based upon that criterion, that makes them worth the money.

Other's requirements may differ.

 

[desertHK]

Re: AW Reviews?

I think Lindy said it all. When you combine the reliability factor and accuracy together, I don't think there is a better rifle out there. If you are looking for superb accuracy for your BR shooting, then go with custom, because you can get better accuracy. But if you are looking for a rifle that will function under any circumstances, then the AIAW is the one you are looking for.

 

[padronanniversary]

Re: AW Reviews?

I love mine. I have also GAPs and other custom rifles. One thing so far, when I received training with my AIAW, it was flawless in cold,wet, muddy environments.

In terms of accuracy, I was quite pleased as well for a "stock" rifle.

At 300 yards 5 shot group prone. I'm happy with it, and love the trigger

 

[00037]

Re: AW Reviews?

Lindy's correct. The AI AW may not be <span style="font-style: italic">quite</span> as accurate as a full-on custom but you can beat the shit out of them and remove/reinstall parts without losing zero.

My 20" AI AW shot 3/8ths MOA at 100 yesterday while zeroing my scope in pouring rain. Everything (myself included) got soaked in the process.

Two bits of advice:

1) If you go with an AW, I suggest getting the dovetail. Not only will your scope mount lower but you'll have an easy platform to remove the scope (if desired) and return it to zero every time. If this is of no concern then the Pic rail is fine save for the annoying fact that it's 0 MOA and makes scope ring choice limited if you need a cant.

2) If funds are a concern, go with an AE Mk II. They shoot just as accurately and come with the same bolt and trigger. The differences between the AE and AW really depend on which features you want.

I chose an AW (.308) over an AE II because of the 20" heavy-contour fluted barrel, epoxied receiver, dovetail mount, double-stack mags (which can be top-loaded), and locking safety. To me the AW was worth the premium but I'd probably be 90% as happy with an AE II. That last 10% costs quite a bit extra.

 

[desertHK]

Re: AW Reviews?

My AIAW with Pic rail still hold zero after I take the scope off and then re-mount it. The pic rail has a zero cant, I use the AI mount with various cants to your liking. The point I want to make is that whether it's dove tail, which is the one that I am getting tomorrow (my third AIAWs), or the pic rail, it will hold its zero regardless, I have tried that myself on several occasions. The main advantage with the pic rail is the ability to mount night vision scope/device. Of course, the pic rail will cost a little bit more. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[00037]

Re: AW Reviews?

That's true, DesertHK. I didn't intend for it to sound like the Pic won't hold true. The dovetail seems easier to me but at the end of the day they're about the same in the speed and ease of re-mounting.

The biggest difference is scope height since the Pic rail + AI mount is about 3/8" taller than the equivalent in a dovetail setup.

 

[desertHK]

Re: AW Reviews?

Understand modifier. I believe in the KISS principle also. The dove tail mount is adherent to that principle. That's why I am getting it in dove tail for my next rifle, not to mention it's cheaper. LOL

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: AW Reviews?

After owning many custom rifles, GAP, McMillan etc.,I have to agree Accuracy International makes an amazing product.

When you can order a barrel and using an ordinary barrel vise and an AI action wrench-simply screw it on,torque it-and check the headspace and go to the range. That is one hell of a selling point.

Now that they are readily available(they weren't several years ago)-I can find no reason NOT to recommend them.

I love custom guns. Unfortunately, the majority of high end tactical riflesmith's are so busy that unless you get very lucky-a long wait is expected before you get your stick. Great for them! Bad for you if you need a new barrel turned around quickly. AI provides a degree of instant gratification.

 

[LWRC]

Re: AW Reviews?

I purchased my first scope 5 months ago - Premier Heritage 5-25X56. Once I got the scope I decided I should put a great rifle under it. I had the ideal custom gun in my head but the thought I will still always want an AI at some point never left. So I ponied up another grand or so and purchased my first bolt rifle - 24" .308 AIAW folder/dovetail.

I have enjoyed the set up ever since. The rifle is so easy to shoot everyone who has pulled the trigger on it has gone MOA or better. Even kids who have never shot anything before! Do it right and have no regrets later.

I'm now thinking about the need to obtain esthetic balance in the gun case. An AIAWM? or maybe the AI .50? http://www.snipershide.com/forum/images/icons/default/thumbs_up.gif