Differences between civilian & military AI AW

[Melesmeles]

Hi guys,

I've been having a conversation with a member of my local club and registered firearms dealer (who seems like a knowledgeable individual) in regards to the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare. I've set my heart on an AW in .308 and was discussing this with said club member when he stated that AW rifles on offer on the civilian market around the world are generally referred to as AE W's (or AW E's), and are manufactured using different components and processes than the military issue models. He went on to say that a rifle built to the same specification as the British military issue L118A1 would cost in the region of £20,000 (as opposed to the AW's £3,510) - if it were available at all on the civilian market. Is what he has said correct? I know that he is not referring to the AE Mk II - I was certain to ascertain this fact.

The only information that I can find in regards to this matter comes from the Wiki page relating to Accuarcy International AW's ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AI_AW ):

<span style="font-style: italic">"There are two main types of AW models. Models offered by AI, and type classified models in service with governments. AW models are related to, but not necessarily exactly synonymous with specific models adopted by countries."</span>

This information is attributed by Wiki to what appears to be an archived version of Accuracy International's site from about 100BC ( http://www.ketmer.com/ai/index.htm )

Would anyone be able to offer any advice on this matter as to what exactly differentiates civilian and military issue AW's? I've contacted a UK distributor who has stated:

<span style="font-style: italic">"There is absolutely no difference, all AW rifles are built to the same specification, whether military, police or civilian."</span>

Any help you guys could offer would be greatly appreciated. I'm attracted to the AI AW due to its reputation for accuracy combined with extreme robustness. The resilience of the rifle isn't really necessary for what I primarily intend to use the it for - but it's nice to know that you own a quality and reliable bit of kit. I'm not made of money, so the amount that I'll be sinking into the rifle, scope, associated accessories and initial batch of ammunition is very much a considered purchase and I would like to know exactly what I'm buying.

All the very best.

 

[deadly0311]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

The AI AW is the same across the board AFAIK

The AI AE is the more economical model, but they are 2 different guns.

 

[Starvin]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

The only difference between the AW series offered to civilians and those sold to militaries are the markings. Specifically I know the L115 has two white dots marking the two "safe" positions on the safety and a red dot to mark the "fire" position the standard production models don't have this. Physically though they're made with the same components by the same people as all the other rifles.

I know the legacy L96A1s are a bit different since they were early production but I haven't handled one to be able to offer any particular insight.

The AEs are another beast all together. They are meant to be more affordable but all the reports from the MKII have been very complimentary.

 

[bm11]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

I believe functionally they are identical. All of the deployment kits I have seen have included a fair bit more than just the rifle, they usually include a Schmidt and Bender pm2 3-12x50 scope on an AI dovetail lever mount (have never seen the lever mount available otherwise) a set of back up iron sights, a hard transit case, the factory Parker Hale bipod, cleaning kit, 6 mags, etc etc etc.

Oh, and all the ones I have seen pictures of have a green barrel.

 

[gugubica]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

The differences between a military AW and a civilian AW are listed below, in order of importance:



































































That's all I could fit in here.

 

[Melesmeles]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

At the risk of sounding like an idiot (

), is your post deliberately left blank for comedic effect gugubica or has an error occured? Going by previous posts in this topic (thank you all very much guys) I'm leaning towards the former - but I'd just like to make sure!

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

Meles, I think you might find the British Army version of the AW is the 338 vs your option of the 308. Aside from the calibre there is no difference and you can also get the same S&B sights.

I presume you've been speaking to Graeme on this...trust him, he's a good guy and knows his stuff. If you are new to shooting and "not made of money" you should consider the AE Mk II and use the savings on a scope, the AI mount, spare mags, case etc. I am at Bisley week of Dec 13th if you want to shoot my AE.

 

[gugubica]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

It is indeed the former.

The only difference in the two are end user selected options.

 

[johnlee]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Meles.meles</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-style: italic">"There is absolutely no difference, all AW rifles are built to the same specification, whether military, police or civilian."</span></div></div>

I think this statement is overbroad. I can't say the commercial and military weapons are made to the same or different quality standards because I'm not privy to that kind of information. If I had to guess, I would guess that AW weapons are made to the same quality standards. But I'm not absolutely sure of that.

However, it's quite obvious that there are some differences between military and commercial AI weapons. Many of these differences are cosmetic like the color of the barreled action or the markings on the weapons. However, there are other differences. Many of military AWs are older weapons with features or characteristics that Accuracy International does not currently offer for commercial sale.

For example, the German G22 (not the British L115) has the white and red dots painted into depressions cut into the bolt shroud. The G22 also has a more swept back bolt handle than the standard AW bolt handle. You can't just willy nilly order a G22 bolt for your AW, at least not in the US you can't.

The Australian SR-98 has a quick-detachable AI mount (it's a picatinny mount, not a dovetail). That's not a standard item in the commercial AI catalog.

The Swedish PSG90 has a scope mount that is numbered to the gun. Last I checkered I couldn't order a scope mount that is numbered to my receiver and bolt. The PSG90 is also a 1.0 variant with fixed comb. That's no longer available through commercial AI channels.

The Belgian AW (can't recall the model designation) has a scope mount with three knobs rather than three Allen screws. And the Belgian AWs that I've seen pics of had the older scope mounts with two screws per ring rather than the current four-screw type. The Belgian AWs also have a flip-up aperture rear sight that is different in configuration from my Belgian rear sight that I purchased through commercial AI channels.

Many of the AI military scopes have different coatings than what is available today. These military scopes usually reflect an emerald green color rather than the usual bluish plum you find on commercial Schmidt & Benders (even the ones with AI reticles and AI knobs brought through legit AI commercial channels).

These are just a few obvious examples. There are many many more differences that make the military AI weapons not identical to what is available commercially today or even in the past.

 

[desertHK]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

As far as I am aware, and perhaps, Stacey or Tom Irwing can chime in, but there is no difference between those that are contracted for the mil vs. those destined for civilian market.

Having said that, the various options may be different. I believe, the earlier mil issued, didn't have the adjustable cheek pad. Also, it has the tactical muzzle brake as well as the back up iron sites. Of couse, all of those options are avail to public for a nomimal price of course.

In fact, I would venture to say that you can probably take off a barrel of your AW and put it on one of the mil. issued it would fit. Again, Stacey and/or Tom Irwing can correct me on that, if I am wrong.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Re: Differences between civilian & military AI AW

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johnlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Many of the AI military scopes have different coatings than what is available today. These military scopes usually reflect an emerald green color rather than the usual bluish plum you find on commercial Schmidt & Benders (even the ones with AI reticles and AI knobs brought through legit AI commercial channels)</div></div>

Those would be the Laser filtration coatings, you can get the S&B scopes with that on it if you want, however it does cut a bit of the light transmission so for most civilians it's not a useful option, (it's not like you are worried about someone using a laser system to sweep the area for hidden snipers by checking for a reflection back from a scope at your local tactical match)

Just like most other gunmakers, different configurations are requested by various countries depending on what they want and AI adjusts things to fit. It would not be that hard to hit close to a 20k mark on a .338 AI rifle once you want the rifle with all the options, a S&B scope with all the options, a custom metal deployment case, carrying case, tons of accessories, Spare barrel, Suppressor, a support and training contract etc.