First time AI advice

[blackraven1079]

Evening all

Got the green light from the Mrs to sign my life away to the world of Accuracy International. I've been researching and have decided due to reloading costs and rifle employability that the .308 calibre is the one for me.
I think the AE mk3 model would be the ideal choice but what real gains are to be had from buying the AW model instead? I want a rifle to stalk deer with but also target shoot out to 1000m as well. I'm stuck on barrel choice as well, can i send my rounds out to 1000m with a 20 inch barrel?

Any way if you own a AI i would like to hear your thoughts?

Regards

Carl.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: First time AI advice

You''ll probably save a tiny bit of carry weight getting the AE and about 8 minutes of time on a barrel change, otherwise they are very close to the same. You don't need the 40m drop test part so why worry about the bonded action.

Being you are stuck on an island, i would recommend a bit longer barrel if you want to shoot to 1000m consistently. At least 24"...

 

[wilshire1412]

Re: First time AI advice

Get the AE MKIII with the 20" barrel.

I would suggest a folding stock and a brake as well.

My AE MKIII in 260 is at 17 pounds with a Hensoldt 4-16x56 in an AI mount plus Atlas bipod, mine is a 24" barrel with an SAS brake. The AW and AX will be heavier.

They are all great rifles but I would likely choose something a bit lighter for any type of hunting.

 

[hewlett260]

Re: First time AI advice

The AE will do all you could ask of it and won't let you down... ever. However if you think you would be wondering about the AW after you own the AE, then get the AW and spend the money for the AW and the extra piece of mind it brings(trust me it's worth it). I don't care much for the AX as I have no use for a quad rail and don't like how high the optics rail sits over the action. They are all purpose built and if you can think of a purpose, they will exceed it. My AW 260 has a 22" barrel and handles perfectly.

 

[Graham]

Re: First time AI advice

If I could have only one rifle, it would be a 24" AE MK III in .308.

 

[jasonk]

Re: First time AI advice

Get the MkIII and put the extra money toward an extra barrel, better glass and more ammo.

Get a 22" 308 barrel and a 26" 260 barrel and rule the world with it.

I've got a little experience with AI's, maybe not quite as much as Lowlight but I think I'm a pretty close second

If you used NV much then the AX might make sense too, but these days there's little reason to jump from AE to AW. The only two real AI choices in my mind are AE or AX.

 

[RADcustom]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: marksman79</div><div class="ubbcode-body">have decided due to reloading costs and rifle employability that the .308 calibre is the one for me. </div></div>

If you are serious about shooting 1000m, you will outgrow this thinking pretty quickly. The 6.5 Creedmoor would be a better choice as it offers the same conveniences as the 308 but, outperforms it.

 

[Graham]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 6.5 Creedmoor would be a better choice as it offers the same conveniences as the 308 but, outperforms it.</div></div>I wouldn't do a 20-24" barreled rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor.

My 24" .308 AE shoots .580BC bullets at 2740fps and .508BC bullets at 2945fps. Run the numbers on those and tell me that I don't have a 1200yard rifle with a barrel that will last 6000+ rounds.

If you want to shoot beyond 800m with a 6.5, get a .260, take the front plates out of your mags and load it long. Then It will walk all over the Creedmoor, which was never designed for long range anyway.

 

[RADcustom]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
My 24" .308 AE shoots <span style="color: #FF0000">.580BC bullets at 2740fps and .508BC bullets at 2945fps.</span> Run the numbers on those and tell me that I don't have a 1200yard rifle with a barrel that will last 6000+ rounds.

</div></div>

Are you achieving this with factory offerings?

 

[TallShot]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
My 24" .308 AE shoots <span style="color: #FF0000">.580BC bullets at 2740fps and .508BC bullets at 2945fps.</span> Run the numbers on those and tell me that I don't have a 1200yard rifle with a barrel that will last 6000+ rounds.

</div></div>

Are you achieving this with factory offerings?</div></div>


Probably not..... But that's impressive, no doubt!

 

[P3T3R]

Re: First time AI advice

I ordered an AE from sporting services on the 19th October and it won't arrive until 15th March, so there is a bit of a waiting period at the moment, in the end I decided on a 26" 1 in 8 (standard is 1:8.5) fluted barrel chambered for 6.5x47 Lapua with folding stock and threaded muzzle brake(to accept a sound mod without removing the muzzle brake) in the end it will cost me £3455

for me the AW wasn't worth the extra cost. I think the AW worked out about £1000 more, but you do get a bipod that is worth £200.

 

[cramey74]

Re: First time AI advice

I was in the same boat as the OP not long ago and I also tried to justify the xtra $'s for the AW and I just could not bring myself to do it... I'm not saying it would have been a bad choice it was just the wrong one for me.. I ended up with an AE in .308 with 24".. I do not regret my decision..

 

[Hkbeltfed]

Re: First time AI advice

Ordered an AE Mrk III,308, 24in barrel w/brake and grn folder, Nightforce scope, and other items from Mile High yesterday. Everything was in stock picked up by Fedx before the end of the day. Delivery set for next Wed.

 

[Graham]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 24" .308 AE shoots <span style="color: #FF0000">.580BC bullets at 2740fps and .508BC bullets at 2945fps.</span> Run the numbers on those and tell me that I don't have a 1200yard rifle with a barrel that will last 6000+ rounds.</div></div>Are you achieving this with factory offerings? </div></div>Factory SW Ammo Scenars run 2915fps. The others are JLK 175s @ .545 and JLK 180's @ .580 with 45.0 Varget in Lapua brass.

I have no real need for a .260.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: First time AI advice

A lot of you guys don't read very well,

He said, 308, only the US barreled rifles come in 260 he doesn't have an option for that I know of in the UK. That goes for 6.5CM, these calipers are an AINA offering.

Which is probably why he said 308, not to mention reloading costs.

Sure he can change the barrel himself later, but he still starts with a .30 caliber first over there.

 

[hypno02]

Re: First time AI advice

I was in the same boat roughly a month ago. Went with an aiaemk3 24" .308. Couldn't justify the extra couple grand for a bonded action. Don't regret it a bit. The thing is a hammer. Shoots much better than I do. I shoot 155 amax's from it now but am planning a switch to scenars. Those 155 scenars seem to be the ticket in .308.

 

[Defusion]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A lot of you guys don't read very well,

He said, 308, only the US barreled rifles come in 260 he doesn't have an option for that I know of in the UK. That goes for 6.5CM, these calipers are an AINA offering.

Which is probably why he said 308, not to mention reloading costs.

Sure he can change the barrel himself later, but he still starts with a .30 caliber first over there. </div></div>
Sporting services does offer the .260 for the AE, no CM though.
I did still order the .308 because many competitions around here have caliber restrictions. .308 can compete in pretty much everything.

 

[samnev]

Re: First time AI advice

I was also in the same boat is the OP a few weeks ago. Since I don't shoot much over 600 yards I went with the 308. I also have a TRG 22 in 308 so I already have a life time supply of Lapaua cases, Sierra SMK's and competition dies. I decided I wanted an AIAW just because "I wanted it".No other logical reason. So I ordered the AIAW 24" folder, AI mount, Atlas bipod, TAB Gear sling, extra magazine and a Nightforce NXS 8-32X56 scope from Sean at Mile High Shooting/ In a few days later I had the AIAW. In my hands.
I think the AE will do everything the AIAW will do except if your in an arctic environment which I am not. If you want to save a lot of $$$ get the AE but in either case get a folder. If your heart is set on a AIAW than get it and never have to think "should have gotten the AIAW".
One thing for sure either of the 2 choices would be my last choice to got hunting with. They are quite heavy to lug around.
Good luck on your choice.

 

[bama110]

Re: First time AI advice

+1 I absolutely agree with Graham, I am with low light on the 24" you need all the barrel you can get to shot a 308 out to 1000.

 

[blackraven1079]

Re: First time AI advice

Many thanks all, great help and sound advice out there from other AI users. I see from the videos i subscribe to Lowlight, that you use a AI on a regular basis?

I have made my mind up now - .308, AE MK3, 24 inch barrel. All the extras in the world won't make you a better shooter. It takes knowledge and perfect practice to excel in this past time.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Defusion</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A lot of you guys don't read very well,

He said, 308, only the US barreled rifles come in 260 he doesn't have an option for that I know of in the UK. That goes for 6.5CM, these calipers are an AINA offering.

Which is probably why he said 308, not to mention reloading costs.

Sure he can change the barrel himself later, but he still starts with a .30 caliber first over there. </div></div>
Sporting services does offer the .260 for the AE, no CM though.
I did still order the .308 because many competitions around here have caliber restrictions. .308 can compete in pretty much everything. </div></div>

You can grow into the .260 in time and you can get that as above. I haven't found anyone yet in the UK who shoots 6.5CM so if you are out there...shout !

 

[Emouse]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A lot of you guys don't read very well,

He said, 308, only the US barreled rifles come in 260 he doesn't have an option for that I know of in the UK. That goes for 6.5CM, these calipers are an AINA offering.

Which is probably why he said 308, not to mention reloading costs.

Sure he can change the barrel himself later, but he still starts with a .30 caliber first over there. </div></div>


Frank,...ur wrong. Sporting Services DO offer .260 as an option for both AE and AW. I doubt this is a figment of my imagination or that they are making false advertising claims, as I have an AW in.308 and .260 supplied by them.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Emouse</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A lot of you guys don't read very well,

He said, 308, only the US barreled rifles come in 260 he doesn't have an option for that I know of in the UK. That goes for 6.5CM, these calipers are an AINA offering.

Which is probably why he said 308, not to mention reloading costs.

Sure he can change the barrel himself later, but he still starts with a .30 caliber first over there. </div></div>




Frank,...ur wrong. Sporting Services DO offer .260 as an option for both AE and AW. I doubt this is a figment of my imagination or that they are making false advertising claims, as I have an AW in.308 and .260 supplied by them.</div></div>

I have no idea what small dealers are offering I was speaking AI UK proper vs AINA ...

So the fact "A" European AI dealer is offering an aftermarket barrel is not here or there... the OP did not mention an option other than saying he was getting a 308... that is the KEY element in all this... HE (OP_) never mentioned Sporting Services and here we have absolutely no clue who that is, where they get their barrels or what they are doing.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: First time AI advice

Let me help you. Sporting Services is run by this chap:

Graeme became Sales Director of Accuracy International in the early 90’s, travelling worldwide for the company to promote AI rifles. He resigned in 2004 to devote his time to pursuing the commercial sales of Accuracy International rifles through Sporting Services. Sporting Services is the worldwide civilian market distributor (except for America, Canada & Germany).

 

[Lowlight]

Re: First time AI advice

As I said, show me where the Original Poster mentioned anything about Sport Services, or a 260, 6.5CM, heck any other caliber but 308... which he clearly qualified as his decision.

 

[Defusion]

Re: First time AI advice

Sporting Services is the only official AI dealer that sells worldwide. Germany has their own dealer, but they only sell to germany. The US has several, and I believe canada has one. Thats about it.
If the OP wants to buy an AI, it would have to be from sporting services. Except perhaps if he has a direct line with AI, or he is using an unofficial dealer that I don't know about.

Your absolutely right though; AI does not sell these barrels, so they would have to be aftermarket.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: First time AI advice

OP - as others have said give Sporting Services a call. Graeme is a very helpful guy and can talk you through the options.

I have a 26" target barrel on my AW - yes, with 175gr and 155gr it will get out to 1000yds.

But I'd not describe it as a stalking rifle - it is long (48" with brake, add another 8" OAL with can fitted) and heavy...around 22lb fully kitted and loaded.

Walking for any length of time is going to get pretty dull pretty quickly, especially on hills - if you go the AI route, get a biathlon sling or (and??) an ATV.

Having said that - IMHO it is hard to find a more reliable or rugged tool or one that delivers AI level of accuracy as standard.

Not sure what price difference in the UK is between an AE and AW these days (around £1400 at base price back in May 2011...not sure about the AE MKIII though?)....but for your intended uses, I'd be tempted to get an AE for the long range stuff and buy a Sako or Tikka with the change?

 

[Arbiter]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Walking for any length of time is going to get pretty dull pretty quickly, especially on hills - if you go the AI route, get a biathlon sling or (and??) an ATV.
</div></div>

LOL

"So yeah...either buy a sling for the rifle, or just get an ATV."

First time I've seen a vehicle sold as a rifle accessory since the A-10 was built...

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: First time AI advice

You guys over there are just so "yesterday"!!

"Lifestyle marketing", baby! LOL!!

 

[Emouse]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Emouse</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A lot of you guys don't read very well,

He said, 308, only the US barreled rifles come in 260 he doesn't have an option for that I know of in the UK. That goes for 6.5CM, these calipers are an AINA offering.

Which is probably why he said 308, not to mention reloading costs.

Sure he can change the barrel himself later, but he still starts with a .30 caliber first over there. </div></div>




Frank,...ur wrong. Sporting Services DO offer .260 as an option for both AE and AW. I doubt this is a figment of my imagination or that they are making false advertising claims, as I have an AW in.308 and .260 supplied by them.</div></div>

I have no idea what small dealers are offering I was speaking AI UK proper vs AINA ...

So the fact "A" European AI dealer is offering an aftermarket barrel is not here or there... the OP did not mention an option other than saying he was getting a 308... that is the KEY element in all this... HE (OP_) never mentioned Sporting Services and here we have absolutely no clue who that is, where they get their barrels or what they are doing. </div></div>


Oh dear Frank,...and we all thought you knew everything there was to know about AI??

Sporting Services is the Global point of distribution for AI (apart from the USA) and not just some small time dealer.

There is actually a whole big wide world outside of the USA,...

 

[Emouse]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Defusion</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sporting Services is the only official AI dealer that sells worldwide. Germany has their own dealer, but they only sell to germany. The US has several, and I believe canada has one. Thats about it.
If the OP wants to buy an AI, it would have to be from sporting services. Except perhaps if he has a direct line with AI, or he is using an unofficial dealer that I don't know about.

Your absolutely right though; AI does not sell these barrels, so they would have to be aftermarket. </div></div>

From Sporting Services web page:

The following options are also now available:

- Calibres .22/250, .243 Win, 7mm08, 260 Remington. POA
- Adjustable Cheekpiece
- Folding Stock with adjustable cheekpiece
- AW Muzzle brakes
- Choice of Olive Green or Black stocksides

 

[Smith44699]

Re: First time AI advice

Personally I went AW. Never looked back. Either one would be a great rifle. 20 inch barrel is fine out to 1k. I shoot an 18.5" 308 out to 1 k. 1-11.25 twist. Shooting 155's. It's not my go to rifle for long distance. But very awesome for hunting and packing. Nice thing about either rifle. Is you can pick up a longer barrel later. Swap as needed.

 

[blackraven1079]

Re: First time AI advice

The beast is here! I now have a second wife! AI AE .308 mk3 24 inch barrel, S & B PM2 5-25x56 MSR ret from Finn Accuracy, Spuhr mount 4601, MAE moderator, Atlas Bipod. Should be out shortly putting her through her paces

[/img]

 

[JB02]

Re: First time AI advice

Congrats! That's a top of the line setup there! Enjoy!

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: First time AI advice

Very nice

 

[Defusion]

Re: First time AI advice

Very nice, can't wait to get mine!

If you don't mind me asking, how did you manage to get one so quickly? I got a quoted ETA of mid April by sporting services, and ordered a while back.

 

[wiganbear]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Emouse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Sporting Services is the only official AI dealer that sells worldwide. Germany has their own dealer, but they only sell to germany. The US has several, and I believe canada has one. Thats about it.
If the OP wants to buy an AI, it would have to be from sporting services. Except perhaps if he has a direct line with AI, or he is using an unofficial dealer that I don't know about.

Your absolutely right though; AI does not sell these barrels, so they would have to be aftermarket. </div></div>

From Sporting Services web page

The following options are also now available:

- Calibres .22/250, .243 Win, 7mm08, 260 Remington. POA
- Adjustable Cheekpiece
- Folding Stock with adjustable cheekpiece
- AW Muzzle brakes
- Choice of Olive Green or Black stocksides

They are available but not from AI, Sporting Services will paint it with pink spots if you pay them but it won't be a factory AI option.

I believe factory AW is 7.62 or .243 only with the rest being additional cost options from Sporting Services.

 

[wiganbear]

Re: First time AI advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: marksman79</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Many thanks all, great help and sound advice out there from other AI users. I see from the videos i subscribe to Lowlight, that you use a AI on a regular basis?

I have made my mind up now - .308, AE MK3, 24 inch barrel. All the extras in the world won't make you a better shooter. It takes knowledge and perfect practice to excel in this past time.

</div></div>

All the extras in the world won't make you a better shot but a 6.5mm cal will help. If your in the UK why restrict yourself unless your planning on shooting F/TR