Help buying an AI AXMC Please...

[Stevo3556]

Hello SH

I am 90% sure I am going to make the big jump to an AI.

My justification is I can sell 4 or five really good rifles and high end scopes for the best rifle and be able to still cover multiple calibers without breaking the bank....

So I am considering the AXMC so I may have the options of long and soft actions.

New to AIs so I would like to run it past the knowledge base here to make sure I don't make a poor decision with what is a lot of money for me AFTER I make the purchase. Love advise on the front end, pissed at myself when I could have asked a simple question or gained advise and I made wrong decisions after I already made the purchase.

SO I am replacing a several calibers, 220 Swift, 260 Rem, 308, and 300WM. Thinking the calibers I would like to have are 260 Remington, 300NM and 338NM.

From the ballistics I have seen and discussions on a few boards, the 338NM is a little flatter shooting than the Lapua and the 300NM is slightly better than the 300WM which serves me well now. I do reload, so issues with factory ammo is not a factor. Also have a 260 GAP so would like to stay with that cal for the lower end even though those would be two different loads and cases.

What I do with these rifles,
Many shoot steel out to 1200 yards almost every weekend. I have room to shoot double or triple this distance. An occasional deer hunt, but would really rather just buy a ribeye than hunt anymore. Still love sitting in the stand, friends around the camp fire, but don't have time for all the butchering ect unless I need to, then it is fine. Killed a lot of deer for food when I was young and very poor.

Pricing the comp trigger option and color isn't a big deal except prefer not to buy black. Figured since I shoot LR mostly would go with the 2018 contour 27" bbl. Didn't really see any other options.

Please tell me what you would do and why as to
A. This whole decision to sell a bunch of rifles and buy an AI
B. What calibers you would choose and why.
C. What else might I be missing?

Thank you for your time,
Steve

 

[SAPenguin]

Hi - i just did that exact same thing... sold a bunch of custom rifles, now just have AXMC. You will not regret it, and you will wonder why you did not do this years ago... a couple things i will point out:

- the AXMC is first and foremost a military spec rifle. That means it is built to work in all conditions. It it not a benchrest gun, with super tight tolerances: I'm particularly referring to the firing pin fit inside the firing pin channel. there is a slightly loose fit there, so that dust / sand wont stop the firing pin from moving. That "wiggle room" will result in primer flow with hot rounds. (AXMC only comes with large firing pin, but you can pay to get the bolts bushed) So just be aware that you may not be able to load very hot rounds / achieve super high velocity as with your previous customs. for this reason i like longer barrels to get back some of the velocity.

- for "tactical" matches, i run a 6 creedmoor (really would like to run a 6 Dasher, but i think that cartridge is too short to feed / eject, plus, no fireform with creedmoor) I also have 6.5 PRC (feeds from the 300WM magazines) and i have a 300NM (feeds from 338 magazines). Will have a 7 SAUM chambered shortly too. (if the PRC feeds, why wouldnt the SAUM?) This mix of calibers will cover anything out to 2200 yards.

- the rifle is HEAVY. Which is a good thing. Zilch recoil with 6mm bullets.

- definitely get the competition trigger - it is fabulous.

 

[PBWalsh]

A. You can only shoot one at a time, why not make it one of the greatest. I just bought an AT and can find no logical reason to buy another bolt rifle, and the AT is my ONLY current bolt rifle besides a .22 Remington 34 that I inherited from my grandfather.

There are plenty of amazing rifles, AI rifles are uniquely special and when you get yours, you’ll understand. I personally would rather be excellent with one rifle than good at many rifles.

B. If I had an MC, I rock a 300NM and a 308 in Sage Green, but I’m a .30 cal whore.

C. Make sure your ammo budget allows for magnums. Realistically make sure you NEED a magnum and can practice to be proficient.

 

[mercracing]

I like where your going. I shoot 260 and 338LM out of mine. Obviously you will need a 308 and 338 bolt. You will also need the mag adaptor for the 308 mag. Not a whole lot for me to add. Can’t wait to see pics of the new rifle!!

 

[trob_205]

I didn’t get the AXMC but I just offed all my bolt guns (expect my 450 BM hunting rifle for Michigan) for an AX. No regrets at all! I probably could even have a 450 Bushmaster barrel spun up for it because it’s uses a 308 case head. I’m just not sure carting a 17.5 pound rifle around the deer woods is what I want to do lol

 

[SkyScrapin]

My opinion is slightly different than the others. While I have two AI rifles, and 6 barrels, I almost never change them, and never at the range. I like to shoot a lot, gather dope, then shoot some more. Waiting for a barrel to cool isn’t something I’m patient enough for, so I bring 3-5 rifles to the range, shooting colder barrels while the others cool off. For that reason, I like the idea of a switch barrel, and believe me, I’m vested in AI’d concept, but consolidating down to 1 system wasn’t for me.

 

[schmi015]

A. This whole decision to sell a bunch of rifles and buy an AI. I tried with with a Desert tech it didn't fit all the niches like i thought it would, still wanted other rifles for other stuff. Though i still lust for an AI.
B. What calibers you would choose and why. Calibers: something in 6 or 6.5, and 300PRC.
C. What else might I be missing? What scope?

 

[Primus]

Best is subjective. I would rather have 3 or 4 high end dedicated sticks than one do it all.

Jack of all trades master of none. AI is a compromise if you shoot alot of different disciplines.

 

[diverdon]

Unless you already own your ideal optic, often a better deal can be made buying a complete system rather than parts hear and there.

 

[Stevo3556]

Thank you everyone for helping me with this big investment.

SAP I had read about the bushing of the firing pin holes a long time ago but forgot about about it being for the AI's. Thank you. Might see if I can have that done by the dealer's smith who would also make the 260 bbl for me. Totally forgot about it. I don't consider my loads hot, but I do like them as fast as possible without excessive wear shooting LR. When I was just shooting 100 yards, I really didn't care as much.

Are there other tolerances which would render accuracy? Since right now I am mainly shooting off a bench or maybe prone I certainly would not want to loose accuracy over my custom rifles that I already own.

Most of my riffles are very heavy now, so I don't see that as a problem. If I get to the point of wanting to compete I might find it's a hindrance.

PBW Thank you.
Glad to hear you like the 300NM. Lance at AI said they really liked that round as well. Not a big fan of the .308 other than the fact that it's a NATO round. My shooting buddy is a huge 308 fan and is having trouble shooting 1,000. I would have to say though his equipment isn't as good as the other rifles we are shooting, so maybe not a fair comparison. On the days I can see his vapor trail it looks like a motor round when we are shooting 1,000 or 1200 yards. I also like the 30's but in the 300WM and I'm thinking the 300NM. Thinking the 300NM is just a faster flatter shooting round than the 300WM without the belted mag case and using the same bolt as the 338NM so saving money on another bolt.

Sage green is my preference right now unless there is a deal on another color, I'm cheap....

Mercracing, thanks
Who made your .260 Remington bbl? My understanding is that AI doesn't have them and I will have to have one made. Brand? Who did the smithing? Anything custom? Twist?

Trob,
Thank you. I have carried my 300WN with 27" almost 1" bbl with Razor GenII scope on a walk hunt. Was going to go weigh it, but the scale just broke... Might be heavier than I thought. Certainly would rather not carry extra weight, but don't see long hunts in the mountains, so hope I can carry. Point taken on weight.

SkyScrapin,
Thank you I have done the same when I first got into LR shooting and developing loads for distance. I would bring 4 rifles and shoot them all. At that time I found I wasn't good enough to go from one rifle to another and shoot as well as I needed. I have improved and also replaced all the triggers and set them to the same weight and have all the same scopes. Not I find I don't shoot as many as I bring. Wondered if I would like changing bbls and then adjusting the scope to the new rifle in the field. Wondered how consistent the "resighting" of the new cal would be. Hoping I could make notes and adj the scope to the "known" setting for that round.

Schmi015
I saw where others have done this with different companies, looked at a couple and it didn't look like much of a savings over the AI. I am open to hearing from others that have done this with other brands and if they think it worked out better for them.
Thanks on the cal suggestions. I got the 6.5 in the 260, love it. Have you compared the 300PRC to the 300NM? Your thoughts? I THINK the 300NM is a little flatter shooting. I'm open for suggestions.
I was thinking of using one of my Vortex GenII scopes...... Should have mentioned that. Will probably look at the MOA adjustable scope mount that I think I saw at MH.

Primus,
Thanks for the counter point. I have wondered about that. I really don't shoot a lot of disciplines. I am starting to shoot 3 Gun, but never figured that had any bering on this. Thinking would want to drag this walking all day in the mountains, don't see me doing that. If I get into competition maybe I would have lighter rifle for that if I found the weight to be an issue.

DiverDon,
Thanks. I am getting package quotes for everything I mentioned EXCEPT a scope since I already have the one I think I would be happy with. Lots of companies gracious enough to offer LE/Mil discounts. Hard to pass up buy directly from them.
I have two formal bids from Mile High, and Colonial Armory. I have some prices from Euro Optic. Need them to fill in the blanks on a few items. Do you have any suggestions on where to buy?
I have been shopping the used market and am surprised that there are many AXMCs for sale USED for more than the NEW price from the people I have mentioned. Certainly like seeing that in the event I need to sale..

Thank you,
Steve

 

[Chardonnay Dave]

Best $6,600.00 I’ve spent on a rifle yet

 

[Stevo3556]

What did you buy Dave?

 

[Chardonnay Dave]

What did you buy Dave?

Sorry Stevo, that’s G14 classified

 

[Stevo3556]

I have a clearance, maybe not the need to know.....

 

[Stevo3556]

 

[Chardonnay Dave]

I have a clearance, maybe not the need to know.....

It’s:
Clearance
Access
Annnnd
Need to Know

 

[mercracing]

I ordered a 24” from Mile High. I’m pretty sure theirs are Bartline blanks. I sent them the rifle for them to measure just to be on the safe side. I think it’s a normal contour, I didn’t specify anything special. Standard twist.

 

[Long Range 338]

The AXMC is just F*&king awesome. Well made, well supported by the manufacturer, and popular enough to get other accessories, etc from other manufacturers as well. The only downside would be trying to hunt with it.

 

[TAHK]

I ordered my AXMC 338LM 3 days ago with a complete 308 kit, Atlas bipods for $9500

 

[Mute]

I prefer my rifles to be dedicated to specific duties, so even with an AI, I still prefer to have multiple rifles. I like the quick barrel change, not because of caliber swapping, but rather minimized down time when I need to replace a worn barrel. YMMV. Personally, I don't use my hunting rifles for non-hunting tasks , especially any that's meant for long range precision because I like my hunting rigs light as practically possible, which tends to work against that long range precision capability.

However, I also understand the desire for the AXMC and if you don't scratch that itch, it will always bother you. If you need to sell all that other gear just to get the AI, you do what must be done. You probably won't have any regrets, but you may find yourself wanting other rifles in the future that will be different than your AXMC, even something similar to what you sell off. I can just about guarantee that last part.

 

[Stevo3556]

Thanks Alex,

I think you can read my mind. Actually I NEVER thought I would spend this kinda money on a rifle... But I have eased into it, have a few rifles that cost more than I thought I would ever spend previously, now used to it. Just another step up. So I won't tell my self that I might allow myself to buy another rifle later....

I have devoted a lot of time to shooting LR and enjoy it, guess it is a hobby that I will continue, so I think this would be a fun step.. Unless we do this professionally guess it is hard to justify as a necessity. Like the idea that I CAN change out bbls for wear issues. New excuse for me. It would be MUCH cheaper than a gunsmith... Actually I do see your point and think it is valid.

The only down side I see to all this is it something goes wrong with the system, I'm down in all my LR shooting. Can't see that happening, never had a rifle unshootable that I could not fix, so far...

Steve

 

[Jimgal62]

Thanks Alex,

I think you can read my mind. Actually I NEVER thought I would spend this kinda money on a rifle... But I have eased into it, have a few rifles that cost more than I thought I would ever spend previously, now used to it. Just another step up. So I won't tell my self that I might allow myself to buy another rifle later....

I have devoted a lot of time to shooting LR and enjoy it, guess it is a hobby that I will continue, so I think this would be a fun step.. Unless we do this professionally guess it is hard to justify as a necessity. Like the idea that I CAN change out bbls for wear issues. New excuse for me. It would be MUCH cheaper than a gunsmith... Actually I do see your point and think it is valid.

The only down side I see to all this is it something goes wrong with the system, I'm down in all my LR shooting. Can't see that happening, never had a rifle unshootable that I could not fix, so far...

Steve

Thanks Alex,

I think you can read my mind. Actually I NEVER thought I would spend this kinda money on a rifle... But I have eased into it, have a few rifles that cost more than I thought I would ever spend previously, now used to it. Just another step up. So I won't tell my self that I might allow myself to buy another rifle later....

I have devoted a lot of time to shooting LR and enjoy it, guess it is a hobby that I will continue, so I think this would be a fun step.. Unless we do this professionally guess it is hard to justify as a necessity. Like the idea that I CAN change out bbls for wear issues. New excuse for me. It would be MUCH cheaper than a gunsmith... Actually I do see your point and think it is valid.

The only down side I see to all this is it something goes wrong with the system, I'm down in all my LR shooting. Can't see that happening, never had a rifle unshootable that I could not fix, so far...

Steve

I have one and enjoy it a lot.

It has a S&B 5x25 PMII scope.

Run 308 win, 6.5 CM and 300 winmag.

Never had a problem.

 

[W54/XM-388]

The only down side I see to all this is it something goes wrong with the system, I'm down in all my LR shooting. Can't see that happening, never had a rifle unshootable that I could not fix, so far...

You would really have to mess up the receiver for that to happen.
The Barrels, Bolts, Firing pins, Firing springs and trigger pack are all drop out components that can be swapped in a couple minutes.

 

[Stevo3556]

Hello Jim,

Thanks for the help.

You are about 30 mins from where we shoot. You should come join us one Saturday.

Steve

 

[Jimgal62]

Where do you shoot?

 

[Stevo3556]

I have keys to a couple sand pits in the Mt. Belvieu and Bech City area. Unfortunately with all the rain we have had they have not been able to cut the hay field behind the pit so BASC in Crosby the last couple months.

 

[Bradu]

You would really have to mess up the receiver for that to happen.
The Barrels, Bolts, Firing pins, Firing springs and trigger pack are all drop out components that can be swapped in a couple minutes.

If your scope goes down and it's the only scope you have then the rifle is worthless. A guy I know had this happen and had to send off his Schmidt to get repaired.

 

[W54/XM-388]

If your scope goes down and it's the only scope you have then the rifle is worthless. A guy I know had this happen and had to send off his Schmidt to get repaired.

True, but then you could invest in the AI backup emergency manual sights option and swap over to that if needed for basic work, or swap the scope to another backup scope in a matter of minutes, re-zero and be back in the game.

If you were to really play the spare parts game, you could have a backup scope already sighted in on a QD mount with notes of exactly where to mount it & be almost instantly back close enough for most things.

It would all depend on what the stakes were and how much money you had for spares and what the eventualities might be.

 

[PBWalsh]

A spare SS 10x42 classic is cheap and effective insurance.

 

[Stevo3556]

Hillbilly PM me in a couple weeks if you want to join us. Where you be in Houston?

 

[Jimgal62]

Hillbilly PM me in a couple weeks if you want to join us. Where you be in Houston?

My S&B has never failed in 4+ years and I shoot every week.

 

[texag0842]

If you have anything specific in mind shoot me a PM.

I started with a right handed AIAW. I switched over to a AXMC once they were released in the left handed action. I intended to have this be my only rifle however that's not how it's worked out.

The AXMC is now essentially dedicated to .338 and used for anything past any 1100 yards. Its topped with a S&B 5-25 Gen2XR

I have a AIAT dedicated for PRS in 6.5CM because it's so convenient. This is also topped with a S&B 5-25 Gen2XR but EuroOptic should have my TT Gen3XR early 19'

Luckily I held on to my Sako 270WSM for hunting and its served me well from Elk to Whiterail. I couldn't imagine trying to sheep or elk hunt with an Accuracy International. I need to upgrade the scope since it's a old Ziess Conquest with mildot reticle and MOA turrets but haven't found exactly what I want yet.

I found out I really don't like switching barrels around. It's easier for me to have a separate rifle for each mission. Ymmv

 

[Stevo3556]

Thanks for the help all. Bought a new AXMC last week. Should be here Wednesday morning and I should be shooting Wednesday by noon.....
300NM and 260 Rem. After I find the perfect loads for those I might look for a 338 NM bbl.

Steve

 

[Stevo3556]

Mute,

I'm going to heed your warning and keep my other rifles until I find I'm not shooting them. Waste of time and money to sell them then realize that I liked the individual rifles for some reason and replace them. I do believe that I will find that I'm not shooting them and sale, but no hurry....

Steve

 

[texag0842]

Congrats Steve,

Just sold my MC and already regretting it

 

[Stevo3556]

Thanks.

Didn't know you were selling yours. I didn't think you would ever sell any AIs!

 

[Mute]

Mute,

I'm going to heed your warning and keep my other rifles until I find I'm not shooting them. Waste of time and money to sell them then realize that I liked the individual rifles for some reason and replace them. I do believe that I will find that I'm shooting them and sale, but no hurry....

Steve

Smart move. Enjoy your AI.

 

[Tony1320]

I've been getting an itch to try an AI and I've been reading on the AXMC and 2014+ AIAX

I like the idea of the AXMC since I want to shoot 6.5x47, 308, and maybe 6br and also 338lapua

Will I have any issues with the axmc large firing pin pushing the 6.5x47 (2750) and 6br (2850) at normal speeds? I also read the AXMC doesn't eject the small cases well

Would I be better of buying a 2014+ aiax since 95% of my shooting will be 6.5x47 and 308? Do all 2014+ AIAX come with a small firing pin?

 

[trob_205]

I've been getting an itch to try an AI and I've been reading on the AXMC and 2014+ AIAX

I like the idea of the AXMC since I want to shoot 6.5x47, 308, and maybe 6br and also 338lapua

Will I have any issues with the axmc large firing pin pushing the 6.5x47 (2750) and 6br (2850) at normal speeds? I also read the AXMC doesn't eject the small cases well

Would I be better of buying a 2014+ aiax since 95% of my shooting will be 6.5x47 and 308? Do all 2014+ AIAX come with a small firing pin?

Most of the 2014 AXs still had large firing pins. I don’t think they went to small until 2015. Could always get a good deal on a 14 and have it bushed. Or even have the smaller bolt face bushed on an AXMC.

 

[Tony1320]

Most of the 2014 AXs still had large firing pins. I don’t think they went to small until 2015. Could always get a good deal on a 14 and have it bushed. Or even have the smaller bolt face bushed on an AXMC.

Good to know thanks

I live in Canada and I'm not sure anyone if bushing the AI firing pin here yet

Do you know if there's any issue running a 6.5x47 in an AXMC at normal speeds without bushing the firing pin?

 

[trob_205]

Good to know thanks

I live in Canada and I'm not sure anyone if bushing the AI firing pin here yet

Do you know if there's any issue running a 6.5x47 in an AXMC at normal speeds without bushing the firing pin?

Can’t speak for the 6.5x47 or MC but I’m running 6.5CM with Lapua SRP brass with 41.5 H4350 with my LFP 2014 AX. Primers def have some firing pin hole flow but no piercing or anything past the flow really. So I’m just going to rock it until I switch to something that needs bushed.

 

[kthomas]

Pretty much everyone I know who has gone the "switch barrel" route (one rifle with many barrels/cartridges) has given up on that. Even gunsmiths I know so that pretty much all their "switch barrel" customers end up giving them up for dedicated rifle systems. As convenient as it may seem, it's just much nicer to have a dedicated rifle for a cartridge. Albiet, this is a much more costly route to go.

An AI is like an off the rack suit. If you find your size, it should fit you okay. Might have too large of shoulder pads. The pants might be a bit baggy. The pitch of the sleeves slightly off. But it fits. Kind of.

A custom rifle (if done right - big caveat here) is like a custom tailored suit. It fits perfectly. And I mean perfectly. You can build a custom rifle to fit you like a custom suit - but you have to know what you want and know the components that will achieve that. It took 3 iterations to get my custom rifle "perfect" - that's a lot of cash and time to invest to get it right. But I would take my rifles over an AI 10 out of 10 times.

It's also important to point out that component options and quality has increased drastically in the past 10 years. Hell, even the past 3 years. AI rifles used to be the obvious choice - they were better than almost all custom rifles 5-10 years ago. With the quality and diversity of options with components available today that's just not so. My first custom rifle, a GAP Crusader, was pretty mediocre when compared to a AI of the time. The trigger was a mediocre tuned Remington trigger, the action was rough feeling (in comparison) with a very stiff bolt lift, and if it even saw a speck of dust it would lock right up on you. An AI rifle was arguably much superior. You can build just as good if not a better rifle with the components available today.

It's hard to go wrong with an AI. It will work, and it will shoot. It probably won't fit you perfectly, and you will make compromises to make a "one gun to do it all". I personally hate the ergos of AI rifles ( I've been behind almost every model at this point), and I find the trigger overrated and heavy (there is a new comp trigger available through). But if you really know what you want and how to achieve that, you can build a better rifle for YOU. But you have to know how to achieve that.

 

[beenjammin]

I’m still doing the switch barrel between .308 and 6.5 on mine. I just keep a log book on my .308 zero with and without suppressor for a given round and the same on the 6.5. I always uses a torque wrench during changes. But so far it’s held up just fine for me, but I’m no national match winner by a long shot. If you going to be doing that then I would prob have dedicated rifles.

 

[Stevo3556]

I've been getting an itch to try an AI and I've been reading on the AXMC and 2014+ AIAX

I like the idea of the AXMC since I want to shoot 6.5x47, 308, and maybe 6br and also 338lapua

Will I have any issues with the axmc large firing pin pushing the 6.5x47 (2750) and 6br (2850) at normal speeds? I also read the AXMC doesn't eject the small cases well

Would I be better of buying a 2014+ aiax since 95% of my shooting will be 6.5x47 and 308? Do all 2014+ AIAX come with a small firing pin?

Tony,

Sorry I can't answer any of your questions, looks like you got the advise you needed.

I am shooting the 300NM and 260Rem in my AXMC and like the rifle very much. I have had issues with over pressure and think I have it under control now. There is the issue that you learned about the large firing pins. I wonder how much different my pressure problems would have been with the bushed bolts.

I have a custom SOC in 260 that I love. It was my favorite rifle by far when I bought it. After shooting the AXMC and going through this learning curve with my AI, I will be selling it as I would rather shoot my AI.

Having the interchangeable bbls is a huge advantage for me. I can't afford to have custom rifles or AIs in all the calibers I want to shoot. The bbl change is fast and allows me to shoot my favorite rifle in all the calibers for less. I also like to remove my bbl for cleaning. Makes it very fast and easy to clean. You can also see the chamber easily and when it comes to finding your max seating depth, it's a breeze. Not that it can't be done accurately in the action, but it's right there....

Would be great if you could find one to shoot and see for yourself. Be ready to buy. I was.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Tony1320]

Pretty much everyone I know who has gone the "switch barrel" route (one rifle with many barrels/cartridges) has given up on that. Even gunsmiths I know so that pretty much all their "switch barrel" customers end up giving them up for dedicated rifle systems. As convenient as it may seem, it's just much nicer to have a dedicated rifle for a cartridge. Albiet, this is a much more costly route to go.

An AI is like an off the rack suit. If you find your size, it should fit you okay. Might have too large of shoulder pads. The pants might be a bit baggy. The pitch of the sleeves slightly off. But it fits. Kind of.

A custom rifle (if done right - big caveat here) is like a custom tailored suit. It fits perfectly. And I mean perfectly. You can build a custom rifle to fit you like a custom suit - but you have to know what you want and know the components that will achieve that. It took 3 iterations to get my custom rifle "perfect" - that's a lot of cash and time to invest to get it right. But I would take my rifles over an AI 10 out of 10 times.

It's also important to point out that component options and quality has increased drastically in the past 10 years. Hell, even the past 3 years. AI rifles used to be the obvious choice - they were better than almost all custom rifles 5-10 years ago. With the quality and diversity of options with components available today that's just not so. My first custom rifle, a GAP Crusader, was pretty mediocre when compared to a AI of the time. The trigger was a mediocre tuned Remington trigger, the action was rough feeling (in comparison) with a very stiff bolt lift, and if it even saw a speck of dust it would lock right up on you. An AI rifle was arguably much superior. You can build just as good if not a better rifle with the components available today.

It's hard to go wrong with an AI. It will work, and it will shoot. It probably won't fit you perfectly, and you will make compromises to make a "one gun to do it all". I personally hate the ergos of AI rifles ( I've been behind almost every model at this point), and I find the trigger overrated and heavy (there is a new comp trigger available through). But if you really know what you want and how to achieve that, you can build a better rifle for YOU. But you have to know how to achieve that.

I have customs too I just have an itch to try an AI. I just like trying new things

 

[Tony1320]

Tony,

Sorry I can't answer any of your questions, looks like you got the advise you needed.

I am shooting the 300NM and 260Rem in my AXMC and like the rifle very much. I have had issues with over pressure and think I have it under control now. There is the issue that you learned about the large firing pins. I wonder how much different my pressure problems would have been with the bushed bolts.

I have a custom SOC in 260 that I love. It was my favorite rifle by far when I bought it. After shooting the AXMC and going through this learning curve with my AI, I will be selling it as I would rather shoot my AI.

Having the interchangeable bbls is a huge advantage for me. I can't afford to have custom rifles or AIs in all the calibers I want to shoot. The bbl change is fast and allow me to shoot my favorite rifle in all the calibers for less. I also like to remove my bbl for cleaning. Makes it very fast and easy to clean. You can also see the chamber easily and when it comes to finding your max seating depth, it's a breeze. Not that it can't be done accurately in the action, but it's right there....

Would be great if you could find one to shoot and see for yourself. Be ready to buy. I was.

Thanks,
Steve

What was the issue causing over pressure?

 

[Stevo3556]

Long story, however, short answer is I believe that the load I started with was OK but as the new bbl broke in and the speeds picked up, the pressures did as well. The higher pressures put me from high pressure to too extreme pressure.

 

[blbennett1288]

Pretty much everyone I know who has gone the "switch barrel" route (one rifle with many barrels/cartridges) has given up on that. Even gunsmiths I know so that pretty much all their "switch barrel" customers end up giving them up for dedicated rifle systems. As convenient as it may seem, it's just much nicer to have a dedicated rifle for a cartridge. Albiet, this is a much more costly route to go.

An AI is like an off the rack suit. If you find your size, it should fit you okay. Might have too large of shoulder pads. The pants might be a bit baggy. The pitch of the sleeves slightly off. But it fits. Kind of.

A custom rifle (if done right - big caveat here) is like a custom tailored suit. It fits perfectly. And I mean perfectly. You can build a custom rifle to fit you like a custom suit - but you have to know what you want and know the components that will achieve that. It took 3 iterations to get my custom rifle "perfect" - that's a lot of cash and time to invest to get it right. But I would take my rifles over an AI 10 out of 10 times.

It's also important to point out that component options and quality has increased drastically in the past 10 years. Hell, even the past 3 years. AI rifles used to be the obvious choice - they were better than almost all custom rifles 5-10 years ago. With the quality and diversity of options with components available today that's just not so. My first custom rifle, a GAP Crusader, was pretty mediocre when compared to a AI of the time. The trigger was a mediocre tuned Remington trigger, the action was rough feeling (in comparison) with a very stiff bolt lift, and if it even saw a speck of dust it would lock right up on you. An AI rifle was arguably much superior. You can build just as good if not a better rifle with the components available today.

It's hard to go wrong with an AI. It will work, and it will shoot. It probably won't fit you perfectly, and you will make compromises to make a "one gun to do it all". I personally hate the ergos of AI rifles ( I've been behind almost every model at this point), and I find the trigger overrated and heavy (there is a new comp trigger available through). But if you really know what you want and how to achieve that, you can build a better rifle for YOU. But you have to know how to achieve that.

Okay I will bite

I agree that switch barrel systems are more of a marketing gimic. I have found the systems just make changing barrels easier more than anything else. The repeat-ability varies and I have found it is always best to re-zero, no matter how diligent you are about your barrel swaps.

On to the AI and custom rifle comments...

I don't think anyone serious about shooting buys an AI thinking it has the best ergonomics, has the best switch barrel system, has the best trigger, has the best bolt lift, is the prettiest, is the new "trend", has the tightest tolerances, or any of 1000's of other foolish reasons people buy custom rifles these days.

I think the reason people buy AI's is because of the bomb proof action and reliability. How many times have you heard of or seen custom actions binding up or feeding unreliably in shitty conditions? How many times have you heard of AI failing as such?

I think the closest you can get to bomb proof and reliable action, custom wise, is a Bighorn TL3 or American Rifle Company Mausingfield (Origin/Nucleus) solely for the control round feed and mechanical ejection.

Now that you have a reliable action that is possible of feeding and ejecting in any condition, does the magazine you run allow the action to feed every single time without fail? No matter what?

My point of saying all this is that the entire AI system was built from the ground up, from one manufacturer, and is as reliable as it gets.

Yes, you can get a custom rifle to fit YOU better, but I serious doubt you will have anything as reliable as an AI.

At least this is why I went with AI and I suspect why others have also done the same. I have been through 2-3 iterations of custom rifles searching for the holy grail, I hope the AI does just this.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I’ll echo the above post a bit. Mind you, I don’t shoot long action stuff anymore, so no interest in the MC.

Since I purchased my AT, I have sold my custom actions/rifles, except one to shoot 223/224 just because I can’t in the AI.

I’m lucky, as the AT chassis fits my hand very well and the trigger feels perfect to me. The forend isn’t the greatest for PRS, but it’s also not terrible.

What I like about it over the rest is as stated above, reliability. I can rest the rifle on the mag, apply as much down pressure as I want, and it feeds. I can jam the mag against something, essentially using the mag as a barricade stop, and it feeds.

There’s no first round or last round feeding issues. There’s no “well shit, last week my mags feed fine, but now I’m tweaking them again.”

It.....flat....out.....runs.

I always see customs (myself included) at times have some sort of issue feeding. Not the same rifle every match and not on a consistent bases, but some custom (many by reputable makers) has some issue at some point in a match.

The only issues I’ve seen with AI are when users try to adjust the factory trigger in ways they advise against. I’m sure other things happen, but I rarely see them go down or have issues.

As far as the switch barrel setup, I agree, it’s overrated for use at the actual range. Maybe with an MC it makes sense to swap to long action at range.

But, I love the feature because:

I use .308 to train with and don’t have to mess with barrel vice

I find it much easier to clean when the barrel is off

I don’t mess with barrel vice when barrel is burned out.

The only time I can see swapping at range is if I was training with .308 a day or two before a match, then put on the 6creed and zero’d to get it over with and save time at morning of match. Otherwise I do all my swapping at home.

 

[kthomas]

Okay I will bite

I agree that switch barrel systems are more of a marketing gimic. I have found the systems just make changing barrels easier more than anything else. The repeat-ability varies and I have found it is always best to re-zero, no matter how diligent you are about your barrel swaps.

On to the AI and custom rifle comments...

I don't think anyone serious about shooting buys an AI thinking it has the best ergonomics, has the best switch barrel system, has the best trigger, has the best bolt lift, is the prettiest, is the new "trend", has the tightest tolerances, or any of 1000's of other foolish reasons people buy custom rifles these days.

I think the reason people buy AI's is because of the bomb proof action and reliability. How many times have you heard of or seen custom actions binding up or feeding unreliably in shitty conditions? How many times have you heard of AI failing as such?

I think the closest you can get to bomb proof and reliable action, custom wise, is a Bighorn TL3 or American Rifle Company Mausingfield (Origin/Nucleus) solely for the control round feed and mechanical ejection.

Now that you have a reliable action that is possible of feeding and ejecting in any condition, does the magazine you run allow the action to feed every single time without fail? No matter what?

My point of saying all this is that the entire AI system was built from the ground up, from one manufacturer, and is as reliable as it gets.

Yes, you can get a custom rifle to fit YOU better, but I serious doubt you will have anything as reliable as an AI.

At least this is why I went with AI and I suspect why others have also done the same. I have been through 2-3 iterations of custom rifles searching for the holy grail, I hope the AI does just this.

I've seen numerous AI's go down at matches - one being my friends which was having an issue with light primer strikes. It happens, and they are not 100% bomb proof.

I agree that as a system, you are more likely to get a more reliable rifle out of an AI than a custom. Too many variables with a custom - the builder may or may not be that great, the components you choose may not be that great or may not be compatible with each other, etc.

That is why I had a few caveats in my post. You must select your components carefully and have a good builder put it together. But when done properly, you can have an amazing rifle.

The disparity between AI's and custom rifles on build quality and reliability are diminishing as the years go on. SH is a bit of an echo chamber when it comes to AI's. They are great, no doubt, but the options are getting better and better for consumers.

I would put my ARC Mausingfield/JAE build against any AI. My previous custom (GAP Crusader), definitely not.