Help me make a decision on KRG SOTIC versus Accuracy International AT

[stitch222]

I’m in the market to upgrade my AE MKIII. I was on the KRG SOTIC preorder last year, but backed out of it, because I am also on the FOX-42 Beta list and thought it was coming out just any day.
Fast forward till the last few months. I’ve been looking to upgrade my AI AE MKIII for some time now. Mile High gave me a decent quote on a trade up to an AT. But at the same time I feel like a heel for backing out on the “Little Guys”. Plus after the end of the year, we won’t see a low price on the SOTIC again.
I can on one hand trade in the AE MKIII and save myself about $1000. Or I can buy the SOTIC outright now, and hold on to the MKIII till next summer to trade towards an AXMC.

 

[PBWalsh]

If an MC is within your grasp, shoot the MkIII for another year and save the funds. I’m sure the SOTIC is a sick rifle though that’d make anyone happy, but its not an AXMC.

Love my AT, but I don’t really have a need for an MC, and its bunches of money.

 

[mercracing]

Save for the MC

 

[GIXXER2000]

I have an AE and love it I also have the original AI-PSR and AT. I just ordered my 3 barrel for the AE. The KRG looks like a fine rifle but with AI YOU KNOW what you are getting. And the quick change ability without the need for a smith is huge. The only other long gun I have is a Steyr SSG-04 and i love it also. The down side i have to send it out to a smith to re-barrel it. With the AT or AXMC you can switch barrels in less then a minute. For the AT I have 6cm,6.5cm and .308 barrels and use them all.
Hard decision good luck.

 

[NorthernGentleman]

Just get the AXMC, you will be much happier in the long run. AT's are nothing to snub either, but if you have AX money, I wouldn't have to think very hard about which one I would be purchasing.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

If you're only saving 1k by trading in your ae, I'll pay you 1k for it.

 

[Huskydriver]

Axmc all day every day and twice on shooting suppressed days which is every shooting day

 

[supratt96]

I account for the only vote for the SOTIC so far. I have never shot an AI, but I'm sure it's an awesome rifle. But right now, the SOTIC is barely 1/3 the cost. That leaves a lot more budget for glass and ammo. Also, the MC is very heavy. That's probably a good thing if you plan on shooting a lot of big magnum rounds, but at nearly 20 lbs fully kitted out, it is impractical to carry in the field. The SOTIC seems more versatile.

I have a SOTIC on order, so I put my money where my mouth is. I hope I'm not disappointed. There isn't much user feedback to go on yet.

 

[b6graham]

I account for the only vote for the SOTIC so far. I have never shot an AI, but I'm sure it's an awesome rifle. But right now, the SOTIC is barely 1/3 the cost. That leaves a lot more budget for glass and ammo. Also, the MC is very heavy. That's probably a good thing if you plan on shooting a lot of big magnum rounds, but at nearly 20 lbs fully kitted out, it is impractical to carry in the field. The SOTIC seems more versatile.

I have a SOTIC on order, so I put my money where my mouth is. I hope I'm not disappointed. There isn't much user feedback to go on yet.

Not sure where you're getting a SOTIC at 1/3 of the cost of an AI?

And for only $1k I think you'd sell the AE Mkiii in a few minutes here. I'd take it for that no problem.

Without knowing what you're gonna be doing with it it's hard to make a great suggestion, but based on what you presented I vote AXMC.

 

[Basher]

You could easily sell the AE for a grand or more here in what would likely be mere minutes. If I had a grand to spare, I'd offer to purchase it as others have done!

That aside, I'll vote AI as well. I REEEAAALLYY want to try a SOTIC, as they look like great and unique rifles. However, for me to justify doing so, I'd have to sell several stocks/chassis that I have for my TL2 that allow it to be such a versatile, multi-role action. Both my TL2 and AIAT can swap barrels without needing headspace gauges or a barrel nut. Both have excellent two-stage triggers. Both can have prefit barrels to my house within days of ordering them, without having to send the action out (SOTIC can do the same, true). The only things I can think of that the SOTIC has over my TL2 would be a 60* bolt throw (AT has that), and the unique safety, and I don't think either of those is enough for me to go selling all but one of my stocks so I can afford the SOTIC.

I may regret passing on it, as the price will soon jump to the regular $4K for a fixed option. The stocks I'd sell could be easily replaced with time, whereas I won't likely see a new SOTIC for $3K again once the price goes up. But again, I'd lose the versatility of my TL2 until I could afford to replace those stocks. I may still do so, but I'm unsure at this point.

It's a tough call, but the AI is a proven platform. If I could only have one rifle, it would be my AIAT. Sure, they're heavy, but there are ways to help solve that (Proof barrels, working out , lighter optics selection, etc.), and they'll run forever. That's hard to overlook!

 

[Aaron47pb]

Confusion on cost probably comes from title and poll saying AT but post mentions both AT and AXMC.

Either way, the AIs and their reliability are a known and the SOTIC isn’t. The AIs have the quick change barrel feature, which is huge in my experience. Not necessarily from a “I want to shoot two calibers today” perspective. But from a “I don’t have to send my rifle off to a gunsmith or throw it in a vice and wrench on it” perspective.

Anecdotally, after shooting AIs for years and owning and shoting lots of other high end rifles, I always end up missing my AIs.

Ideally, buy both and decide for yourself.

 

[Stevo3556]

Well..... I just bought an AXM, should be here Wednesday. So there's my vote. However it is not one from experience since I have never shot an SOTIC. My decision was based on the same facts presented above and all the happy owners of the AIs.

With the quick change bbls I can sell a couple rifles and the big ticket item, optics, to help pay for the AXMC. I figure I would not want to shoot most of the other rifles after being spoiled by the AI anyway so shoot all your favorite calibers in your one AI.

I'm not sure if it is because the end of the year, maybe inventory and paying tax on stock, competition, or Santa, but I was given three great quotes on a new AXMC. If you buy new you can have it exactly the way YOU want your flagship rifle and in some cases for less than people selling used ones.

Steve

 

[Bradu]

Sorry but I think you are a fool if you are willing to trade in your mk 3 for a $1k trade in value.

 

[stitch222]

I think y’all don’t get my math. So here is a better explanation. Mile High sells AT folders for roughly $4400, with the AE trade in and a small discount, I pay roughly a $2200 difference. If I were to purchase a SOTIC non folder outright I would pay $3000, hence the +/- $1000 difference.
Note; I have a GAP 7/300 WSM in a KRG folder. I prefer the cleaner look of the non folder in KRG, but like the AI folder. I’m weird like that. Plus, IMO, heavier is better when it comes to magnum rounds. I’m often puzzled by folks that buy tactical style rifles to carry in the field. But whatever.

 

[PBWalsh]

I’m often puzzled by folks that buy tactical style rifles to carry in the field. But whatever.

Because a “tactical” rifle should be fieldable, not just a camo’d benchrest rifle.

 

[Basher]

The AI folder mechanism is pretty amazing, true. It's simple, robust, locks up solid, and is entirely out of the way. It's one of the gems (among many) of the AI, in my opinion. As for using a "tactical" style rifle afield, I don't see anything wrong with it. I mean, that's really what they're designed for, right? Field use. Whether they weigh too much or not is a matter of opinion. An outfitted AI is on the heavy side. Mine weighs right around 18.5lbs loaded. That SOTIC looks like it would be about 3-4lbs lighter, depending. Still heavy, but a move in the right direction. After reading and replying to this thread, it's been on my mind all day, haha... I may be in trouble!

 

[Massoud]

AI has a long reputation and are still the choice of many military and civilian shooters. They've gained an almost mythical reputation here on the hide which I think is due as much to the site owner's affinity and other factors like the high price and first-to-market as it is their performance. Regardless, they and the Sako TRG really set the bar for us when working on the SOTIC, a US made AI class rifle is really what we were going for.

I'm biased of course but I am quite confident that if the AI and the SOTIC were compared by someone with no knowledge of either brand, history, use by X country's SOF, etc., that they would choose a SOTIC even with a higher price tag. People are different and like different things so out of 10 people, fewer than 10 would choose the SOTIC but I think it would be around 8.

Both rifles are going to perform, neither rifle is perfect. Sometimes brand loyalty is a factor, sometimes uniqueness is a factor. What is a plus for some for a rifle like the hinge design mentioned above, is a negative because it eliminates the thumbshelf. Where a new, updated design is a plus for some, it is a negative for some due to being unproven.
Either way you'll do great with these rifles named. Thank you for considering ours.
Justin

 

[RyanM]

I shot an AI AX for a season in local PRS competitions and currently have a SOTIC for testing.

They are very different in some ways but I think at the end of the day they very much occupy the same space - top tier factory tactical rifles.

For me personally the quick change aspect of the AI sounded cooler than it was. I did change things around (6XC, 6.5X47, and 308) but it really was more because I could rather than any functional purpose. That is just me though. I currently shoot 2 nearly identical 6mmBrs - maybe I am just weird.

The triggers on both guns are great, I prefer the hand grip of the SOTIC over the AI. AW mags for the win though - the SOTIC mags do work well however. Both hinge mechanisms are GTG and the adjustability of the butt stock on each is equal. The SOTIC is a good bit lighter than the AI - depending on what you want that could be a good or a bad thing.

I do agree with @Massoud that AIs have a near mythical reputation, they are amazing guns for sure. The ideal solution would be to get both.

I would not buy an AT though, I would either get the AX or AXMC if you go with the AI.

 

[supratt96]

I shot an AI AX for a season in local PRS competitions and currently have a SOTIC for testing.

They are very different in some ways but I think at the end of the day they very much occupy the same space - top tier factory tactical rifles.

For me personally the quick change aspect of the AI sounded cooler than it was. I did change things around (6XC, 6.5X47, and 308) but it really was more because I could rather than any functional purpose. That is just me though. I currently shoot 2 nearly identical 6mmBrs - maybe I am just weird.

The triggers on both guns are great, I prefer the hand grip of the SOTIC over the AI. AW mags for the win though - the SOTIC mags do work well however. Both hinge mechanisms are GTG and the adjustability of the butt stock on each is equal. The SOTIC is a good bit lighter than the AI - depending on what you want that could be a good or a bad thing.

I do agree with @Massoud that AIs have a near mythical reputation, they are amazing guns for sure. The ideal solution would be to get both.

I would not buy an AT though, I would either get the AX or AXMC if you go with the AI.

How would you compare the actions in terms of smoothness overall function and reliability?

 

[stitch222]

KRG wins!! They kinda made me step up to the plate with an announcement this morning.

As for all the PM’s I got concerning possibly selling the AE MKIII, I’ll let you guys know sometime next year. I’ll probably use it as a “bargaining chip”, to offset the price of an AXMC. Thanks for all the replies and honest opinions.

Plus, isn’t it a given that Canadians are just weird in general, eh??

 

[Steelhead]

KRG wins!! They kinda made me step up to the plate with an announcement this morning.

What was the announcement that sealed your decision?

 

[RyanM]

How would you compare the actions in terms of smoothness overall function and reliability?

To be completely honest I have not run enough rounds though the SOTIC to know about the reliability. With that said, I have never really had a gun not work. I am not an operator that is jumping out of helicopters etc. but I will shoot until about -15C (I am skinny and get cold), I shoot in local comps, and I use my guns often enough. All of my guns have worked when I wanted them to - If there is ever a misfeed, double feed, etc. it is an operator error.

The SOTIC is a demo gun so I will not be abusing it so assessing its true reliability/durability will have to be left to someone else.

AIs are very smooth and very reliable, I never had any issues when I had mine and that is to be expected and it is what all other AI owners would say.

The SOTIC is also super smooth, it seems to glide with a bit of Hornady dry lube on the bolt. I would put the bolt lift on the heavier side of the 3 lug world (AI, TRG (had this a long time ago so the memory may be fuzzy)) but it is heavier in a way that would be purely academic IMO.

I will say one thing, and it is said by every AI owner out there. If you have the itch for an AI, only an AI will do.

 

[stitch222]

What was the announcement that sealed your decision?

The sale would be over this coming Wednesday. I have always been leaning towards the SOTIC. But was flipping back and forth because of AI’s solid reputation. Also, I’m not a super huge fan of non-magnum 308 based calibers, except for gas guns, and KRG had announced recently, that a magnum bolt face for the SOTIC was a strong possibility. While having both rifles will be ideal, for now. Having two 6.5 Creedmoor bolt guns isn’t practical for me, in the long run.

 

[W54/XM-388]

As for all the PM’s I got concerning possibly selling the AE MKIII, I’ll let you guys know sometime next year. I’ll probably use it as a “bargaining chip”, to offset the price of an AXMC. Thanks for all the replies and honest opinions.

After you get your KRG, I'd suggest you outright sell your AE MKIII rather than hope to use it as a trade in later on.
You'll quite possibly get more money selling it directly, especially in the coming Christmas bonus / Tax Refund season. Then you have cash in hand and can choose between MH, EO or a good deal on a used package if you still want the AXMC.

 

[ManSpackle]

AI has a long reputation and are still the choice of many military and civilian shooters. They've gained an almost mythical reputation here on the hide which I think is due as much to the site owner's affinity and other factors like the high price and first-to-market as it is their performance. Regardless, they and the Sako TRG really set the bar for us when working on the SOTIC, a US made AI class rifle is really what we were going for.

I'm biased of course but I am quite confident that if the AI and the SOTIC were compared by someone with no knowledge of either brand, history, use by X country's SOF, etc., that they would choose a SOTIC even with a higher price tag. People are different and like different things so out of 10 people, fewer than 10 would choose the SOTIC but I think it would be around 8.

Both rifles are going to perform, neither rifle is perfect. Sometimes brand loyalty is a factor, sometimes uniqueness is a factor. What is a plus for some for a rifle like the hinge design mentioned above, is a negative because it eliminates the thumbshelf. Where a new, updated design is a plus for some, it is a negative for some due to being unproven.
Either way you'll do great with these rifles named. Thank you for considering ours.
Justin

In a perfect world, i would have both. KRG makes my favorite chassis by far, but i've still always wanted (and will have someday) an AI. This is a tough call. Like Justin said, it could come down to brand loyalty. Try getting a Harley guy to buy a Victory. But back to your question OP, get the SOTIC. Then you will have the best of both worlds!