I have been trying to decide between saving up or selling a rifle to get another AIAE but I have been thinking more and more about just swapping the barrel back and forth. Does anyone actually swap barrels for a caliber change or do you just use a different rifle?
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How many people change the barrel back and forth on an AI
- Thread starter Bradu
- Start date
I have done it in the past with a AW, and I have a TRG getting a 243 barrel and may do a 6.5CM barrel as well. The AW is better suited for switch barrel setups due to the recoil lug being integral, but you can switch the barrel on a AE, just a little different.
If I knew I was going to like the AI that much I would have spent the extra money on an AW or AW but that's hindsight. I have been looking at tools and will probably just see about getting with mile high and getting a .260 barrel sometime this summer.
I don't have an AI but my DT SRS has 4 different barrels and I change them frequently. .338 Lapua mag for long range, 6.5X47 Lapua for lightweight fun, .338 BR for subsonic suppressed very quiet short range (300yd) and 12.7 X 48 (510W) for heavy subsonic quiet fun. The barrel swap setup was one of the main reasons for buying the rifle. As others noted the scope is a big ticket item and buying one saves cash for other things like ammo and other barrel setups. One trigger to become accustomed to, one cheek weld, one stock etc. Minimize the changes and consistency is better.
Frank
Frank
I plan on swapping the barrel for longer range stuff.
We have competitions which are .308 and .223 only, or you will be competing against benchrest rifles.
Currently only have the 20" .308 barrel on my AI, but want to buy a .260 barrel for when I'm shooting past say 600m.
If you plan of switching every week, I probably wouldn't bother or get something that is a bit easier to change.
We have competitions which are .308 and .223 only, or you will be competing against benchrest rifles.
Currently only have the 20" .308 barrel on my AI, but want to buy a .260 barrel for when I'm shooting past say 600m.
If you plan of switching every week, I probably wouldn't bother or get something that is a bit easier to change.
I believe frank videoed changing gone on an AX at mile high. I haven't changed mine yet, but from the looks of things, remove the handguard, put in the vice, stick the wrench in the action and unwrench. On the AW its the same, except no handguard removal.
I intend to get the gear to swap mine out back and forth to save on barrel life on the competition caliber, but I haven't yet. I've even considered a second rifle, but the scope expense keeps me from it.
I intend to get the gear to swap mine out back and forth to save on barrel life on the competition caliber, but I haven't yet. I've even considered a second rifle, but the scope expense keeps me from it.
Having 2 $4k-$8k rifles along with two thousand plus dollar scopes begins to make auto racing look like an affordable hobby.
I was under the mistaken impression that the AW and AX could be removed without a vice in the field. People talk about it taking 10 minutes.
I've switched barrels on and off on a few actions.
I have two Badger M2008's (copy of AI action). One action has two barrels fitted up to it. One barrel is in .308 win. and the other in .260 Rem. I do take the barreled action out of the stock each time and take the scope off but I've already swapped the barrels back and forth like 3 times in one month.
No big deal.
Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
I have two Badger M2008's (copy of AI action). One action has two barrels fitted up to it. One barrel is in .308 win. and the other in .260 Rem. I do take the barreled action out of the stock each time and take the scope off but I've already swapped the barrels back and forth like 3 times in one month.
No big deal.
Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
The AI PSR has the 5 minute, one Allen wrench barrel change system. The others require a vise and action wrench. If you can change a light bulb you can change a barrel. It's that simple. Remove old barrel, clean and lube new barrel threads, wipe action face clean, screw in hand tight, put it back in the vise and torque to spec.
Even Frank can do it.
Even Frank can do it.
+1 To Mr. Tooley. Its very easy to change out barrels. I've got 3 barrels for my AX. 308/260/6cm, depending on the comps etc I will screw back on the 308 as the trainer barrel when I need it vs burning out the 260/6cm during training season.
Longest part of changing out the barrel on the AX is removing/reinstalling all the damn screws that hold the handguard on. Past that its about a 5 min job.
Longest part of changing out the barrel on the AX is removing/reinstalling all the damn screws that hold the handguard on. Past that its about a 5 min job.
I have everything I need to swap out a barrel on my AI/AE except a barrel vise. For those who have done it can you recommend a decent barrel vise. I know there are several different one out there. Another stupid question, lubing new barrel threads, will any lube suffuce or anything specific, I want to make sure I do it right the first time.Thanks
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I swap barrels on the AT Poison123 sold back to me all the time, That rifle has had probably 12 different barrels with 4-5 different calibers on it!! The Bartlein 6mm Creedmoor barrel is insane S Kay shot a .137" group at 300 yards with it. prone during the Mammoth Match
The only time I use an anti seize is when I have stainless to stainless. It wants to grab and gall. Pretty much ruins your day. I've had to cut off and bore out two tenons from BAT actions. All turned out well but it's not fun. The 17-4 stainless in the BAT's seem to be the worst, 416 not so bad. If you have a CM action any lube will due. I've been using a can of some synthetic grease a mechanic from US Air gave me 15 years ago. I use an acid brush and just spread a small amount over the threads.
