If the impact action gets the AW cut, will it still work ok with AICS?
Sleeplz,
Any action cut for an AW magazine has, among other things, material removed from the bottom of the receiver to allow the AW magazines to insert fully into the action. This portion that is removed is an important feature in preventing overinsertion of acis mags. So, an AW cut receiver will work with AICS magazines but the magazines will generally prevent the bolt from closing if the bottom of the magazine is contacting anything. An aics cut receiver will not allow an AW magazine to lock in due to the same feature being present.
All,
It is funny that many see such value in AW magazines. While they are a very good magazine for AI type rifles they were designed for. They are less than perfect for a remington 700 clone action. The shape of the bolt with a smaller body diameter and locking lugs at 3:00 and 9:00 prevent the AW magazine from being placed high enough to give much stripping area between the bolt nose and cartridge, and presents the cartridges lower in relation to the chamber than an aics magazine. I am sure that this is why AI designed the aics magazine for their Remington compatible chassis instead of utilizing their already available AW type magazines. While the 700 clone/AW system does work, little things like bent mag lips, dirt, Ice, gunsmith tuning savvy, manufacturing tolerance, etc. all have about half as much margin for error with the 700 clone/AW mag setup. If you look back at successful firearms designs as a whole good stripping area and presentation of cartridge close to centerline of chamber are two very important factors. This is not just in bolt guns but auto pistols, SMGs, assault rifles, and others.
I will admit that many years ago I pushed for this change in the 591. Some were made but needless to say there aren't many of those floating around with AW cuts either. Whether this is an applicable data point is your decision to make but all 10 of the top 10 shooters in the PRS last year used AICS magazines. No AW magazines.
It boils down to this choice: Will you trade a little reliability for shorter magazines and longer OAL capacity?
Sorry if I got off on a little rant tangent there.
Wade Stuteville