Gunsmithing Looking for a used AI AE Action
- Thread starter squib
- Start date
Since none of the other parts work on any other gun(chassis, barrel, trigger, etc) its pretty unlikely you’ll find a lone action.
It's not as crazy as you think. MPA is now offering inlet options for AI actions. Multiple gunsmith's will spin up barrels for AI's. AI had their action in a McM A5 at shotshow one year.
You are right about the trigger though (as far as I'm aware). Inletting stocks for an AI action can be done by any competent gunsmith. The tough part would be finding a lone action with a trigger. Right now I believe you would have to buy a whole rifle just to get those parts, fairly expensive way about building a rifle.
What im saying is when you strip off the chassis, it cant be used anywhere else. You might as well toss it in the trash. Im aware of the one guy who separated his AT and put it in MPA. Nobody’s got a spare action around, which is all the OP is looking for.
Ok, I misread your post. Agreed. Lot's of money to spend just to put a different pair of pants on an AI action.
GAP Tempest action is another good option. Same bolt bend as AI and uses AW mags. Everything else is rem700...triggers, stocks, etc.
I have actively looked for an AI action for years and have never come across just the action for sale. MPA will only make a stock for new AI's. I have a mark 2 and it won't work. I love the action because you can switch out a barrel very very fast.
I have had both also and disagree. I moved from an AI AX to a Badger M2013 in a KRG chassis and except for the safety, found them near identical in fit, finish, and operation. There's never been a better time to move to a three lug action, Badger M2017, Curtis Custom Vector, ARC, Tempest, Ultimatum Deadline all great options.
Near identical. Both smooth, crisp bolt movement and lock up. Except for the bolt shrouds (and fluting on the Tempest), the bolts look near identical (including the breech ring). You won't be disappointed with either. Easier to find stocks/chassis for the Tempest, although Badger Ordnance or any competent shop can inlet for the M2013. The M2013 are usually in stock direct from Badger and use drop in Remington style triggers direct. Tempest uses trigger hangers. Last year I heard that the Tempest was often backordered. At SHOT 2018 George Gardner said they had worked out the production delays experienced in the past. If you search the bolt action section, you'll see several threads on the Tempest - all positive. The Badger has been around longer, and has a smaller but equally dedicated fan base.
The Badger M2013 and the GAP Tempest are made by the same machine shop so quailty wise they are the same just ones round and ones square.
Montrose
Montrose
I have both AI and Badger 2013. I've never understood how people could deride the Badger bolt lift as heavy and yet love the AI. I love them both, but I do like being able to use the trigger I want on the Badger. Plus you can swap stocks on the Badger. Mine is DLC coated and smooth as you like. The price is pretty good compared to an AI as well.
