New rifle decision AE Content

[Tinbendur]

I am in turmoil over what to do. I want to own one rifle. Some say just keep the one I got and start reloading to get tighter groups. I don't really need to be spending any money right now on anything but bills. But I have been selling all my guns and knives to make this one hobby count.

I would have to sell a couple more guns and some custom knives to take this futher but I am contemplating a new rifle for a fresh start.

Right now the range I am shooting has 200 yrd max. I plan on moving to the 1000 yrd range before Christmas. Not saying I can even shoot this far but I don't want my rifle to hold me back. I also would like the ability to do more than just shoot from a benchrest. I want to do tactical longrange.

Here is the deal. Sell this rifle plus a couple more firarms and build either a M40A1 or buy a AIAE MKII 308. I have sent The Man at SRT a PM and he is willing to help.

M40A1 308
AIAE MKII 308 fixed stock 24"

Here is the rifle I have now.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1998545#Post1998545

 

[kcshooter]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

Go with the Ae for sure.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

There truely doesnt seem much holding you back from shooting at 1k yards witht he rig you have other than the fact you want a new rifle. If this is the case there is nothing anyone will be able to say that will curb your desire.

With that said, you could spend some money "upgrading" your current set up with a DBM and investing in good reloading equipment that will take you a lot further in your quest than breaking the bank with a new rifle.

One thing I question is if you do get a new rifle will you be transfering that SS to your new rig? While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that SS I would reconsider my budget and direction with your end game if the answer is yes.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

A 5R is not going to be the limiting factory at 1000 yards.

I upgraded to the AE MkII this year over my M700. The reason had nothing to do with long range accuracy and everything to do with short range accuracy. I needed to be a little sharper on the KYL stages.

I feel that once you start adding range your ability to gauge the environment has more to do with getting hits than if your rifle is a 3/4 MOA shooter or a 1/2 MOA shooter.

I went with the AE over a custom due to the ability of the user to replace the barrel and the supreme reliability of the system.

I could have had the M700 rebarreled and trued, but in the end I just WANTED the AE and was at a place that I could afford it. I was also already using top end glass on the M700.

In YOUR place I would suggest you continue to shoot what you have. Upgrade the glass when you can. Once you start seeing what it takes to make long range hits consistently AND you have the money by all means get the AE. They are excellent rifles.

 

[Tinbendur]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

Desire to have another rifle is there. I just don't feel like this one fits me. Once I find something that fits me I normally stick with it. I will eventually get into reloading sooner or later.

If and only if I can sell what I plan to then I would be able to buy a new rifle custom or AE with a new optic setup. Upgraded of course. Maybe something around 1500.00.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tinbendur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I just don't feel like this one fits me. </div></div>

Then you have options that DO NOT require you to sell this rifle. If the fit isnt there you can get an AICS or other stock that does "fit". The barreled action is not your problem.

Again, if your heart is set on a new rifle just because that's fine. God knows I've bought my fair share of things in life just becuase. But dont for one secound think that a new rifle is the cure for trigger time. I've read your introduction post and have seen your groups. You need trigger time, not new gear.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tinbendur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't really need to be spending any money right now on anything but bills. But I have been selling all my guns and knives to make this one hobby count.

I would have to sell a couple more guns and some custom knives to take this futher but I am contemplating a new rifle for a fresh start.

Right now the range I am shooting has 200 yrd max. I plan on moving to the 1000 yrd range before Christmas. Not saying I can even shoot this far but I don't want my rifle to hold me back. I also would like the ability to do more than just shoot from a benchrest. I want to do tactical longrange.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1998545#Post1998545 </div></div>

You want real advice, take your own!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tinbendur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't really need to be spending any money right now on anything but bills.</div></div>

Prioritize! If this is your hobby then make sure your house in in order. Then be smart about your choices.

Take advice from those of us who have spent the $ already to learn these lessons.

And for gods sake, please fill out your profile. It's hard trying to give advice when you don't know if the person your talkiing to is an 18 yaer old internet commando who has boner cause he got a deal on a used 700 at Cabella's or a person with 100 times more knowledge and trigger time than me.

Right now your coming off like a 1 year old who just learned how to walk last week and is now asking mom and dad for an $800 pair of running shoes so he can show them waht walking realy is!

Hit the range, send more lead down range. If the rifle doesnt fit get a new stock and then keep shooting after that.

I'm not trying to be a hard core asshole, though I am, I just don't think it's the rifle. (READ INBETWEEN THE LINES, I'M TRYING TO BE NICE!)

 

[Tinbendur]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

I really appreciate and respect yalls opinions. The reason I ask here is to get the opinion of seasoned shooters. I thought that my profile was in full but after checking I had to check the box to share my birth date. I have done a ton of shooting but mostly wasting lead and powder.

I apologize to be sounding like a 1 year old but I lack the typing and vocabulary skills to be able to put words together.

I am not a dumb person. And bad or good opinions will always help me.

I really am interested in long range. And plan on moving forward.

Keep your opinions coming. Thank you.

 

[jbell]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

Not knocking your other fine choices but have you considered a TRG22?

 

[jasonk]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

If I were you I'd keep the 5R. As mentioned, buy a used AICS stock here for $700 and you'll have a more adjustable stock w/ a DM system. Then look to glass, there is nothing wrong with the 10X SS but you'll find a little higher power will make you more confident on paper since you'll be able to aim a little more precisely. Depending on budget a used 5-22 Nightforce would keep you happy for a very long time.

You really should look into reloading too, it will help the accuracy. You can get started well for $500 I think. That's probably the first step I'd take if you can stomach sticking with the current rifle for a while.

Now, that's a lot of money mentioned above, but you can piece your way into it as the budget allows. But, as Rolex mentioned, don't do anything stupid with your finances. Borrowing money (or not paying off debt) to buy toys is a fools game. You'll end up selling it all at 50 cents on the dollar if you have one bad month or the car needs a new transmission.

 

[wiganbear]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

If you can afford it get the rifle you want. The AIAE is a good choice. The only thing to blame when you get this rifle will be you!

Get into reloading as well, as soon as I did my groups halved. A cheap lee kit will get you started and it is a hobby in itself. I enjoy reloading as long as I don't need to do it if that makes sense, when I need the ammo for the next day it becomes a pain.

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

Tinbendur,

Triple + on the wisdom your Hide "mentors" have shared.

Best advice (by Rolex and jasonk): don't get into bind on your finances. Spend wisely.

2nd best: Before you spend the "big bucks" for another rifle, start reloading and maybe invest in some good glass.

My $0.02 . . .
You have a great rifle. If you have any doubt, do a search for Remington 5R and see what these guys say, and the groups a 5R is capable. I have NEVER seen anything negative on the performance of a box stock 5R. Many say "it will out shoot the shooter".

Before you go rushing out and buying an AE, you might want to shoot one first. There are several threads regarding the "love/hate" between AI and McM/Man/HS. The AI system is outstanding, and is battle proven and match proven. I have shot an AE, but I will stick with my A5s and HTG.

Dry firing does not cost you anything but time, but payback is exponential! My analysis of your groups on the other post indicate more "trigger time". If it's a stock trigger, a simple adjustment might improve the pull and break.

Good luck on your quest,

Kevin

 

[W54/XM-388]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

If you are going for having 1 good gun, I would suggest that you don't waste your money trying to fit compromises and little upgrades into your budget, as in the end you will wind up with a bunch of odds and ends that you could have saved the money for something better.

If I was you, what I would do (and if I knew what I know now 15 years ago, what I would have done) is keep the rifle you have and enjoy it and use it and don't spend a bunch of money trying out all these upgrades and new stocks etc unless that really is your ultimate gun. Shoot it lots and practice and get good with it.

Then identify what the one ultimate rifle you want and the optic you want is, and think about something that could last you for a very long time. There are several different options depending on what you like and what stock type fits you. My suggestion would be the AI AW 308 with a folding stock or an AI AE MK II with the folding stock. (I'd suggest the folding stock because it makes cleaning much quicker and easier and lets you put the rifle in a smaller bag if ever needed.) The main thing you would notice with the AW vs the AE is that you can load the mags twice as fast due to the double stack design & changing the barrel is a bit easier on the AW. (but you'd have to decide if that is worth the extra $2k)

For the optics, you don't want to skimp and you want to buy something that could last you the rest of your life if you can. USO, S&B are some of the better ones. My suggestion would be the S&B 5-25x56 scope with the P4F.

Then save your money up, till you have enough to buy what you want and look out for any good deals that come up on used rifles / scopes, as if you know what you want and are willing to wait, you can pickup some very good deals, just make sure it is exactly what you want, not a compromise.

Then once you have enough and can buy the ultimate rig you want, do so and You'll be very happy with it and not be thinking you should have possibly gotten xx or just spent a bit more on yy. Then either keep your older rifle as a spare, or sell it to fund more match ammo, or more Training lessons or to pay off the last bit of the ultimate rig that you put on a credit card.

Now if you are actually able to sell your existing rig and all your other stuff right away and come up with enough for the dream rig that you want without having to make yourself go broke and not have enough money left for bullets etc, then by all means go ahead and get your new rig right away.

 

[Sapper524]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

+1 on trying before you buy. I was all over the AICS stock and wanted one. I had the opportunity to shoot with one on another guys rifle and found ... well hmm ... I didn't like it. I ended up getting a H-S PST 025 - I shot with one first and really liked it. As others have said - before you dive in and toss money at something that you don't end up liking ... get your hands on some examples and spend one time for quality kit that will last. I would recommend getting a trigger job on the rifle you have and keep shooting. If your not using a rear bag make one. Practice Practice Practice and have goals when you hit the range.

 

[175G]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tinbendur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am in turmoil over what to do. I want to own one rifle. Some say just keep the one I got and start reloading to get tighter groups. I don't really need to be spending any money right now on anything but bills. But I have been selling all my guns and knives to make this one hobby count. </div></div> Being debt free will go a long way to making "this hobby" count in the long run

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tinbendur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would have to sell a couple more guns and some custom knives to take this futher but I am contemplating a new rifle for a fresh start. </div></div> It would seem your current rig is sufficent until such time as money permits for your ultimate weapon, if you will. But with regards to a "fresh start" that indicates to my mind you perhaps believe a new rifle will make you more dedicated? Or?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tinbendur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Right now the range I am shooting has 200 yrd max. I plan on moving to the 1000 yrd range before Christmas. Not saying I can even shoot this far but I don't want my rifle to hold me back. I also would like the ability to do more than just shoot from a benchrest. I want to do tactical longrange. </div></div> I understand your sentiment somewhat, I am beyond a doubt convinced that with my rifle(s) optics and ammo any issue in my shooting is not the fault of my hardware but of my own self. I do not regret any money spent on stuff I have I do however regret having been for so long afraid of other people and their opinions and being made fun of and wish I had of just gone and trained and trained and asked. In the one year I have decided I care more about improving and to hell with what people think of me and asked for and have gotten advice I have improved more rapidly then in the ten years prior (although I still suck LOL) and that has had nothing to do with getting new stuff just learning how to use it properly and practicing. I have never shot bench except for zeroing so I dont know what that transition is like.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tinbendur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is the deal. Sell this rifle plus a couple more firarms and build either a M40A1 or buy a AIAE MKII 308. I have sent The Man at SRT a PM and he is willing to help.

M40A1 308
AIAE MKII 308 fixed stock 24"

Here is the rifle I have now.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1998545#Post1998545 </div></div> I of course love the AIs and also have the AIAE MKII .308 although with folding stock and 20" you can also get some good deals on that if you can wait and keep your eyes open for them. One thing I might consider is that if you havent shot the thumbhole stocks try one. For most it is an easy transition but I know some people have a more difficult time with it and find it less preferable.

 

[Graham]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

I am still using my first 24" fixed stock MK I AE. I shoot it on courses. I shoot it in the matches. I like the fixed stock version better as I don't often remove the bolt. The rifle still has the original SFP 3.5-15x50 NF non zero-stop on it that I bought for it when I got it. I am slowly getting to know this rifle and scope combo. Last week I finally got comfortable shooting it in positions other than prone. I have other rifles, but I really don't need them. I have other scopes, too, but the NF does everything that I need a scope to do.

There are still AE MK I's out there for between $2750 and $2850, shipped.

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: New rifle decision AE Content

- Debt Free
- Reloading Set Up and tons of components
- Glass


Good luck