New to AI AT, EuroOptic stamped barrels?

[ToddM]

So I had zero intention of buying an AI previously until I walked into a local shop and they had a tan AI AT fixed stock with 20" 308 barrel, 24" .260 barrel, 3 AI mags, spigot adapter, and Atlas V8 for $2400. All looked in good condition, if it was shot much it was meticulously cared for, even the firing pin channel was almost spotless. I don't think the .260 barrel has even been shot, the .308 barrel was clean inside but had some crown build up. Appears to be a 2014 (AT 14) model, has the larger 0.80" firing pin and overall seems to be in really good shape. They also had a Tikka T3x .308 in a Whiskey 3 folder chassis for $1350 that was tempting. This is about the time I realized that I really know next to nothing about the nuances of AI's so I've been searching a lot of old posts that have yielded some great info.

Onto my questions.

1) Both barrels are stamped with their caliber and also "EuroOptic" on two flats toward the end of the barrel. Are these aftermarket barrels sold by EuroOptic (it does appear they sell bartlein AI barrels) or since they are an AI dealer do they just have their named stamped on AI barrels? Both barrels have thread protectors but the .260 barrel also had a thinner than the barrel maybe 1/8" tall washer/spacer with it, no clue what that little guy is for.

2) I'm thinking of getting a 6.5 creedmoor barrel, will the large firing pin be an issue for that caliber? Read a couple threads on the issue and it seems some have issues some don't. It appears AI went to the smaller firing pin in 15'

3) Feelings on getting go/no-go gauges? Since I don't know the history or background of the gun/barrels, it seemed like it might be good insurance.

4) Anything else I should get/replace/be cautious of? Aside the usual like a good cleaning rod guide etc. Common spare parts?

5) Do either of the adjustable butt plates fit the AT? It seems like one mentions the AW/AE (1044) and the other just the AX (6899) none seem to mention the AT

6) If a person did want to go to the AX folding stock conversion, does that come with the little "knob" that sits about where the trigger is located that the stock "snaps" onto to secure it in the folded position? If not can it be purchased as a spare part? That's one part I have not seen so far.

Thanks!

 

[Eric32]

Fucking jump on that, now! For 2,400 that is one amazing deal. If you have any issues send it to MHSA for a once over.

 

[ToddM]

Already done, even not having as much info as I'd have liked on the AI AT I knew that was not to be passed up.

 

[sjc929]

That’s a stupid sweet deal. For your 1) I’m unsure about the EO barrel, but I would guess the washer was left over from some aftermarket muzzle device that was previously on the barrel. For your 2) question, you shouldn’t have any problem unless you shoot small rifle primer brass. Normal large rifle primer brass shouldn’t give you any problems (at least any due to the firing pin diameter). For 3) it’s definitely not a bad idea in any way to get at least a go gage (you can use tape to make it a no go gauge if you don’t want to buy both), but unless you have some specific reason to believe otherwise with these particular barrels, it is very unlikely you will run into any problem without the gauges. I have the gauges and literally never use them. If something’s wrong with a new barrel I’ll likely notice it immediately when I load the first rounds for it.

 

[sjc929]

And for 4) I can’t think of anything. I had my AT for 2 years and nothing ever needed replacing on it, or seemed to be wearing out. Someone else who shoots more than I do might have something, but I don’t remember ever hearing anything. The AT is a pretty rock solid design, there’s not really much to wear out other than the barrel.

 

[Supersubes]

If I’m understanding your last questing correctly, you cannot convert a fixed AT to a folder of any type. The conversion you may be thinking of was factory folding AT’s to the Ax308/AXMC buttstock. Someone may correct me, but that my understanding. Edit: guess I was wrong about this...just saw the thread. Imo, don’t throw away all the savings from your killer deal on a folder. Shoot the shit out of it and laugh all the way to the bank.

I say the small primer thing is overblown. As to any other concerns, just shoot it. If the primer thing concerns you too much, use alpha or Peterson large primer brass, instead of Lapua.

You got the steal of a lifetime on arguably the best rifle available. Congrats!

 

[Nik H]

That is one dumb fuck dealer....

 

[Supersubes]

That is one dumb fuck dealer....

Indeed!

 

[Dthomas3523]

The fuck?

 

[Luvman]

damn I'm jealous.

@ToddM FYI there's an AI AT take off folding stock on flea bay with the accushot monopod installed. Currently the bid is under 150. if you don't want to spring for an AX folder it's another way to make it a folder

 

[PBWalsh]

If I’m understanding your last questing correctly, you cannot convert a fixed AT to a folder of any type.

You can convert fixed to the AX folder, you just have to do some milling. There is a thread all about it from a member here.

Edit: https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...structions-and-pictures.6916920/#post-7403726

^^ See above thread ^^

SICK deal by the way, my AIAT folder with an LE discount cost many more shekels than what you paid. If you could, I'd keep that dealer's number, he seems to not know what he is selling!

 

[MarinePMI]

#5 Yes, the adjustable butt plate can be added. I can't recall which one it was, but I upgraded mine. Pretty simple, and it adds a lot of comfort to shooting it. Eurooptics or MHS can tell you which one it is...

 

[AIAW]

If I’m understanding your last questing correctly, you cannot convert a fixed AT to a folder of any type. The conversion you may be thinking of was factory folding AT’s to the Ax308/AXMC buttstock. Someone may correct me, but that my understanding. Edit: guess I was wrong about this...just saw the thread. Imo, don’t throw away all the savings from your killer deal on a folder. Shoot the shit out of it and laugh all the way to the bank.

I say the small primer thing is overblown. As to any other concerns, just shoot it. If the primer thing concerns you too much, use alpha or Peterson large primer brass, instead of Lapua.

You got the steal of a lifetime on arguably the best rifle available. Congrats!

Totally agree with Supersubes. I wouldn't go hacking on it just to make it a folder. Either shoot it fixed or sell it, make a profit then turn that profit into a folder. The SFP is hugely inflated - it's a way for buyers to partially screw sellers IMO. Bad info gets passed around and inflated quickly. It happens, but it's rather rare. You can also adjust the protrusion length instead.

Definitely an awesome deal there, congrats!

 

[MarinePMI]

Not so sure I agree with the LFP being over inflated; there's a reason AI changed to a smaller firing pin. My AT was an early 14 model (tall rail, LFP), and adjusting the firing pin didn't resolve the issue. Ended up sending it to Wade Studeville to have it bushed. Problem solved.

Methinks the firing pin diameter was on the hairy edge of acceptable for some of these higher pressure rounds; hence why some saw it as an issue, and others not. Regardless, it was enough of an issue that AI changed their spec because of it. That should tell you right there, that it was indeed a valid problem.

 

[ToddM]

Thanks for all advice guys.

The dealer seems to do this fairly frequently, over the last couple years I've picked up some real steals from them, but this one has to be #1 on the list. Not sure if they do it just to improve their rep etc. or what. For example on the $1350 Tikka T3x in the Whiskey 3, they knew the chassis alone was worth $1300 so they don't seem ignorant to what they have, just willing to sell used stuff very low. If it had been a 6.5 I'd have probably bought it as well. The only downside is it's about a 2 hour round trip so I don't get there very often, which is probably good for my wallet.

What amazes me more is they sold this package for $2400 and presumably made $ on it, so that means someone took even less than that in cash/trade.

I did ask Eurooptic on the barrels and it turns out they believe they are the Bartlein AI barrels they offer as it sounded like those were the ones that get the Eurooptic stamp on the flats.

 

[MarinePMI]

I think you hit the nail on the head wrt your local shop and it's deals. They made their money (trust me on that; you don't stay iin business by losing money on used guns), and just wanted to move it out of the shop. You happened to luck out. I'd be willing to bet they paid a whole lot less than $2400 for that rifle...

 

[AIAW]

Not so sure I agree with the LFP being over inflated; there's a reason AI changed to a smaller firing pin. My AT was an early 14 model (tall rail, LFP), and adjusting the firing pin didn't resolve the issue. Ended up sending it to Wade Stedeville to have it bushed. Problem solved.

Methinks the firing pin diameter was on the hairy edge of acceptable for some of these higher pressure rounds; hence why some saw it as an issue, and others not. Regardless, it was enough of an issue that AI changed their spec because of it. That should tell you right there, that it was indeed a valid problem.

Yes, I know what you mean and I agree. It's not the people that actually have an issue that cause the ruckus though - It's the people who swear that it isn't going to work before even trying it out. Gives the impression that the LFP was "trash" in a way, when it isn't (regardless of the caliber).

Some of the LFP's do fine, others don't. Luck of the draw sort of. Logically it's a good idea to just remedy the problem all together as you have done and AI has done, but still the word travels quick which makes everyone freak out when they see a LFP setup for sale. They are expensive rifles, so I can easily see why one would want a no gimmicks setup/investment. The mental failure-demons are a difficult thing to quiet.

 

[MarinePMI]

Yes, I know what you mean and I agree. It's not the people that actually have an issue that cause the ruckus though - It's the people who swear that it isn't going to work before even trying it out. Gives the impression that the LFP was "trash" in a way, when it isn't (regardless of the caliber).

Some of the LFP's do fine, others don't. Luck of the draw sort of. Logically it's a good idea to just remedy the problem all together as you have done and AI has done, but still the word travels quick which makes everyone freak out when they see a LFP setup for sale. They are expensive rifles, so I can easily see why one would want a no gimmicks setup/investment. The mental failure-demons are a difficult thing to quiet.

Yeah, I hear you as well. I just chalked it up to "early adopter" mods that were needed. No sense in bitching about it. Just get it fixed and move on.

 

[Badfinger]

I know several members have converted their AT stocks to AX and if you're interested you could probably get a deal on a take off AT folder. However, the only time I fold it is when removing the bolt.........You got an amazing deal.

 

[ToddM]

Yeah, I had a AICS folder on a GAP Badger for awhile and honestly never really used it, so not too worried about it. Especially since the cheek piece is so easy to remove for cleaning.

I'll shoot it and see how the large firing pin does, seems some have issues, many don't and I'm not trying to push nuclear loads out of anything. If I do have issues I'll check the protrusion see if that can be adjusted and if that doesn't help I'll just get it bushed. Too bad Stuteville Precision is no longer doing bolt bushing (due to backlog according to his webpage), as it sounds like he's the one that spun these bartlein barrels for Eurooptic. Seems like no one with the issue has had any luck getting AI to replace/fix/swap a bolt, which I get it's first and foremost a combat rifle. Looks like a new bolt assembly would be around $800. I'll worry about that only if/when it's an issue.

 

[Supersubes]

LRI does the bolt bushing as well.

My AW (made in 09)has a firing pin shaped like a sheet metal punch, and I have no issues with piercing. Just yesterday I was shooting 147’s out of a 23” barrel at 2830, using Lapua Creed brass.

 

[VegasHKShooter]

Not only did you get a fantastic deal, but you now own the finest factory made bolt rifle in the world. Congratulations and welcome to the club. My AI is my favorite bolt gun I’ve EVER owned. Several of my shooting buddies have full house customs, and my AI, accuracy wise will hang with anything out there.

Reference the folding stock: I ONLY ever fold it to remove the bolt. I bought the folder because it was a small upcharge at the time. When you’re paying $3300 (now they are over $4K) might as well get it. However, I wouldn’t lose sleep if it didn’t fold. It adds an extra minute to the bolt removal, no biggie.

Mine is a 16, so I have the small firing pin hole. I can’t speak about that issue.

Anyway, shoot the heck out of it, and enjoy it. You got a smoking deal.

 

[goosed]

Didn't see it mentioned already...

5) Part# AI-1044 is what you seek

 

[Lowlight]

Wade Stuteville did the barrels for Euro, they are most likely Bartlein.

They are Stuteville Precision and I also believe he will bush the bolt too.

 

[m1match]

Wade doesn’t do bolt bushing unless it’s part of a build, his website says he had to discontinue bolt bushing services due to the volume of work they have. Long Rifles Inc. Does do bolt bushing. I have a 2008 AI AW with the large firing pin in 6.5 CM and using Hornady and Prime large rifle primer brass I have not had primer piercing problems

My 6.5 CM barrel on my AW is a Eurooptic marked barrel made by Stuteville Precision and it shoots very well.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

I think you hit the nail on the head wrt your local shop and it's deals. They made their money (trust me on that; you don't stay iin business by losing money on used guns), and just wanted to move it out of the shop. You happened to luck out. I'd be willing to bet they paid a whole lot less than $2400 for that rifle...

yep what he said.

 

[Aaros143]

I work a local gun store. Sometimes you have people that want to get rid of stuff. You have to consider if it's something you can sell quick or if it's going to sit for awhile. Also you have to consider if it's something your customer base goes for. There's a lot of factors to consider. So you make your offer and see if it's agreeable. Sometimes they accept, If not I usually try to point them to a better market where they can get a higher price.

 

[ToddM]

Wanted to thank everyone for their help, I did end up getting a take off AT folder on Ebay, wasn't sure I wanted to pay $300 just for a folder, but it turned out it had the grippy cheek rest, target adjustable butt plate, cheek rest shims, which I planned to order, so that was almost $200 I was going to spend anyway, so I figured another $100 to get the folder was a deal. It was a good thing I checked the threads on the Eurooptic barrels before I ordered a brake as they were 5/8x24, I almost assumed they were M18x1.5.

 

[Luvman]

Glad to hear it.

You’ll need some devcon plastic steel epoxy to do the conversion.

 

[ToddM]

Yep, thankfully I usually have a couple tubes laying around. It did take more work than I anticipated to get the old one off even with lots of heat, screws were easy, but it took a good amount of mallet love to get the metal skeleton off, new one went on easy once I cleaned the old epoxy off.