I cant think of a single reason why getting an AI especially a AT, as a first gun is a bad idea.
Knowing the small amount i know now back then,i could have saved thousands...
Barrel is toast? get a new one in the mail. Loosen screw, old stick out, new stick in, QD screw back to 50 ish inch pounds... go shoot again.
If you stay with 6.5 CM there is NO, I MEAN, NOOO magazine footwork to learn. None, zip, nada. The mags are a non issue and sorry, you build, you open yourself to that.
Reliable trigger. Too heavy? AI makes a lighter comp trigger.
60 deg throw is a train, get on it.
Did i tell you about the mags? they top load too.