Only one .308 Bolt Gun : Accuracy AT or Gladius for a 600 to 800y max.

[TacticalPlinker]

For range work and tactical matches what would you choose. Not interested in multi caliber capabilities. Just sticking with running a .308 in its sweet spot and occasionally pushing it to 800.

The AT or the GA Gladius?

Also lookng at the new lightweight Steiners in 3-15x or a trusty NXS F1 as the optics choice.

TP....

 

[Redmanss]

Save some money and find a closeout AE MK III with a 20" barrel.

 

[Lrdchaos]

I would say flip a coin, get the one with the shortest lead time. I believe the gladius has a shorter barrel so that my come in handy for the tactical matches. There's a gladius for sale in the classifieds as I type.

 

[ChemE1975]

You'd be doing well to have either rifle.

There are several threads that ask a similar, although a little more broad, question of AI vs custom. You may look for those. They contain good information applicable to your question.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

You really can't beat a AT setup with a F1 for a reliable 308 platform. Just a great combo.

 

[RFM15]

Depends on if you want a custom rifle or a AI. Both are great. AI would probably have the shorter lead time. Cant go wrong with either.

 

[BCP]

Save some money and find a closeout AE MK III with a 20" barrel.

Like:

Accuracy International AE MK III .308 Win Green Rifles for sale!


????

 

[silentheart]

Save some money and find a closeout AE MK III with a 20" barrel.

I third on that motion. Since weight is a consideration for you. 20" barrel is a great suggestion.

 

[Chance]

Buy the AI. You won't be disappointed.

 

[heytonyman]

Another motion for the AT. Ran one several times now and for the money it's a no-brainer. It's essentially an AX without the rail but has upgrades. The 6-lug action is like closing a vault door, two-stage trigger is the shit, fold the stock and stick it in your backpack. Wanna upgrade calibers down the road? Loosen the screw and spin another short-action barrel on. Tho the UK barrel that comes on it will be a laser with anything from 155-185 grain pills.

 

[Donr13]

My friends AT is fun to shoot but I will say it is a bit heavy. However I think all the other features more than make up for that.

Not sure about the GA.

 

[cramey74]

Buy a Gladius out of the for sale section. AI's are junk.

 

[Lrdchaos]

I was trying to get you a sell by my previous reply. You have some awesome guns for sale. If I didn't have 2 builds going I would drive to Joplin and pick a couple up.

 

[cramey74]

I was trying to get you a sell by my previous reply. You have some awesome guns for sale. If I didn't have 2 builds going I would drive to Joplin and pick a couple up.

Haha! Thanks

 

[Phezzik]

Since you are looking at the lightweight Steiner I'd throw my vote for the Gladius, especially if you can find one second hand that eliminates a wait time (hint-hint). The AI is reliable and accurate, but it will be heavier than the Gladius, and correct me if I'm wrong but in a tac match I'd think that weight and maneuverability are important.

Ultimately you can't go wrong because they are both almost equally accurate and they will both hold their value.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I've never been hindered in a match by having a heavy rifle. When shooting off barricades and awkward positions it only helps because the heavier rifle is more stable.

 

[K_4c]

You really can't beat a AT setup with a F1 for a reliable 308 platform. Just a great combo.

Bingo ^

owned a lot of different rifles (like many here) and the AT/NF combo is king in my eyes... bomb proof action (feeds like butter clean or dirty), quick change barrel set up and great two stage trigger.

AIAT hands down...

 

[Phezzik]

I've never been hindered in a match by having a heavy rifle. When shooting off barricades and awkward positions it only helps because the heavier rifle is more stable.

I'm sure that's the case for some people, but I took his statement about the lightweight Steiner to meaning that perhaps he was looking for a lighter setup, or at least to save weight where possible.

 

[TacticalPlinker]

Thanks for the replies ! So now that the general consensus is they are very similar performance wise , I now must consider how each one swings. Coming from AR15 community, I place high marks for balance and quick handling. Those words are usually not associated with precision bolt rigs. I do realize compromise is necessary here. So that being said I may find I may need to go with a custom build for my needs. May actually visit GA Precision and try both chassis systems first hand so I can find the best fit for my needs. Buy once as they say.

TP

 

[Phezzik]

Sounds like a helluva plan. Ultimately you have to go with what fits you best because that's what you'll perform the best with.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

So now that the general consensus is they are very similar performance wise

As far as accuracy on target, yes they are a wash. As far as the performance of the rest of the system (feeding, trigger, bolt manipulation) the Gladius doesn't even compare to an AI.

 

[K_4c]

As far as accuracy on target, yes they are a wash. As far as the performance of the rest of the system (feeding, trigger, bolt manipulation) the Gladius doesn't even compare to an AI.

Gotta agree...

 

[s002wjh]

curious if AI is on par with custom why most pro use custom action in competition? weight?

 

[Pointman308]

curious if AI is on par with custom why most pro use custom action in competition? weight?

Yeah, why?^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[TacticalPlinker]

As far as accuracy on target, yes they are a wash. As far as the performance of the rest of the system (feeding, trigger, bolt manipulation) the Gladius doesn't even compare to an AI.

Wow really! Didn't expect to hear that! Especially considering the AI is mil spec, I never thought it was going to be more refined than a custom from GA . Based on all the positive feedback I read on their builds, I thought it would be the other way around.

TP...

 

[redneckbmxer24]

AI's aren't "mil spec", that's a term that get thrown around way too loosely. They are a sniper rifle built from the ground up, not a glorified hunting rifle. They are meant to run in the absolute worst conditions and still remain 100% reliable. I've yet to see or find another rifle that runs as reliable as one. They also shoot lights out. You absolutely cannot beat them. Sure you can get by with other rifles but they do not top a factory AI.

 

[Phezzik]

Agreed with the above question: If AI's are so vastly superior to a "glorified hunting rifle", then why don't you see more AI's in matches?

 

[woojos]

Does AI sponsor any pro shooters?

 

[USMC_03XX]

Ive had a Gladius (built on a Templar V1 action), and I currently own a couple AI's. I should have never sold the Gladius. It shot amazing, handled well, and was just an all around bad ass gun. I am a BIG AI fan, and I will admit when it came to positional shooting, the Gladius is king. I will say that I struggled getting consistent hits on full size IPSC's past 850 or so with the Gladius. The most accurate .308 rifle Ive shot was my Gladius...I plan on one day doing a similiar build only in a 6.5 Creed specifically for match type shooting.

Youve heard it a hundred times already, but you cant go wrong with either, I would just look at what type of matches you want to shoot - if they are 'prone-friendly' then get the AI, if not, get the Gladius - my .02 cents.

 

[bogeybrown]

Thanks for the replies ! So now that the general consensus is they are very similar performance wise , I now must consider how each one swings. Coming from AR15 community, I place high marks for balance and quick handling. Those words are usually not associated with precision bolt rigs. I do realize compromise is necessary here. So that being said I may find I may need to go with a custom build for my needs. May actually visit GA Precision and try both chassis systems first hand so I can find the best fit for my needs. Buy once as they say.

TP

This is not intended as a derail, but simply as an option you haven't discussed. You say you're coming from an AR background and your goal is 6-800yds. That range is the absolute butter-zone for a .308 AR. You could choose between a GAP 10 (always several for sale here), a JP, LMT, OBR, with a 16-18" barrel and have a rifle plenty accurate enough for what you've stated as your intended purpose, and end up paying less than either the Gladious or AI in most cases.

Just a thought.

 

[RRW]

Agreed with the above question: If AI's are so vastly superior to a "glorified hunting rifle", then why don't you see more AI's in matches?

The AI is a purpose built platform and was not designed for matches. I would suspect its a bit heavier than most would like for matches however some use them. I would not base whether people use them in matches or not as to whether which is better for the purpose it's designed for. I have 2 AI's and also a glorified hunting rifle if you want to call it that. The AI's are just as accurate and much more reliable than the "custom". Shooting in extreme winter weather in northern Canada it gets obvious real quick. Accuracy without reliability means squat to me and there is no question which is more reliable and I have experienced it first hand. Both are quality rifles and take your pick. Its intended use I think would influence your decision. To me its a no brainer I would take the AI hands down but that's my personal opinion and everyone is different of course.

 

[s002wjh]

The AI is a purpose built platform and was not designed for matches. I would suspect its a bit heavier than most would like for matches however some use them. I would not base whether people use them in matches or not as to whether which is better for the purpose it's designed for. I have 2 AI's and also a glorified hunting rifle if you want to call it that. The AI's are just as accurate and much more reliable than the "custom". Shooting in extreme winter weather in northern Canada it gets obvious real quick. Accuracy without reliability means squat to me and there is no question which is more reliable and I have experienced it first hand. Both are quality rifles and take your pick. Its intended use I think would influence your decision. To me its a no brainer I would take the AI hands down but that's my personal opinion and everyone is different of course.

since you have AI and custom, is AI heavier? or other things thats not good as custom, maybe thats reason most pro dont use in competition? or maybe custom vendor sponsor their gun? cause when I looking at sticky in this forum or precisionblog, seem all the pro are using surgeon/templer/some true remmy, so there must be some reason they didn't choose AI, maybe because a year back AIAX, AIAW are more expensive?
if AI is truly comparable against custom, i don't know why people dont use it in competition.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

Agreed with the above question: If AI's are so vastly superior to a "glorified hunting rifle", then why don't you see more AI's in matches?

If AI sponsored shooters and gave out rifles like the custom builders do to serious competitors then you would. I always see a few AI's in matches and those few AI's are the only ones that consistently run 100% too.

 

[samnev]

Bingo ^

owned a lot of different rifles (like many here) and the AT/NF combo is king in my eyes... bomb proof action (feeds like butter clean or dirty), quick change barrel set up and great two stage trigger.

AIAT hands down...

+1 Ditto

 

[Forgetful Coyote]

If AI sponsored shooters and gave out rifles like the custom builders do to serious competitors then you would. I always see a few AI's in matches and those few AI's are the only ones that consistently run 100% too.

This, I imagine you`d find most high level competitors want something else besides what they have. The one they want is not who is sponsoring them though.

 

[s002wjh]

This, I imagine you`d find most high level competitors want something else besides what they have. The one they want is not who is sponsoring them though.

half top competitor use surgeon, rest use defiance/remmy etc, so you got what half people sponsor by surgeon or rifle maker who use surgeon action?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

half top competitor use surgeon, rest use defiance/remmy etc, so you got what half people sponsor by surgeon or rifle maker who use surgeon action?

Since that data report surgeon dropped their team and pissed a lot of people off. I think you'll see that changing, and this is coming from somebody who's looking to build a rifle on a surgeon.

 

[Chance]

I can't say I'm a top level competition shooter, but I have shot in my fair share of big competitions. For a long time I used my surgeon action with AICS stocks and a few different barrels. I also ran a jewel trigger. This rifle was a hammer and I had no complaints with it, until my trigger went down in a match. This sucks when your counting on your rifle to perform.

When the AIAX first came out, I picked one up. This rifle is amazing in every way. To me custom, non custom, whatever, the rifles just dint compair. The smoothness of the action, accuracy, the trigger, ergonomics of the system, and the reliability is just second to none. The rifle is heavy, it's a beast.

Compairing just accuracy, custom rifle compaired to an AI, your not going to see any difference. The AI may even be a bit less accurate. I still wouldn't trade mine. Your right, you don't see many shooters shooting the AI's in comps. I think part of the reasons could be price, weight, and metric threads. You could get a few Remington's put together with custom barrels and stocks for what the AIAW/ AX costs. I for one will continue to use my AIAX in comps.

 

[malsa82]

I was considering the same type of situation; custom action build, true and rebarrel my existing Remington or go with the AT. For me, price is a big factor and the AI is expensive but after doing ass-loads of research, as I'm sure you are also, I've unquestionably now decided on the AT. I have never shot one, but I've shot an AW and an AX and I can agree with most who've said they are built like a bank vault, feed like a hot knife through warm butter, are laser beam accurate and rock solid reliable (battlefield proven).

Also, I know you said your not interested in changing calibers, but do you absolutely know that you will NEVER want a different caliber? Now I know you can always rebarrel a Gladious but with an AT it is as simple as purchasing a barrel in a different caliber from either AINA or most other custom barrel manufacturers and spinning it on by hand, yourself. Then you can always switch back to .308 if desired. I think this is a huge advantage.

 

[Walsh]

DUMB QUESTION ALERT!!!

Ok, I have never seen one anywhere on the internet, but does AI sell a long action bolt with a .473" bolt face? I really love a 30-06 and have a desire for one of these rifles. Like I said, stupid question, and I know its basically the same as a .308, and a hair smaller than a .300WM, but nonetheless, I am curious.

 

[EricG]

I have one custom 700 and waiting on another to return from Manners (It's like waiting for Christmas!). The one I run now for work, hunting and competition is great but after shooting Chance's work AI a week ago, I am a huge supporter of that gun system. Heavy yes, but like stated above, it runs like a fine German vehicle. It just wants to shoot...and accurately. I run the custom due to convenience of spreading the price over a period of the custom build, but if I could, I'd buy all at once and get an AX.

 

[TacticalPlinker]

This is not intended as a derail, but simply as an option you haven't discussed. You say you're coming from an AR background and your goal is 6-800yds. That range is the absolute butter-zone for a .308 AR. You could choose between a GAP 10 (always several for sale here), a JP, LMT, OBR, with a 16-18" barrel and have a rifle plenty accurate enough for what you've stated as your intended purpose, and end up paying less than either the Gladious or AI in most cases.

Just a thought.

I definitely thought of that.
But since I run 77gr mk262 in the AR15 I wanted something completely different that will fly under any future "Ban Legislation" . Living in the Northeast it's unfortunately always on my mind when purchasing a firearm. Spending 3k on a semi auto is not a good "long term" investment anymore over here.

 

[TacticalPlinker]

Just milling around what you guys are suggesting about going with the AT and it's starting to look like a good move for me. I can flute and cut down the factory 20" pipe to 18" to lighten it up for positional shooting with a lightweight 3-15x . Then get a killer 24" heavy contour barrel partnered up with a long range rig like the NF BEAST for the sending it out there. With the right scope mount it's doable with minimal poi shift.

TP...

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I can flute and cut down the factory 20" pipe to 18" to lighten it up for positional shooting

The factory UK barrels are button rifled and it's not a good idea to flute buttoned barrels, hey can have accuracy issues from stress points.

I have an AT with a AINA a bartlein cut rifled barrel for sale on here. It's already cut to 18" and fluting a cut rifled barrel is no problem if that's what you want to do. You're not going to get a AT and have the factory barrel chopped for the cost of mine, let alone get one with the AINA Bartlein for that.