Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

Patton63

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Jan 8, 2006
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Northern Virginia
I am interested in getting an AI-style rifle, and am wavering between an AI AE MkII and having a smith build a rifle using an AICS. For those who have shot both, can you help me understand the advantages/disadvantages choosing one path over the other?
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

The AI will have better resale value and the AI action is way smoother, changing the barrel/caliber on an AI is a very simple process. Depending on the build you are planning, the AI may be a little to a lot more expensive.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I have an AIAW (not an AE,) and have had a brief amount of time shooting a friends custom 700 in an AICS.

My opinion is to buy the AI over the 700. It is a much more modern platform, it has a 60 degree bolt throw that is much smoother in addition to being shorter to the 700's, the trigger is in my opinion much nicer (though there are many very nice trigger options for Reminton,) and the AI has end user replaceable barrels.

That being said, a 700 in an AICS is a very nice rifle, just not on the same field as an AI, in my opinion. Check out the FS forum though, there are guys selling AICS'd custom 700's all over the place, and the occaisional AE.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

Pro's for AI:

You can have one tomorrow.
Great re-sale value.
Easy Barrel changing
Rugged and dependable.
It's basically a bolt action Combat Rifle, and accrues all the virtues and negatives as such.

Pro's for Custom:

You can have it your way.
It's not a Combat Rifle, so you can build it as a benchrester, or hunting rifle, or tactical comp rifle or whatever.
If you find you don't like the thumbhole AICS stock, it is easy to sell, and put it in another style of stock.

Bob
 
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Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I've had 2 AE's which I loved. I had a MKI and a MKII. Both shot pretty good, although my MKI shot better than my MKII. Both would shoot anything you could feed it and they both held good groups with hand loads. I recently sold my MKII and picked up a custom APA in an AICS.

The APA is a Badger M2008 action w/ an 18.5 Schneider barrel. The APA shoots a better group than either of my AE's but it is more picky on what ammo goes through it. It is also much heavier and clearly not designed as a combat rifle. It is great for shooting at the range or maybe a competition, but to lug it around for any length of time would quickly become unbearable.

It really comes down to what you want to with it. If it's just for the range, I would go with a custom and have it built to your specs. If you want something that you are going to be carrying around for any length of time, I would go with an AE.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I'm in Alexandria--

I have an AE 308 and a REM700 in an AICS. If you want to check both of them side-by-side for trigger comparison and action, then you are welcome to stop by. They do feel different.

Send PM and I'll send you my phone number.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I have an AIAW, AE, & a custom Rem 700. Here is what I would do.

Unless I wanted a 223 build, I would get the AE. I would not get too bent out of shape over either a MkI or MkII, both are good guns. Yes the MkII will take 10 round AICS mags but my experience is that the hang low & tend to rattle compared to the 5 round AICS or Mk I magazine.

With the AE you get a short bolt lift, a smooth action, 3 locking lugs, user replacable barrel, factory rail already installed,& a great factory trigger.

I did a Rem 700 in 308 & an AICS stock, it was not as nice an overall package as the AE, so I moved it on. I still have one in 223, but only until I work out how to make an AE bolt with a 223 bolt face :)
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I have 2 customs in AI stocks and if I could do it over again, I think I would try out one of the AI rifles. A little more expensive, but more rugged.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I have owned a 700p, a mk I ae, mk II ae, and now an AW. I've sold the 700p and the mkII and may end up parting with the mkI someday for an AWM or another AW.

The AI actions are smoother then anything else I have felt. 60 degree is nice, but I've seen guys work 700s faster then I work my AIs so that in my opinion is kind of a preference thing. The mags are expensive, about 75$ ea for AW and AE mkI mags. The AICS mags are pretty much the industry standard so price on those is kind of moot. End user barrel changes are nice, but unless it's a factory barrel youre installing it will most likely require the smith to have the rifle to setup the blank for you (including AWs and for sure AI AEs). GAP will require the action for AEs and they are the only shop I know of who will turn an AW barrel without having the action. The AE will probably weigh about the same as a 700 and the AW a slight bit more. The custom rifle will give you choices in triggers, while some people adjust their factory AI triggers to remove the take up stage. I wouldn't suggest it. I could not get my rifle field safe when adjusted like that and went back to my original settings quickly.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I have an AIAWSM in 338 and AIAW 308 and a GAP semi custom 700 P in 300 WM. I can tell you that the bolt on the AIs are very smooth. The AIs will tolerate more hic-cups than my custom. Accuracy wise, there is no doubt that my GAP stick is far more accuate (comparing the 338LM vs. 300 WM). They all weight about the same amount since I have my 300 WM in an AICS stock. At the end of the day, it depends on what you want to have. It's either extreme accuracy (go with the custom), or enough accuracy but more field tolerant (go with the AIAWs). I don't own an AIAE so I can't speak for that.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

What type of accuracy are you guys getting out of your custom guns that are "much more accurate than your AI?" Just curious, because my AW seems to be .25-.5 MOA when I do my part, and I have read similar reviews all over.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I've done several AICS rifles for customers and two now for myself. I love the stock design, but went with the 700 for it. I've never owned an AI rifle so all I can say is if you have the time, build it to your specs and use a 700. If you have the money and want it now buy the AI. Either way you will be happy.

Good luck and post a follow up.

JamieD

Wolf Precision
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jdberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who has the best deals on the AICS?</div></div>

Give us a call...
wink.gif
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What type of accuracy are you guys getting out of your custom guns that are "much more accurate than your AI?" Just curious, because my AW seems to be .25-.5 MOA when I do my part, and I have read similar reviews all over.</div></div>

+1?

I've got 3 AIAW's (308, 300WM, and 338LM) All three have 1/4 minute accuracy. As good or better than my customs (GAP & APA).

AIAW's are great rifles. Expensive, a bit heavy, but the best IMHO.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

I've owned 4 different GAP rifles as well as a McMillan TAC338.

They are gone. I now have a AI AE MKII and a AIAWSM in 338LM. With the ability to switch barrels-it is THE system that I am sticking with. S&B glass on AI rifles-

I still have several 50BMG rifles-but they are a completely different animal.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jdberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who has the best deals on the AICS? </div></div>

For AI-deal with SRT with 100% confidence.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What type of accuracy are you guys getting out of your custom guns that are "much more accurate than your AI?" Just curious, because my AW seems to be .25-.5 MOA when I do my part, and I have read similar reviews all over.</div></div>

+1?

I've got 3 AIAW's (308, 300WM, and 338LM) All three have 1/4 minute accuracy. As good or better than my customs (GAP & APA).

AIAW's are great rifles. Expensive, a bit heavy, but the best IMHO. </div></div>

Yep, my AWSM 338 is 1/4 MOA when i get things right.....betters any custom rifle i have and have had..
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS

fwiw,
I've had 12 full custom 700s built with most of them done by Eric at GA Precision. I have two I inherited from my brother. I've been shooting AIAWs since 08'. A 20" Fluted .308 with a forend rail and a Magnum that largely shoots .300 Win Mag with the odd excursion into .338 land when ammo is available... I am a certified gunsmith and have come to the opinion there is nothing to do to an AW that really helps the rifle.

We might say stateside service but that would be about it... And yeah I know all about Fredericksburg.

I've been selling Schmidt Benders on this sight longer than anyone else. I have FINALLY figured out they are the ONLY way to go. Mil/Mil Schmidt PMII LPs are it. Bought the T-shirt...

I totally believe in a few things from experience:

1. AIAWs with TAB Slings
2. First Rate 1911s(deep, deep subject that winds up being a very short list)
3. Schmidt Bender PMII LPs. Greatly prefer 4-16x42 Mil/Mil Single Turns with Gen Two Mil-Dots...
4. Surefire LEDs
5. Glock 19s with NOTHING nothing done other than a set of Heinie Straight Eights.
6. HK 45s with HK 45 Suppressor Barrel, and Heinie Suppressor Sights, and AAC Tirant.

Fairly sure of...

6. Anschutz 1913/1712 .22 LRs and 17 HMR Classic with a Gemtech HMR Suppressor and AAC on the .22s...
7. HK/Benelli M1s w/8 round tube(late SNs) with Surefire LED 617LM

Unsure of...

8. Direct Impingement ARs. Have them in full up Colt Uppers to Larue OBR and Noveske...Keep them clean and wet and they seem to run. The experts say no...

Burned by...

9. LWRC M6A2 piston gun. Recommended as the "Glock 17 of ARs" by an active duty Frogman. Rifle would not hold 5 MOA with the best and the brightest, Sent it back a few months before said frogman withdrew support of LWRC.

Heard too much on POF from credible source to go there...

Apparently the Germans are the only ones who can get a post M14 piston gun right...

Regards, Matt Garrett
757-581-6270
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Matt in Virginia</div><div class="ubbcode-body">fwiw,
I've had 12 full custom 700s built with most of them done by Eric at GA Precision. I have two I inherited from my brother. I've been shooting AIAWs since 08'. A 20" Fluted .308 with a forend rail and a Magnum that largely shoots .300 Win Mag with the odd excursion into .338 land when ammo is available... I am a certified gunsmith and have come to the opinion there is nothing to do to an AW that really helps the rifle.

We might say stateside service but that would be about it... And yeah I know all about Fredericksburg.

I've been selling Schmidt Benders on this sight longer than anyone else. I have FINALLY figured out they are the ONLY way to go. Mil/Mil Schmidt PMII LPs are it. Bought the T-shirt...

I totally believe in a few things from experience:

1. AIAWs with TAB Slings
2. First Rate 1911s(deep, deep subject that winds up being a very short list)
3. Schmidt Bender PMII LPs. Greatly prefer 4-16x42 Mil/Mil Single Turns with Gen Two Mil-Dots...
4. Surefire LEDs
5. Glock 19s with NOTHING nothing done other than a set of Heinie Straight Eights.
6. HK 45s with HK 45 Suppressor Barrel, and Heinie Suppressor Sights, and AAC Tirant.

Fairly sure of...

6. Anschutz 1913/1712 .22 LRs and 17 HMR Classic with a Gemtech HMR Suppressor and AAC on the .22s...
7. HK/Benelli M1s w/8 round tube(late SNs) with Surefire LED 617LM

Unsure of...

8. Direct Impingement ARs. Have them in full up Colt Uppers to Larue OBR and Noveske...Keep them clean and wet and they seem to run. The experts say no...

Burned by...

9. LWRC M6A2 piston gun. Recommended as the "Glock 17 or ARs" by an active duty Frogman. Rifle would not hold 5 MOA with the best and the brightest, Sent it back a few months before said frogman withdrew support of LWRC.

Heard too much on POF from credible source to go there...

Apparently the Germans are the only ones who can get a post M14 piston gun right...

Regards, Matt Garrett
757-581-6270 </div></div>

Matt, there is more truth in this post than what I have seen on whole forums put together. Cheers to you, sir!

My only nit pick is #6 (replace it with a W. German 226....untouched with straight 8's). But hey, no one's perfect.
 
Re: Pros and Cons of AI v. custom rifle using AICS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lill-rambo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why not a SAKO TRG? </div></div>

Because they are not AI
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