Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

D

dbsinh2o

SSgt
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 29, 2011
377
2
VA & RI
#1
Been thinking about ordering a AI AE, and I'm trying to determine (to the greatest extent possible) what my impressions of this rifle would be vs. my current 5R in an AICS. I'm guessing that most AI owners have had their hands on a Remington 700, and can offer some good advice.

Here are my concerns.

1) How smooth is the AE action? I've read that some degree of force is required to cycle the action reliably.

2) I'm used to a 1.5# Timney in my 5R. Can the AE trigger be safely adjusted to a lower (than delivered) pull weight?

3) I've seen multiple comments about replacing the factory AI barrel. My 5R averages .4 MOA or slightly better with FGMM. Could I expect similar accuracy from the AE?

Any other differences that really stand out when shooting the AE?

Thanks!

 
#2
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

1)The AE action is smooth, it takes a little force to lift the bolt, then it becomes easy about halfway up. 60 degree bolt throw is great. This is the BEST tactical action available, far superior to any 700.

2)AI triggers are great. mine is set 2 lbs for first stage and 1 for the second stage, i love it.

3)all AI models are very accurate <0.5 moa with match ammo,do some searching and you'll find plenty to info

It is almost silly to compare a stock 5R with and AE.
BTW, i just got mine after using a Tac Ops for 2.5 years, so i know a little about high quality remington 700s.

My advice, order an AE
 
#4
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CAPTNAVAIR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The AE is a great rifle. You can have GAP build you one on a AICS for the same cost and get a custom. </div></div>

That's part of the dilemma for me. I don't really want to keep upgrading my 5R, as it won't be long until all that's left is the receiver. And I don't want to be without an accurate rifle during a build.

I like the AICS, and an AI rifle has always been on my short list for when I decided to upgrade to something better.

As nice as the AI AE may be, I'm not thrilled about a 2-stage trigger with twice the pull of what I prefer. I'm assuming there's some range of adjustment, but I haven't been able to find the specs.

The allure of instant gratification with the AI is certainly a strong factor, but having GAP build exactly what I want on a custom action (in an AICS) has advantages as well.

From everything I've read, I would suspect the AI would still be a more durable rifle. I guess it all comes down to what I'm willing to compromise for durability.
 
#5
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

I bought a 24" AE MkII a little over a month ago... got rid of the 700. I love it, can't find any complaints at all. It's in a whole different league from the 700. The action is amazing and super smooth. Way less effort to open and close. Feeds really smooth too. The trigger is perfect from the factory for me. Mine shoots 1/2 MOA easily in my unskilled hands.

If you like the AI thumbhole there is no point in putting a 700, custom or not, into a chassis when the AE is available. The action is just that much better.
 
#6
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

I have spent alot of time on a 700. I bought an AE about 2 years ago. It is an absolute pleasure to shoot. Very smooth, great trigger and very accurate. Would definetely choose AE over 700.
 
#7
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

There's no comparison between the two: The AE is a dedicated platform; the 700 is a hunting rifle.

The AE action does take a bit more force to use because it's a sixty degree bolt throw, but the advantage to the shorter throw offsets any disadvantage there, and you really won't notice the extra effort required.

The AE trigger is two stage, and can't be adjusted much below 3.5lbs, but it is an excellent trigger and you don't need a trigger pull any lighter than that.

The AE will out-shoot the 5R, no need to re-barrel (unless you want to, in which case you can do it quickly and easily yourself at home).

Get the AE. You won't be disappointed. I've been shooting one in matches for three years now, and it still shoots better than I do.
 
#8
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

I've shot Remington 700 rifles for years and really like them a lot. With that being said, I bought an AI AE MK III late last summer and love it. I haven't even given much thought to "Was it worth?" since I've had it. I haven't found the bolt to be noticeably more difficult to open than my 700's. The action is super smooth. It's smoother than my 700's that have had couple thousand rounds through them and there is absolutely no comparison in smoothness to a new 700 action.

Mine shoots about 1/2 MOA with my 175 gr SMK loads. I did shoot a few 5 shot groups with 168 SMKs and it shot awesome groups so it showed a preference to them. Although, I need the 175s performance at distance. So, I'm sticking with them.

The two stage trigger did not seem to require a lot to get used to. I never adjusted mine from the factory setting nor have I measured it. I run Timney's and Jewell's on my 700s and haven't felt the AI trigger was substandard in any way.

I personally do a lot of research before making purchases like this and try and find as objective data as I can to base my decision on. If you can handle one, or better yet, shoot one do it, even if you have to drive a ways to do it. Only after that will you know if you're going to be satisfied.

The ease of a quick barrel change is definitely a plus for me as I can get the necessary tools and get GAP to spin a barrel up for me. This option is attractive to me as I can use the optics already in place as opposed to another rifle requiring another scope.

HTH,

Craig
 
#9
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> As nice as the AI AE may be, I'm not thrilled about a 2-stage trigger with twice the pull of what I prefer. I'm assuming there's some range of adjustment, but I haven't been able to find the specs.
</div></div>

Have you tried a quality two stage trigger or are you referring to something like what comes on a standard AR? The reason I ask is that I said the same thing... I wasn't looking for a 2 stage until a friend of mine let me shoot his rifle with a sweet two-stage Anschutz trigger for ten rounds... changed my perception of two stage triggers forever. I picked a CG jackson on my custom build and I think I'm done with single stage triggers now.
 
#10
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WhiskeyWebber</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> As nice as the AI AE may be, I'm not thrilled about a 2-stage trigger with twice the pull of what I prefer. I'm assuming there's some range of adjustment, but I haven't been able to find the specs.
</div></div>

Have you tried a quality two stage trigger or are you referring to something like what comes on a standard AR? The reason I ask is that I said the same thing... I wasn't looking for a 2 stage until a friend of mine let me shoot his rifle with a sweet two-stage Anschutz trigger for ten rounds... changed my perception of two stage triggers forever. I picked a CG jackson on my custom build and I think I'm done with single stage triggers now. </div></div>

exactly, the AI 2-stage triggers are great. There is no comaprison between the AI rifles and any other action especially a 700
 
#11
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WhiskeyWebber</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> As nice as the AI AE may be, I'm not thrilled about a 2-stage trigger with twice the pull of what I prefer. I'm assuming there's some range of adjustment, but I haven't been able to find the specs.
</div></div>

Have you tried a quality two stage trigger or are you referring to something like what comes on a standard AR? The reason I ask is that I said the same thing... I wasn't looking for a 2 stage until a friend of mine let me shoot his rifle with a sweet two-stage Anschutz trigger for ten rounds... changed my perception of two stage triggers forever. I picked a CG jackson on my custom build and I think I'm done with single stage triggers now. </div></div>

Probably the closest I have to a "good" 2-stage is an ATC AR Gold. It's setup may seem backwards with about 6oz. on the first stage, and a little over 2.5# on the second. A nice trigger in the AR world, but I still prefer them lighter on a bolt gun.

Maybe it's just laziness on my part, but I shoot better with a lighter trigger. No need to worry as much about trigger control, as lighter is more forgiving.
 
#12
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WhiskeyWebber</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dbsinh20</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> As nice as the AI AE may be, I'm not thrilled about a 2-stage trigger with twice the pull of what I prefer. I'm assuming there's some range of adjustment, but I haven't been able to find the specs.
</div></div>

Have you tried a quality two stage trigger or are you referring to something like what comes on a standard AR? The reason I ask is that I said the same thing... I wasn't looking for a 2 stage until a friend of mine let me shoot his rifle with a sweet two-stage Anschutz trigger for ten rounds... changed my perception of two stage triggers forever. I picked a CG jackson on my custom build and I think I'm done with single stage triggers now. </div></div>

Probably the closest I have to a "good" 2-stage is an ATC AR Gold. It's setup may seem backwards with about 6oz. on the first stage, and a little over 2.5# on the second. A nice trigger in the AR world, but I still prefer them lighter on a bolt gun.

Maybe it's just laziness on my part, but I shoot better with a lighter trigger. No need to worry as much about trigger control, as lighter is more forgiving.

</div></div>

you still need to come straight back on the trigger!!
if you're worried about the trigger being to heavy, its not. Like i said, my first stage is 2 lbs (doesn't feel like much), then 1 lb for second stage and feels light. Had it adjusted by Adam at Mile High Shooting Supply when i bought it.
 
#13
Re: Remington 5R AICS vs. AI AE MK III 24"

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jpspeeddemon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
you still need to come straight back on the trigger!!
if you're worried about the trigger being to heavy, its not. Like i said, my first stage is 2 lbs (doesn't feel like much), then 1 lb for second stage and feels light. Had it adjusted by Adam at Mile High Shooting Supply when i bought it. </div></div>

Well, I try to pull it straight. Not sure of the cause, but for me the difference between 1.5# and 3# is about .1 to .2 MOA. Seems like a lighter trigger is faster to fire - like almost immediate when I'm on target vs. a short delay. Same with handguns.

I'll call Mile High, and see if they can give any advice on the pull weight, and check what they have in stock.
 
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