Save for AI? Or?

[TheBigCountry]

So I’m am squirreling money away for the next year or so for a new rifle.

Right now I am looking hard at a budget route;
Bighorn Origin or TL3 in a Bravo or a John Hancock from PVA.

The other side of the spectrum has me looking hard at an AI AT. It’s more money and would take longer, but I’ve read a lot on here about them and it has me interested.

Plan is to shoot the barrel out of it. Plain and simple. Learn to shoot it and eventually try my hand at a PRS match. Some hunting mixed in.

Has anyone bypassed a custom and doge straight into an AI? How do you like it compared to a run of the mill 700? I’ve never been behind one so it’s an unknown variable (I’ve owned Stiller and BigHorn Before).

 

[W54/XM-388]

The AI AT is a bit of a bigger, heavier, bulkier chassis type rifle.
Not as blocky as the AX but a bit more square than most custom ones.
They are also a bit on the heavy side, which is great for range work, not so much for long carrying.

For a rifle you can easily change the barrel out on, it is a very good value & rock solid.
They also have excellent resale value.
If you add in the competition trigger you'll be well set for competitions.

Perhaps you might want to try listing your location & see if anyone has one that you can look at on the range, as the AI stocks are a bit love them or really not like them and you want to be sure.

It might be worth a cheap flight to Denver to visit Mile High and take a look at stuff they stock, AI and other stocks.

 

[schmi015]

I'd develop 2 COA's here: COA 1 Buy this model of rifle or a tikka ctr https://www.gunprodeals.com/product...-precision-sand-wblack-web-stk-black-cerakote and put the best glass on top of it such as NF, S&B, or TT. Shoot the barrel out then you could sell it or move to another platform. Or send it to a smith to true and rebarrel and bed into a better stock or chassis.

COA 2 Buy the AI and shoot the hell out of it, also top with the best glass you can afford. Rebarrel. If you ever decide to sell it will keep it's value quite nicely.

 

[Bradu]

I started with custom rifles then bought an AIAE. I like the chassis on them so I would have skipped the customs and went straight to the AI. However, the chassis isn't for everyone so that is the part you need to figure out before making a decision. If you like the chassis then would go that route because you have no wait time for it to be built. As mentioned above, I would see if you can't meet up with someone to try one out and go from there.

 

[TheBigCountry]

I will definitely try to get my hands on one when the time comes. Thanks for recommending that.

I have had a T4A and T3 in the last, and I am sure the feel of both are way different then what the AI chassis feels like.

The one thing I find hard is is an AI really worth 2x the cost of, say, a John Hancock or similar built rifle? Especially with the $1000 and under actions? My ideal budget is to try to stay at or under $2000 when the time comes.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I received an email from Mile High Shooting Accessories that said they are having a sale on non-folder AT for $3400.

 

[mercracing]

I had a trued 700 then quickly sold that and bought an AT, then sold that and bought an AXMC. To me, AI is the top of the food chain and I love em.

 

[Sheldon N]

Plan is to shoot the barrel out of it. Plain and simple. Learn to shoot it and eventually try my hand at a PRS match. Some hunting mixed in.

Buy as soon as possible, don't wait to shoot or wait to compete.

Bighorn Origin barreled action from Keystone accuracy. Button rifled, 26" 7.5 or 8 twist 6BR barrel in M24 contour. Only $1184. Put it in a KRG Bravo chassis, add a Triggertech Special trigger, find a used muzzle brake and a decent used optic.

Reload for yourself, Lapua Brass, Varget, and 105-108gr bullet. Shoot the crap out of it, start attending matches immediately, it will make you a MUCH better shooter.

You can keep saving while you shoot if you want an AI eventually. You'll have no problem parting out the gun and getting most of your value back.

 

[NateVA]

What type of hunting? If a lot of walking is involved an AI would be a bit too heavy for that. Personally I'd get an AI and then get a separate hunting rifle. I tried to build a do-it-all rifle and ended up with a rifle that didn't do anything perfectly.

Edit: Then I got an AIAT, love it and don't want anything but AI from now on. Will get a separate lightweight hunting rifle for hunting but the AI is here to stay.

 

[Supersubes]

I also got the sale email from euro today. Immediately forwarded it to some buddies who need more AI in their lives. If you want the AI, get the AI.

Hunting within normal hunting ranges can easily be accomplished with a $350 Howa or similar.

 

[hollowoutadime]

Buy an AT, great rifle. Get the folder version, another $400. There aren't many people who have bought AI who didn't like them. Another option, You can find nice used AI/AE MK3's for $2600 if you have some patience. They will use the same bbl the AT an short action AX use.

 

[PBWalsh]

I was in your shoes this year. I just bought an AIAT. COMPLETELY worth the money. Every part on this rifle is quality and while I considered the Tikka or Howa route, I am very happy I stayed disciplined and saved the extra money for an AI.

Is it heavy? Ehh compared to a Fix or your typical hunting rifle sure, but it weighs what most other precision rifles are (14-17 pounds). To me, that is the only downside of the rifle, though I do wish it was American made (but America does not currently produce a rifle that can realistically compete with an AI in my opinion).

Definitely try and shoot or at least dry fire one before you purchase as you are married to the chassis unless you debond the barreled action (basically turning the rifle into a 3.5-4k barreled action). Oh and spring for the folder if you get one, I had my doubts, but it is extremely solid and very convienient for removing the bolt.

As the post above suggest, if you have to make a 1 day trip to MHSA or EO just to handle the rifle, it will be worth it in the long run. I personally was able to meet a SH member at a local range and shoot his AIAT. That same day I scrapped my idea for a Mausingfield build and called MHSA to get a quote on an AIAT.

Practically speaking, a Tikka/JHR/etc. will be just as accurate and arguably 90-97% as reliable for nearly half the cost. But the AI rifles are definitely a special system.

Bottom line, if you desire an AI, nothing else will satisfy you.

 

[Muldoon7]

I just also bought an at from Derrick at euruoptic and honestly I was hesitant at first thinking I could get a custom etc but after receiving I don’t want to shoot anything else. I’ve owned an ai chassis Remington and it doesn’t compare.


If I had to do it all over again I’d buy the at hands down. The bolt, the trigger everything is more than beyond my expectations.

 

[kthomas]

Buy an AT, great rifle. Get the folder version, another $400. There aren't many people who have bought AI who didn't like them. Another option, You can find nice used AI/AE MK3's for $2600 if you have some patience. They will use the same bbl the AT an short action AX use.

I know some.

Personally, I prefer customs. I can get the rifle set up exactly the way I want. With an AI you are pretty much limited to the stock configuration - the AI is a "one size fits most" off the rack product where a custom rifle is like a tailor made suit - built exactly for you.

I will caution you in that it takes a few iterations of rifles to know exactly what you want in a custom rifle. My rifle went through many iterations until I got a product that was "tailor made" for me. The AI will be a solid choice right out of the box - most likely not perfect, but a very solid product that won't limit you.

If possible, get exposure to as many different rifles as possible. Sheldon N has great advice. I personally would never give up my rifle for an AI, but I do believe that an AI is a solid rifle.

 

[Luke]

I have had my eye on AI's for 10+ years and had written them off as too expensive, and never bought one. Over the years I've owned Savage's, Ruger Precision Rifle, POF AR-10, etc. but they just never scratched the itch. I did the math and figured that I could have probably bought two AI's with the money I spent experimenting with the "cheaper" rifles. I learned my lesson, sold all my lesser equipment and bought an AI AT this summer. Completely happy now, and the rifle is incredibly precise. My one and only dislike is the weight....it's heavy, but I can live with that. Some folks don't like the AI ergonomics, but lucky for me I find it a great fit for my frame and shooting preferences.

+1 on the folder recommendation.

 

[winniethepooh]

I too went the route of factory rifles, customs. Now my main rig is an AXSA. I do wish somebody around me had an AI but all my friends are broke. I went for it and it’s the best gun decision I made.

 

[Basher]

If you'd told me to fly out to MHSA and "try before you buy" a year ago, I might have called you crazy. But now that I have an AT of my own, the idea isn't all that far off, for those of us out here in the West. Keep your eyes open for a deal on round-trip airfare, and make a weekend of it so it's worth your while, but when you're about to drop anywhere from $3400 on the low end up to around $8,000 (or more) on the high end for an AI, the ~$500 in airfare to make SURE you want one is money well spent. Crazy idea, but considering what you're about to pay, not a bad idea.

That having been said, a custom is made to your specific tastes. You can spec out what action you want, picking the features most important to you. Same with the stock/chassis, trigger, etc.

But if I could ONLY have one, it would be my AT, hands down. YEARS ago, I got to handle an AE at a gunshow and was almost immediately put off by how the stock felt. I had an old 700PSS at the time, and much preferred the feel of the HS Precision stock to how the AE felt. While I knew the AI was a premium rifle, it just felt "cheap" to me with the plastic skins, and wasn't all that comfortable at the time. However, time changes things, and I honestly find the AT to fit me quite well. I run the old thumb hole skins and love them.

If flying somewhere to get educated on options isn't viable, definitely try to find someone nearby, or even a few hours away by car, that would let you give their AI a try first. They're a polarizing rifle system, but if they're for you, you won't want to be without one again!

 

[Bradu]

I couldn't justify the cost of the axmc so I had a switch barrel rifle built. Wasnt happy so I gambled with a Desert tech but at the end of the day I still want the Axmc after shooting one. I've spent a small fortune only to find out that I wished I bought the AI in the first place. The only rifle that i like more than my AIAE is the sako trg. I prefer it over over any rifle I have had so far.

 

[BullzeyeNJ]

I listened to guys on this forum for years pine over the greatness of the Accuracy International rifle in various iterations. And for all those years I said to myself how good could they be because they are a one size fits all factory made rifle. And they are pretty damn expensive too. So I continued to have my negative AI bias as I built a collection of full custom bolt rifles built by who are considered the best riflesmiths in the country. And those custom rifles were a joy to shoot. Then...last year...my curiosity got the best of me! There was a brand new AX308 for sale at an amazing price and I could not resist the temptation any longer ! First time out at the range I was hooked! Now I understood. And it was totally worth the money. And I was kicking myself for not getting one sooner. I became an instant fanboy. My shooting buddies shot my AX308 and were as impressed as I was. They are saving up for theirs now. Fast forward...another great deal comes up on the Hide 9 months later for the monsterous AXMC. Yup, you guessed it, had to have it ! Wasn’t cheap but the joy and pleasure I get out of shooting either my AX308 or AXMC is priceless so it was worth every penny. Honestly, I leave the range very happy after a shooting session with these AI rifles. Still love my custom guys but they hardly get any action anymore. I wish it wasn’t such a soft market for gun sales right now because I would sell the majority of them if I could. And if I knew now what I didnt know years ago I would have just bought the two AI rifles I have now and be done. Two scopes, one design, and now the option of an amazing fully customizable drop in match trigger. Nothing more is needed for your high power centerfire precision bolt gun needs. Sure, get the 22LR trainer to drill the fundamentals and that $700 lightweight hunting rifle to round out things but that’s extra stuff if you really need it. So...my answer to your question is save up for the AI AT. If its not an awesome fit for you then sell it and re-coup most of your money quick. Little doubt that will happen but its your escape clause just in case.

 

[TheBigCountry]

I fully appreciate all the info everyone here has given me.

It seems that an AI AT is a very solid choice. It won’t necessarily be my one and done, and definitely something to save for.

The advice Sheldon gave me above does resonate; I could easily build on the Origin, and shoot the ever loving piss out of it and keep squirreling away until I have enough for a folder AT. I would have built a solid base by then if fundamentals and then dropping the $ for the AT or even a slightly used AX.

I’ll defintely keep an open mind as I save for the next year or so and try to get my hands on an AT when the time is here.

 

[W54/XM-388]

The only rifle that i like more than my AIAE is the sako trg. I prefer it over over any rifle I have had so far.

I think if you compared the Sako TRG to the AW/AWSM/AX then you might feel a bit different.

I had a Sako TRG in .338 and sold it long ago to help fund an AWSM, I liked the TRG very much, but hands down the AWSM was better.

 

[W54/XM-388]

The advice Sheldon gave me above does resonate; I could easily build on the Origin, and shoot the ever loving piss out of it and keep squirreling away until I have enough for a folder AT. I would have built a solid base by then if fundamentals and then dropping the $ for the AT or even a slightly used AX.
I’ll defintely keep an open mind as I save for the next year or so and try to get my hands on an AT when the time is here.

Here is another idea that I think you might consider.
Look for a great deal from MH or EO on a used demo AT which they have all the time, or call them up and find out the best price on a new one in the caliber you want.

Take all the money you were going to use to build the Origin up and sell the action if you already have it, then put that money down on the AT, and put the rest on a credit card that has a special offer such as the ones with no interest for a year on purchase or such, then just budget each month to be paying it off & while you are at it, sell off everything that you find you don't really need in your gun and accessory collection to pay off the rest quicker.

In the end you'll find you saved a lot of money and are very happy. Especially because you can then pickup good deals on take off barrels when they come up here for various calibers you want.

 

[Bradu]

I think if you compared the Sako TRG to the AW/AWSM/AX then you might feel a bit different.

I had a Sako TRG in .338 and sold it long ago to help fund an AWSM, I liked the TRG very much, but hands down the AWSM was better.

I've shot the Axmc a few different times but still like the TRG better. The AW had pretty much the same ergonomics as the AE so that really doesn't make much difference there other than the action being different. However, I wouldn't have a 338 in the trg though because I had a 12 pound 338 before and didn't care for the recoil. That's the only thing about the trg I would change if I ran the bigger magnums in them.

 

[trob_205]

Take it from me. I tried saving for an AI twice. Everything is now up for sale. Either Used AX or new AT coming. Whichever depending on what my stuff sells for.

 

[Gilly]

Same boat here as a few others. Had factory rifles, moved to multiple custom rifles over the years each to serve a purpose, each equipped with pretty decent optics. Tried out and ax308 and about a year ago sold my customs and their optics got into a used ax308 of my own topped with a top tier scope. Zero regrets. Also when I need a barrel I call or emil and order one. No sending rifle off to a shop for 3-6 months.

 

[TheBigCountry]

So, a few more questions I have come up with:

Why does everyone recommend the folder vs non folder AT?

What are the differences, if any, from the AE MK II/IIIs over the ATs? Used AEs seem like they would come out cheaper then the AT; are they a viable option as well?

 

[NateVA]

So, a few more questions I have come up with:

Why does everyone recommend the folder vs non folder AT?

What are the differences, if any, from the AE MK II/IIIs over the ATs? Used AEs seem like they would come out cheaper then the AT; are they a viable option as well?

The AT has the quick change barrel feature, for one. As far as the folder, it makes life a lot easier for transport and maintenance.

 

[Gilly]

Oh and one last point. The AI is definitely not one size fits all in my opinion. The AT isn’t quite as adjustable as AX, although you can get the PSR upgrade now at Mile High to get some of those features. I would argue now after installing comp trigger in mine the AX is as or more adaptable than any custom you can build, between chassis, trigger and quick lock barrel change. I can go from one barrel to another in 2 minutes at the range. You’ll have to go TL3 or Impcact action in a top end chassis to match AX, you’ll be in a build like that 3500+.

 

[W54/XM-388]

So, a few more questions I have come up with:
Why does everyone recommend the folder vs non folder AT?
What are the differences, if any, from the AE MK II/IIIs over the ATs? Used AEs seem like they would come out cheaper then the AT; are they a viable option as well?

The 2 advantages of the folder AI rifles are:

1. When you want to remove the bolt, you just swing the stock out of the way and pull it out. With the fixed, you have to remove the cheek rest completely & then put it back when you are done.

2. With the folder you can transport it in a smaller bag & it's easier to throw it in the trunk of a car or carry in a backpack etc.

The AE rifles are a great deal and very good, but there are a couple things you loose.

1. The quick barrel change. You can still change the barrels all you want, but it requires a vice, clamping block, action wrench and torque driver. Probably a 15 minute or less job for most depending on skill level, but not something you want to do at the range usually.

2. It uses the single stack magazines. In my opinion the Double Stack AW/AT/AX magazines are a huge improvement. Lower profile, faster loading, smoother feeding, Ejection port loading capability.

It's all a matter of price, I'd say the AI rifles are worth it & there are options depending on your budget and the deal you find on new/used:

$2k to $2500 An AI AE Mark II or Mark III
$3200 to $4500 An AI AT
$3500 to $4500 An AI AX (pre 2014)
$5000 to $6000 for an AI AX (post 2014)
$6800 to $7800 for the AI AXMC

What I haven't listed there is the original AI AW or AWM/AWSM rifles, because it's very hard to find those on the market used. Properly setup those things can be bombproof tanks (especially with the dovetail mount) and very few that still have them are willing to give them up unless it's a high price.

 

[m6z]

If I was to get an AI it would have to be the AXMC in 300 Norma with a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel as well. So I'm looking at something like $9k plus glass.

For me the expense doesn't justify the "versatility" aspect since it's unlikely I would get much use out of the ELR calibers.

 

[W54/XM-388]

For me the expense doesn't justify the "versatility" aspect since it's unlikely I would get much use out of the ELR calibers.

Then why would you want an AXMC in .300 Norma?
Just get the standard AX in 6.5 Creedmoor and you can run all the standard stuff.

 

[m6z]

Then why would you want an AXMC in .300 Norma?
Just get the standard AX in 6.5 Creedmoor and you can run all the standard stuff.

For me, the standard AX offers nothing over a custom. The Multi-cal aspect was the only reason I briefly considered an AI.

 

[Luvman]

What I haven't listed there is the original AI AW or AWM/AWSM rifles, because it's very hard to find those on the market used. Properly setup those things can be bombproof tanks (especially with the dovetail mount) and very few that still have them are willing to give them up unless it's a high price.

Given the differences between the AT and the AW will the AT be as bombproof as the AW? I would think the 6 lugs, QD sling cups, and adjustable trigger shoe would not effect reliability, Is the the picatinny rail on the AT inferior scope mount to the dovetail? I like to think the AT is every bit as bombproof as an AW but that is just opinion.

 

[patriot07]

I look at stuff like the AI the same way I look at TT, NF ATACR, Minox ZP5, etc. For my financial situation, I just can't justify anything like that. I run a Tikka CTR with SWFA HD 5-20 and couldn't be happier.

The trick is to find a good rifle and become a great shooter, not to buy a great rifle and become a good shooter.

 

[MarinePMI]

Given the differences between the AT and the AW will the AT be as bombproof as the AW? I would think the 6 lugs, QD sling cups, and adjustable trigger shoe would not effect reliability, Is the the picatinny rail on the AT inferior scope mount to the dovetail? I like to think the AT is every bit as bombproof as an AW but that is just opinion.

The AT is every bit as bomb proof as the AX/AXMC. It's the same action as the AX, same trigger, same magazines as the AX. Just a different buttstock and fore end mounting options, which have no bearing on reliability/dependability. The AT was intended to lower the price of an AI and make it feasible for the masses to afford one, without compromising the ruggedness and reliability. It is why AI went from (I think) three different actions to two (AT/AX short action, and AXMC long action). So they could streamline manufacturing to lower costs, but still maintain the precision they set for their systems.

 

[lte82]

I really like the AI's for a do all field gun, and it's in another league compared to a Rem 700. For PRS it wouldn't be my last choice but definitely not my first either. Is your goal to shoot PRS competitively at some point, or just plink on steel from a bench / prone?

 

[Mr. F]

Oh and one last point. The AI is definitely not one size fits all in my opinion. The AT isn’t quite as adjustable as AX, although you can get the PSR upgrade now at Mile High to get some of those features. I would argue now after installing comp trigger in mine the AX is as or more adaptable than any custom you can build, between chassis, trigger and quick lock barrel change. I can go from one barrel to another in 2 minutes at the range. You’ll have to go TL3 or Impcact action in a top end chassis to match AX, you’ll be in a build like that 3500+.

PSR Upgrade on the AT? Whats that?

 

[PBWalsh]

Putting a post 14’ AX stock on either a pre-14’ AX or AT.

 

[-Claybuster-]

PSR Upgrade on the AT? Whats that?

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...k-on-accuracy-international-at-rifle.6288244/

 

[Mr. F]

Putting a post 14’ AX stock on either a pre-14’ AX or AT.

I was afraid of this answer... how much that cost? I cant find it on the mile high site.

 

[PBWalsh]

1k. If MHSA dosen’t have it, look at EO or Sporting Services over in England.

 

[-Claybuster-]

https://www.eurooptic.com/Accuracy-International-AT-Rifle-AX-Butt-Conversion-Sage-Green-28519GR.aspx

 

[Mr. F]

https://www.eurooptic.com/Accuracy-International-AT-Rifle-AX-Butt-Conversion-Sage-Green-28519GR.aspx

Wow. Just wow. Im getting that thing.

Install procedure profanity level?

 

[Mr. F]

BTW im not sure if you are better off buying a Post AX and just switching the stocks? Do they fold the same way/side?

ETA. nevermind, they fold diferently

 

[davidwiz]

my first and only bolt-gun is an AI AT, which I got last year. I primarily use it in PRS comps, and I have no regrets. I was also considering the Sako TRG-22/KRG Sotic and Q The Fix. Neither the Sotic or The Fix were available when I got my rifle and I was able to find a barely-used AT for not much more than a new TRG-22.

 

[Hippy_Steve]

I'm saving up for a folder AIAT. I need to call milehigh because I want a lefty action. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long.