Unlimited budget .308. What you choosing?
- Thread starter man32ahan
- Start date
Thanks for replying, @Lowlight. So I take it your vote is the tac ops over the AX.
I know with either, you get amazing rifles. I have my AI, and since I've got it scratched off my bucket list, a tango51 and sako M10 are the only ones left.
I know with either, you get amazing rifles. I have my AI, and since I've got it scratched off my bucket list, a tango51 and sako M10 are the only ones left.
it's a tool, a 1\2 or 9\16
My AI rifles are everyday shooters the Tac Ops is not. Could it be, of course yes, but I don't use it like that.
I have a lot more AI rifles than my Tac Ops, so their use is different.
This goes back to mission, wants and needs, not everyone needs the same thing, and our wants are unique. Stop trying to put everything in the same box. Labels Are hurtful.
My AI rifles are everyday shooters the Tac Ops is not. Could it be, of course yes, but I don't use it like that.
I have a lot more AI rifles than my Tac Ops, so their use is different.
This goes back to mission, wants and needs, not everyone needs the same thing, and our wants are unique. Stop trying to put everything in the same box. Labels Are hurtful.
Well said. There's no one rifle that's best of everything - there's compromises no matter which way you go.
Which is why I have one Tac Ops, 3 other custom rifles and no AI's. Ever rifle in my stable has its purpose.
Which is why I have one Tac Ops, 3 other custom rifles and no AI's. Ever rifle in my stable has its purpose.
Tough call.
I have/had a Ax308, axmc as well as a trg22. I have also always wanted a TacOps rifle. I do think that the TacOps is behind the AX308 in your #3. Unless your partners know what it is, it just looks like another modified rem700.
I can't see giving up my AX308, but I will eventually add a tac ops to the stable.
To the guys who can't appreciate the craftsmanship that Mike puts into his rifles, you had better stay clear of custom 1911 and D'arcy Echols Winchester model 70's(another one that's on the list)
Mile High does alot of LEO sales particularly as an AI dealer. Maybe you could give them a call and see if they can offer any insight based on their experiences that might be of resource to you. MHSA's customer service has always been top notch I'm sure they'd be happy to spend the time with you.
Lowlight: "My AI rifles are everyday shooters the Tac Ops is not. Could it be, of course yes, but I don't use it like that " If I purchase a fine rifle, I want to shoot it everyday.
There's no reason why you couldn't shoot a Tac Ops every day. They're rifles, and meant to be shot. They are not fine China.
There's a lot of art in the way Mike builds his rifles. Some people would prefer to "abuse" other rifles on a daily basis, rifles that are a dime a dozen such as the AI.
I think it's a shame when people don't take their Tac Ops out to shoot, some prefer to only take them out on special occasions to perfectly preserve them. Mines been used and abused, and some of the scratches I've put on my Tac Ops would probably give other owners a stroke. For me, it's a rifle. It's a very special rifle in its own way, but a rifle nonetheless.
I actually have a barreled action Mike has done in 260, the question is the stock as I want it in a chassis with a magazine, but Mike is very particular. If we ever decide where to bed it, that version will get used and abused, but my Tango doesn't need to be shot, so it stays fresh, lol. I have shot it, and demoed it for departments, but it's not really used.
It been birdsonged and is in his vault. I sent him a chassis originally and he told me No, he has to do it. Which is why you get a rifle from Mike, it's on his terms. I find it funny and refreshing at the same time, so it sits and waits until the day he decides I can have it, lol
Part of the allure to Tac Ops rifles is how damn picky Mike is. Love it or hate it, you have to respect the man for his perfectionism for the rifles coming out of his shop.
It's pretty funny that he's holding your barreled action hostage over a chassis though
Frank,
Thanks for your comments, and that was a really fun and informative weekend shooting two great rifle systems. There was no doubt shooting the Tac Ops to distance was easier for me than the AI PSR. The accuracy of factory loads, with ergonomics of the stock and finely tuned trigger just worked well for me. If you recall, when finished with COF I got up and commented "that was like cheating". To say a Tac Ops rifle is a collection of stock parts is not correct, and does not represent the final product at all. As Mike will say, the purpose of the receiver is to hold the bolt in place. The Rem 700 action does this well, and most of the great custom actions are based on that design. I'm fortunate to have owned rifles with Defiance, Surgeon, GAP and AI actions, and the tuned Tac Ops Rem 700 action meets or beats them all.
The AI is a great rifle system as well, and the combination of easy barrel/caliber switch and robust design makes it a winner. There are no bad choices between the two.
Happened to take my new Delta 51 Rem 260 with Surgeon action/DBM and Trigger Tech Trigger to range yesterday. Target is cold bore 5 shot group with one flier that was on me (Sorry Mike). Running McCourt Munitions 140 Berger Hybrids in Lapua brass at 2945 fps. Went out to 1200 yards with 8.8 mils elev. No drama, same accuracy and reliability you'd expect. Nice to have choices, and Mike will do custom orders within reason.
Sorry I missed SH Team Challenge this year. Just didn't work out but looking forward to next year.
Attachments
Last edited:
A Tac Ops, GAP, Surgeon, Kelbly build would suit you well.
But something that no one has mentioned is a Tubb 2000, or his latest tactical variation of it. Great rifle with one of the smoothest actions out there and fast lock time. Incredibly versatile.
But something that no one has mentioned is a Tubb 2000, or his latest tactical variation of it. Great rifle with one of the smoothest actions out there and fast lock time. Incredibly versatile.
Sorry but I was mistaken. Mike still does laser engraving of the floorplate but no longer hand engraving like mine.
So having owned several AI rifles and a TacOps Tango 51, I have to say I enjoy both for different reasons. However for all of the AI is bulletproof crowd... you didn't see the pics of my AXMC where both feed ramps cracked and it wouldn't feed ammo. That was with around 1000 rounds on it. AI replaced the action under warranty. If I had to carry my AI through a building, or carry it for an extended period of time, I'd be miserable... my TacOps has a 16.5" barrel and is compact, easy to wield and shoots great for as far as I've tested it which is 500yds so far... I doubt many agencies inside the US are going to take a shot farther than that...
Similar threads
