Upcoming .308 purchase. Accuracy International or Surgeon???

[WatchTimes]

Sold a couple toys to buy one nice toy!

Looking at a .308 (next purchase will likely be a .338 clone to this .308)

Going back and forth between the

Surgeon CSR

or

Accuracy International AX (likely the 20 in)

The CSR is shorter and more compact, you aren't loosing much at all FPS or accuracy.
I kinda like its a bit more compact BUT this isn't a run and gun rifle (Id have my SCAR17 for that)
Not that big of a difference in pricing either really when you are at the point.

Whichever I get will be topped with a S&B 3-20X50

Ive got a TON of M118LR now time to get a rifle which will really utilize the ammo to it max potential.

Please share your thoughts and opinions....
I figure a quality rifle like this is a better use of my funds than sitting in a savings account with interest rates....

PS If you have another suggestion please post but I am pretty narrowed down to these two.

 

[Supersubes]

AI in a heartbeat. The action is just nicer. I put 4k rounds through my Surgeon 260, it is a nice action. My AW is much nicer in my opinion. Its smoothness when dirty or bone dry is flat amazing.

 

[Hunt4life]

I would go with the AI, but you can't go wrong with either.

 

[K_4c]

How bout a badger M2013?

 

[JB02]

If you're considering a Surgeon I would get this: the J Allen 308 w/ Surefire brake and fluted barrel - 308 Win Scalpel J. Allen SF | Surgeon Rifles

Like everyone else is saying, you can't go wrong with either.

 

[WatchTimes]

That is the one I was considering before the CSR.
I decided if Surgeon the CSR as I want a twin in 338 and the JA isn't avail in 338
I really think I'm going with a 20 in FDE AI and next will be a AI 338

Again too bad the JA doesn't do a 338 stock.

If you're considering a Surgeon I would get this: the J Allen 308 w/ Surefire brake and fluted barrel - 308 Win Scalpel J. Allen SF | Surgeon Rifles

Like everyone else is saying, you can't go wrong with either.

 

[Roddd]

I can't recommend the AW enough. You'll be very pleased.

 

[Marcoman]

No contest... A.I.

 

[pucker]

AX, AX, AX. You can order barrels from Mile High as well and change out to a 243 or 260, once you've burned up that 118. Doesn't get any better.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

No contest, AI. Surgeon makes good shooting rifles but it's no AI. If you want a shorter barrel you can order it from mile high that way. Personally I wouldn't want a 16" though, that's just getting too short. I would go 18-18.5" at the least and I prefer 20". Personally I would order the AX with a Lothar barrel from a AW, the Bartlein on my AX is slow as hell.

 

[WatchTimes]

AI it is!
Thank you everyone!
If I burn the barrel out I will ship it to Mile High
For now stock AI AX will work!
Gonna go 20 in Dark Earth with Flat Cups.

In about 3 mths I will be ordering its twin in .338! Perhaps in Green.....

 

[Rob01]

Wow! Where are all those "BUY AMERICAN!!!" folks who seem to pop up in every scope thread saying why you shouldn't buy German or Japanese scopes and should support American companies? Guess it's ok to buy non American rifles. LOL Sorry but had to point out some Hide hypocrisy.

 

[dbateman]

Surgeon.

AI is good don't get me wrong I just like Surgeon.

 

[tylerw02]

Wow! Where are all those "BUY AMERICAN!!!" folks who seem to pop up in every scope thread saying why you shouldn't buy German or Japanese scopes and should support American companies? Guess it's ok to buy non American rifles. LOL Sorry but had to point out some Hide hypocrisy.

The "buy American" stuff is such a joke. Especially with scopes....with sourced Japanese or German glass, with many of the other parts coming from overseas and being assembled here.

A buddy was giving another buddy of mine hell the other day for driving "one of dem rice burnin pickups". It was quite hilarious when he was informed the Toyota was made in Tennessee and his "'Murican" truck was made in Canada.

 

[E. Bryant]

I like what I've seen of Surgeon stuff, but for the money that is being asked (and paid!) for complete builds, I'd prefer an AI.

As far as origin goes, I split the difference by putting a domestically-built Nightforce F1 scope on my imported rifle (but said rifle does have a domestic barrel).

Having worked in the auto industry for the past 15 years, it's extremely difficult to narrow down the origin of even relatively small sub-assemblies, much less an entire vehicle. Things are probably a bit easier in the firearms world, especially for full-custom rifles that are largely manufactured under one roof.

 

[JSF]

I handled those 16" Surgeons in their shop the other day and they are awesome. Light and handy. The JA was really nice too. I just wish the JA had a means of attaching a clip on. Isn't the Surgeon about $1,000 cheaper?

 

[tylerw02]

I like what I've seen of Surgeon stuff, but for the money that is being asked (and paid!) for complete builds, I'd prefer an AI.

I agree completely!

 

[jtrax]

Both companies produce exceptional rifles. I own a couple of Surgeons and an AI AW. The rifles are equally accurate. If it were possible I would use AI actions for any and all upcoming builds.



Josh

 

[pucker]

The "buy American" stuff is such a joke. Especially with scopes....with sourced Japanese or German glass, with many of the other parts coming from overseas and being assembled here.

A buddy was giving another buddy of mine hell the other day for driving "one of dem rice burnin pickups". It was quite hilarious when he was informed the Toyota was made in Tennessee and his "'Murican" truck was made in Canada.

No kidding. Really all you can be sure of is which rich dude(s) are getting richer...either Japanese or American businessmen. The "Buy American" theme historically goes with a discussion about American jobs...but as you said, not black & white anymore.

Likewise, AI has a fairly large footprint in 'Merica, from AINA HQ in VA, to the retailers (Mile High, etc.), to Dave Tooley smithing the barrels. The owners may be Brits...but there are several fellow countrymen, that I'm proud to say, ended up with some of my AI funds.

 

[tylerw02]

Bingo, Tooley does stand up work, too! I've had two of his barrels that were laser!

 

[Rob01]

I love reading the rationalizations. Cracks me up. LOL

 

[M21tactical]

I would say go with a Surgeon build for the complete rifle or order one spec'd out the way you want. They have some complete in stock builds on their website that are great. Also check out the below link that shows what the best shooters are using these days. My observation is that almost 50% of the shooters are using Surgeon actions and less than 10% are using AI. Just a casual observation worth consideration. Good luck.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...actical-shooters-equipment-what-pros-use.html

 

[rancilio]

Shall I dare suggest a worked over M700. longriflesinc is putting together some nice guns. Trued M700, Rock Creek 1:10, McMillan A-5, Jewell, Surgeon bottom metal = ~$3500.

 

[pucker]

I love reading the rationalizations. Cracks me up. LOL

Oh, I forgot to mention Bartlein barrels on the AI...made in 'Merica. BAM!!

 

[kvwpwr]

I just went through the same exact decision. I just sold a .50 and reloading setup. This was probably my only chance to get a rifle in that price range. I chose the AX308. I got a demo rifle from euro optic so the price difference wasn't too bad. Actually, I'm going to my FFL today to pick it up. I never got a chance to handle a surgeon action but I am sure they are awesome. I went with the AX because I liked being able to change barrels myself and 60* bolt throw I dont thee all the rails but my wife doesnt care for my AICS so the AW was not an option. The AI action is something you can't turn a remmington action into. I'd still like a surgeon someday or gap. My SPS V .308 will probably collect dust now so I think I'm going to have LRI spice it up for me in a 6mm flavor.

 

[Mute]

Surgeon rifles are great, but in this price range, I wouldn't even think twice about going with the AI.

 

[leadbullet]

I would order a surgeon then buy the AI and shoot it until the surgeon arrives then decide which to keep.

 

[Jethro3898]

Never shot a surgeon, but I have seen them at a match. Very nice. In fact, the guy who won was shooting a surgeon build (I have no idea if it was built by surgeon or not, just that it had a surgeon action). I have shot, and own, an AI AE Mk III w/ the Bartlein upgrade. It shoots amazingly well.

I'd buy whatever I could get in a reasonable time frame. I'd wager that a brand new AE is cheaper (and easier to acquire) than a surgeon build.

I doubt you would give up anything between either one you select.

 

[FN in MT]

What a SWEET dilemma. I envy the OP.