What specifically do people not like about AI stocks?

N

Notso

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 28, 2010
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Sin City
#1
I always hear that AI's stocks are either a love or hate relationship. I've shot various AIs (AICS, AEs, AWs) a fair amount and just could never get comfortable behind them. Beautiful rifles and I really want to like them, but I can't get past the stock not working for me. Specifically, I found the cheekrest very uncomfortable. It felt like a hard edge against your face rather than something you would "rest" your cheek against for any length of time. I also found the weight to be excessive when shooting from other than bench or prone.

As I said, I REALLY want to like them and am thinking about getting an AEIII in 6 or 6.5mm something since they are so cheap now. But I can't get past the stock. Has anyone bought an AI not liking the stock and then was able to overcome it and enjoy it? What changed? Was it your shooting style or position that adapted to the rifle? Or something else?

Same question for those of you who are AI fanboys..... what about the stock do you like over other more "traditional" stocks like McM or Manners?
 
#2
Just purchased my first AI, but hasn't arrived yet. I hope it will work as well as I expect. Generally only shoot prone and occasionally benchand don't think weight will bother me that much, since I sold my MRAD to purchase the new AI.
 
#5
If you're not comfortable on it, you're not comfortable on it. What more of an excuse do you need?

I'm not comfortable on leather couches. I'm not going to buy a leather couch and hope I'll learn to be comfortable on it.
 
#7
Personally I really like the AI thumbhole, it's comfortable for me. If you don't like the thumbhole, do you like the pistol grip? Try victor company skins, they also have a small little thumbshelf. The cheek rest can also be changed to a victor company grippy cheek piece. It's really just what's your preference. What do you like about The AIAE?


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#8
Not a fan of pistol grips or thumbholes on bolt guns. AICS stocks work fine if you like the ergonomics and don't mind the weight.
 
#9
When I got my first one I HATED the cheek rest and was almost regretting buying the stock...I bought a victor co grippy cheek rest and it made a world of difference on comfort best 40 dollar investment I have made. As far as weight I like the weight of the stock I think it balanced very well when using a spigot bipod mount. You definitely need to get a stock that you are comfortable with...my buddy that has shot a few of them hates them and says they feel like he's holding a 2x4. I don't think so but to each his own.
 
#10
I know ounces make pounds and pounds make pain

I'm curious about this question also, I've always liked the ergo's and appearance of traditional stocks but chassis's are just so easy.

If you wanted a folding, adjustable Manners their website lists the weight as (4.5-4.8) lb. and with the mini chassis (4.9-5.3) lb. Folders « Manners Composite Stocks
If you wanted to run a Badger EFR that is another 7.4 oz. that is already factored into the weight of the chassis.

Compared to an AX chassis at 5.6 lb.

If you wanted the stock to have more of the features of the chassis it brings the weight closer (folding and mini-chassis you don't have to bed). You do have the option with the stocks to get less features and lighter weight. A T4 is listed as 2.8 lb.

So, I guess with all that it just comes down to what everyone else said. What fit's you better and how much do you want it to weigh?
 
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#11
I think a lot of people see the thumb hole and automatically think their thumb MUST go through it. I have an AW and rarely shoot it with my thumb through the hole. I think it's something you have to experiment with. If you shoot a McM or Manners stock without placing your thumb around the comb, you'll probably like the AI chassis.
 
#12
The thumbhole doesn't really bother me. Its the cheekrest and general comfort of the rifle that has thrown me off.

There is a part of me that thinks I should just stop being a pussy and learn to deal with the AI chassis and get used to it. If I were going into combat or facing the end of the world SHTF kinda thing - I wouldn't hesitate to pick up an AI and learn to deal with the slight annoyances. But for Tac match shooting, what are the top guys running? AIs or more traditional R700 like rifles?
 
#13
I shoot both thumbhole and traditional. And when I shoot my thumbholes I don't always put my hand all the way around. Some people say you need to for perfection to get the best groups. But I can tell you with my short light and handi rifles when your actually using them for real stuff that the thumb through it can make a big difference when you need to swing over to another angle, or adjust the gun in different ways. I love them. I think the Sentinal, T5 and AI are some of the best stocks out there and look at their design. I am not a big fan of the AI due to the blocky front end, butthook design, and weight but they are very well made.
 
#14
I love mine. I'm new to precision shooting and I'm glad I bought the AICS 1.5 for my Remington 700 Police. The ergonomics are great for what I use the rifle for (prone/bench/shooting from deer stand) The weight doesn't bother me because it helps mitigate the felt recoil.
 
#15
Roddd said:
I think a lot of people see the thumb hole and automatically think their thumb MUST go through it. I have an AW and rarely shoot it with my thumb through the hole. I think it's something you have to experiment with. If you shoot a McM or Manners stock without placing your thumb around the comb, you'll probably like the AI chassis.
Click to expand...

Exactly. I don't wrap my thumb around the pistol grip, or put it through the thumbhole on AI stocks. My thumb goes on the side of the chassis. At that point it's not different than a McMillan or Manners with a vertical grip.

Whole militaries issues AI rifles so they must not have that much of a love hate fitment. Of all the people who have gotten behind all the AI's I've had or Remington's with AI chassis, not one has disliked the grip, in fact most loved it.
 
#16
I went from a TRG 22 which I really like to an AIAW. To me at least I have no problem with with stock or the traditional stock on my PSS. I guess it is up to the individual as to what is comfortable to them. WE are all built different.
 
#17
For the OP, typically AIs haven't been rifles you can just buy and try it out due to their price point, but now you can with the prices being so low. I think if you bought a MK3 and put a couple hundred rounds through it exclusively, you'll wind up looking at the "normal" stocks as being weird. For the cheek rest, order one of the Victor Co grippy pieces, or use a piece of memory foam or anything else around the house. I think you'll be happy with your purchase. I think they will only be at this price for another 6 months at most before the new AI craze dies down a bit.
 
#18
OP,

I just received my AE MKIII this week, and have had it at the range twice. I had the same concerns as you. I have two very comfortable stocks for my current rigs, and I was pretty sure I would not be that impressed with the AE stock. But, like you said the prices had come down and I decided to go for it. After two days at the gun club, I have can say that I have gotten quite comfortable with this rifle. It does take some getting used to, but it is very solid shooting platform.

I have/had 3 issues with the stock:

1) I had to take sandpaper to the skin seams around the thumb hole and under the trigger guard. I had hot spots on the top of my middle finger form the trigger guard. After a light sanding of the seams, it is very comfortable now.

2)When cleaning, I had to fold the stock because the check rest and butt plate were pushing up on the cleaning rod. This made it less stable on the table.

3)I had to use the thumb hole because the sling attachment just forward of the folding hinge made it impossible to rest my thumb were I would on my other stocks.

Despite these issue, I am very happy with my purchase. AI takes the concept of a "factory" gun to a new level.

3)
 
#20
Roddd said:
I think a lot of people see the thumb hole and automatically think their thumb MUST go through it. I have an AW and rarely shoot it with my thumb through the hole. I think it's something you have to experiment with. If you shoot a McM or Manners stock without placing your thumb around the comb, you'll probably like the AI chassis.
Click to expand...

Fully understood but it's not the same as not laying your thumb on a Manners or McMillan stock. With my T3 my thumb lays right behind the rear receiver screw. Can't do that with an AICS with it's ergonomics.

He asked what people don't like and I answered. I don't like pistol grip or thumbhole stocks. Not even a fan of overly vertical stocks. Personal preference.
 
#21
I enjoy my AICS, bullet proof and tough as nails, is it heavy yes, was it really designed for shooting from the standing position no. But if you are going to shoot from the standing position same posture as a precision Olympic shooter, weak arm elbow on your hip and upper body posture leaning back. For me the only two stocks I would own are the AICS and the KMW Sentinel just my humble opinion.
 
#22
I have large hands with long, skinny fingers ("witch hands" is a term my friend uses). I also have 2x rifles with traditional AI thumbhole stocks. I have noticed that depending on how I grip the stock with my firing hand, my trigger finger can come in at sort of a funny angle...by which I mean my finger tip is slightly pointing downward. I love the rifles enough that I've worked around the issue and come to appreciate the stock. That said, IF AI were to offer something that would fit in a Manners/McMillan stock, I would be on it like a fat kid on a cupcake.

PS, I have also tried the AI pistol grip skins, and I ended up putting the thumb hole skins back on shortly there after.
 
#23
I hate the weight, like the thumb hole and general feel, but the weight is a deal breaker for me. If it was just truck to shooting pos that would be one thing but mine get used for other things. I learned long ago, unless you are riding more than carrying,... lite is right.
 
#24
I have hated thumbhole stocks for as long as I can remember, I guess it started with my Boyds 10/22 yrs ago. I had Jon Beanland build me a 260 and had him use the HSP stock from the VSSFII 700 and cut it out for an MTU profile. The rifle shot bugholes, but I was dying for a chassis. I looked and looked , and tried to get behind every chassis I could, and as of a week ago I got behind the newer AICS (newer style skins) and I was trying to order one within the day. I heard about the discount from Mile High Shooting, but then emailed Jason at Euro Optic, and I'll just say I went with Euro Optic,lol (Thanks Jason) No mods to do, it just sat right in there, and shooting from prone is so much more comfortable. I will have a cpl more for my 5R and another Spencer 6BR, that I shoot from prone all the time. My 260 now weighs at 20lbs, but is not my hunting rig, and at 20lbs and an M41 Severe Duty Brake from Precision Armament, it's like shooting my 6BR with a Vais.
 
#25
My fat thumbs absolutely balk at the AI thumbhole. Like the concept, like the control, hate the feel. Was not comfortable trying to shoot the 338lm with my thumb outside the hole. Replaced mine with a Mcree chassis, happy camper.
 
#26
ducks-and-bucks said:
I dont like the look. Never seen one in person but im more of a traditionalist and like the look of a manners or mcmillan.
Click to expand...

Same here. But I did get behind one for brief time and it did not work for me. No doubt they are a quality pice of gear, but I am 52yo and have shot the more traditional stocks for many years and like their feel. Having said that, if i played with one enough, i could probably come to love it.
 
#27
Thanks all for the responses. Good stuff. I think I'm going to go for it. Everyone needs an AI in their safe, just because......

Now I just have to decide what caliber.
 
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#28
I went with an AX338 with the pistol grip because I couldn't get comfortable with the thumb hole. As others have said, the weight is significant. I wouldn't use it standing up and expect much accuracy. For prone and for the recoil, though, the weight is a plus. I prefer the folding stock of my AX as compared to the new version
 
#31
My SA AW is 18#s with a mag loaded w/ 10 rnds, a sling, S&B 4-16x42, AI bi-pod, and an SS SRT Shadow XL. It's a pig.

The square forend gets old fast packing it around on foot.

The skins are slick when your hands are sweaty.

The cheek rest needs a cover b/c it gets slick too. I used an old pant leg sewed tightly around it.

The slick underside of the handguard blows. I have covered mine in deck tape. It has held for 3+ yrs now.

Thumb thing was a little weird. At first I'd put in, held it out, then came to terms with it in.

Pretty much every session includes some prone, seated and slung, and some odd position. I spent a lot of time playing with the spacers to get the LOP just right, same with the cheek piece. It fits me well. Is it as comfy as an MCM A5? No. However, mind over matter right? If you don't mind, it don't matter. In other words at first I wasn't a huge fan, then I came to realize I needed to fit it to me and just concentrate on making the hits. Took me a little bit, but I have made peace with it and no longer think much about it.

If you can cure the slick underside of the HG I find it actually very comfortable and easy to shoot seated and slung. Prone - it's rock solid. Odd pos, ehh, let's be honest, it's a make it work situation regardless of the stock.
 
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#32
Mike_Honcho said:
My SA AW is 18#s with a mag loaded w/ 10 rnds, a sling, S&B 4-16x42, AI bi-pod, and an SS SRT Shadow XL. It's a pig.

The square forend gets old fast packing it around on foot.

The skins are slick when your hands are sweaty.

The cheek rest needs a cover b/c it gets slick too. I used an old pant leg sewed tightly around it.

The slick underside of the handguard blows. I have covered mine in deck tape. It has held for 3+ yrs now.

Thumb thing was a little weird. At first I'd put in, held it out, then came to terms with it in.

Pretty much every session includes some prone, seated and slung, and some odd position. I spent a lot of time playing with the spacers to get the LOP just right, same with the cheek piece. It fits me well. Is it as comfy as an MCM A5? No. However, mind over matter right? If you don't mind, it don't matter. In other words at first I wasn't a huge fan, then I came to realize I needed to fit it to me and just concentrate on making the hits. Took me a little bit, but I have made peace with it and no longer think much about it.

If you can cure the slick underside of the HG I find it actually very comfortable and easy to shoot seated and slung. Prone - it's rock solid. Odd pos, ehh, let's be honest, it's a make it work situation regardless of the stock.
Click to expand...


Excellent post.
 
#35
Adj butt plate, a necessity - maybe?

I don't have one. I wanted pretty much the most basic and reliable thing they made - .308, folder, dovetail, no adj BP (the fixed come with LOP spacers too) no QD cheek piece, no spike, 24" trimmed to 22" and threaded 5/8s x 24.

Doesn't mean it's 'best', but I dig it.
 
#36
Mike_Honcho said:
Adj butt plate, a necessity - maybe?
Click to expand...

Ultimately depends on how you're built. I am 6"5" and the stock LOP and height of the butt were a bit restricted. After adding a spacer kit and the adjustable plate down about an inch and canted slightly, it fits me beautifully. Anyone who feels their AICS is uncomfortable should know that those additions could make a world of difference. Not a cheap way to experiment, but perhaps eurooptic or MH would be willing to accept returns if they don't work for customers.

I'm willing to bet that they'd love the upgrades.
 
#37
The adjustment kits are the only way to go with AI chassis, if you have a custom build or own one of their rifles it is a must. You are setting it up for you and nobody else, the thing is not a hunting rifle that you are buying off the shelf at your local shop. After it is fit to you, your friends when they hold it are suppose to say I don't like it because it does not fit me.
 
#39
Onoko said:
Personally I really like the AI thumbhole, it's comfortable for me. If you don't like the thumbhole, do you like the pistol grip? Try victor company skins, they also have a small little thumbshelf. The cheek rest can also be changed to a victor company grippy cheek piece. It's really just what's your preference. What do you like about The AIA?
Click to expand...
Thanks for mentioning the Victor Company grippy cheek piece. Ordered one right after reading this on Sunday. Website was great and now on it's way to me for my recently ordered AI AXMC 308.

I learned early on with my MRAD and 2 DTA SRS A1s that you need to start ordering accessories long before you rifle arrives, so you'll be ready to get her up and running when your rifle arrives.
 
#41
Had a chassis, took about 100 rounds to get used to the ergos. A few years and reenlistment bonus later, and the AW is the Lord God King of my weapons.

Switched to a Grippy cheek piece and only run (1) of the thickest spacers it came with, have an Accu-shot monopod and Atlas bipod on it. Because mine is not a folder, I grinded down the top of the butt pad and spacer to make cleaning a little friendlier to the rod. Total weight of the gun with Nightforce and Spuhr mount is right at 17.9 lbs.

Issues: weight? Not for me, and I take it hunting in the Rockies when I take leave. Ergos? I have yet to find anything on the market that now feels as natural in my hands. Thumbhole? My preference but feels better than the pistol grips and anything else for that matter. Dated Anschutz rail? This is really my only complaint, not for feel, but usability of the feature it self. I like where AI went with the AT.

For me it is perfection, nothing else is quite there. Looks great and shooting is as good or better than a long night with lady friend. Now if only I can find a future ex-wife as good.
 
#42
I was in love with the AI for the longest time, then I picked one up. The angle of the thumb hole in relation to the trigger seemed like it was too straight and made a prone position awkward feeling in the wrist and trigger finger, the careful aplication of bondo would have probably fixed that. As others I didnt like the cheek piece, it could have been flat like an anschutz tRget rifle and ruined its stream line design, it could have been wider but it isn't instead it feels like a bottle neck. Another thing that drove me nuts was the aling swivels, awesome they are side mounted! Now kets rake a walk with it snd every step is a tick tick tick of the swivel bounicing around, easy fix with tape or mole skin but still frustrating.
 
#47
This subject is no different than any other. Different people have different likes and dislikes. I have a thumbhole AICS. I love it and dont put my thumb through the hole, ever. I love the adjustability of the stock. Yes, I have to fold the stock to clean the bore but I just put my Triad wedge bag under the grip and fold down the bipod and it is utterly stable to clean. I love the HK style sling mounts better than the typical studs. Certainly have noting but love for the AICS mag system, it is the industry standard.

I had a rifle build on a McMIllan A5 and just never could get comfortable behind it. Certainly no commentary on the quality of the stock, it was excellent, just not for me. Widely varying personal tastes keep a lot of different companies in business, and that is an entirely good thing for shooters and the industry in general.
 
#49
Picked up a AI MKIII a couple of months ago without ever getting behind one prior to. I went into the endeavor knowing about the reviews of the thumbhole stock. I figured I would find out for myself to see if I liked it or not. After taking it out on 4 different occasions I decided that the stock skins was not for me due to my large hands. I didn't like the way my trigger finger was postioned. I also didn't care too much for the cheek rest either as I shoot out in the sun majority of the time. It became very slick when I started to sweat. I ended up changing the skins to Victor's Company Viperskins with the grippy cheek rest, the large grip, and spacer kit. I will probably take it out at least a few more times prior to deciding if I need the adj. butt.
Long story short, I liked the weapon system that AI offers, so I didn't let the thumbhole stock stop me from picking it up nor the weight deter me as I am a big guy. IMO there are aftermarket items to make it fit your needs. I personally cannot be happier with my choice to date.
 
#50
I recently picked up a 1.5. The rubber but pad smells to high hell. After a couple of weeks it isnt as bad. Other than the chinese rubber smell the stock is stellar. I had a xlr chassis and didnt like how light it was. It sounds strange to some, but I like a heavier rifle for long range shooting. I also have "witch hands" (man, I love that description) and the thumbhole is just right for me.
 
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